Illustration by Kathleen White Horticulturist Lynn Ellen Wolf has been helping Philadelphians make the most of their gardens at the Greensgrow Farms nursery since 2008. Here are her tips on making the most of the season. Start with a vision. “Before you come [to the nursery], take some time to look through stacks of books [or
MoreThree low-maintenance perennial container ideas that will work in very different urban environments by Laura Everard When you’re choosing your own plants for a perennial planter, look for those with similar requirements for sun exposure, watering and soil type. Each of these ideas is designed to create a fantastic arrangement that will wow year-round. Hot,
MorePhoto by Addison Geary Hive Mind by Anna Herman Most humans are cheered by spring flowers. For all the pollinating insects, these blooms are a lifeline after the nectar- and pollen-free winter cold. Honeybees and many native bees keep the foods we love—fruits, veggies, nuts, milk and even ice cream—flowing to our tables through their
MoreIllustration by Kathleen White 1. Explore Fairmount ParkThere are beautiful spring ephemerals like rue anemone, bloodroot and twinleaf to be found, so get yourself a guidebook and take the family for a wildflower walk. 2. Reprogram your thermostatYou might not need your heating system at all anymore, but at the very least make the switch
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1. Keep Your Blood PumpingJoin a yoga studio or look into Grid’s list of intramural sports leagues on Page 51 to find the perfect low-key workout. It’s never too cold to run or bike. 2. Plan the Perfect GardenIt might not be warm enough to put a shovel into the ground, but you can crack
MorePhoto by Jeff Sheldon The winter months are great for learning and tinkering while we wait out the weather. For the maker or doer in your life, Grid has compiled some starter kits and DIY gift baskets that will serve as inspiration as you craft the perfect gift. Maybe there’s a foodie who wants to
Morestory by Lauren MandelRooftops are becoming prime locations for Philadelphians to fulfill their tomato-growing obsessions. While prominent rooftop gardens in Center City and Manayunk are already raising crops in containers and buckets, the local organization Philadelphia Rooftop Farm (PRooF) is trying another very promising approach.
Moresotry by Char Vandermeer When I was a little squirt, my folks always made sure I had a patch of garden all to myself. My specialties were radishes and carrots, but I also have happy memories harvesting potatoes with my dad. What fun it was rooting underneath those big, leafy green plants,
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Mother Nature’s tease of spring-like weather probably has you ready to swap your gloves and snow shovels for gardening supplies. But while winter is still sticking for a few more weeks, it’s never too early to start planning your gardening.
Throughout the month of February local gardening gurus are holding a number of workshops
Urban farmers do more than simply grow food, explains attorney Amy Laura Cahn. “These people are building community. They are providing resources for their communities in terms of food, but also in terms of value of property,” she says. “They’re creating community spaces and creating opportunities for education and cross-culture, cross-generational communication.” Urban farmers are
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