The Philadelphia Committee of the Garden Club of America is committed to the upkeep of two gardens: The Physic Garden located at Pennsylvania Hospital and The Magnolia Tribute Garden on Locust between 4th and 5th Streets.

"The Physic Garden as pictured below, is the jewel in the crown that makes up the Pennsylvania Hospital gardens.  The Board of Managers first proposed the Physic Garden in 1774 to provide physicians with ingredients for medicines.  The idea was approved, but financial circumstances intervened and the project was delayed for two centuries.  In 1976, the planting of the garden was the bicentennial project of the Philadelphia Committee of the Garden Club of America and the Friends of Pennsylvania Hospital.  The garden contains the plants and herbs that were used for medicines in the 18th century."                                                                                                                                                                            The Pennsylvania Hospital

The Physic Garden was solely a project of the Philadelphia Committee and is tended by garden club members and local residents many days throughout the growing season.  Left of the compass on the map is the location of Pennsylvania Hospital where the Physic Garden is Located. 

Author Judith Jackson visits the garden on one of our work days to research material for a book she is writing on herbs as they relate to healing.  

The Magnolia Tribute Garden

The Magnolia Tribute Garden, on the south side of Locust Street between 4th and 5th Streets, was donated by the Garden Club of America in honor of the founders of our nation and dedicated in May 1959.   George Washington's expressed interest in magnolia trees inspired this garden.  Around its walled perimeter are 13 early spring blooming hybrid magnolias suitable for northern climates.  They represent the 13 original colonies.  Enclosed by wrought iron fences and gates, the plantings include Saucer Magnolias, Narcissus Snow Azaleas, Honey Locusts, Cottonasters.  There is a central feature of a fountain as well as a wall fountain where the dedication plaque can be viewed.    In honor of 100th anniversary of the National Park System, The Philadelphia Committee of the Garden Club of America   restored the garden for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Concourse Lake Native Plant Park

NEW EVENT:  Concourse Lake has been included in the Philadelphia City-wide "Love Your Park Work Day".  Thank you to all PCGCA members who donned their gloves and brought their garden tools to the work day to work along side the area residents.

PHYSIC GARDEN

PCGCA WORKDAYS

WORKDAYS SCHEDULED FOR 2022-23, 10AM-NOON 

Workday Scheduled at Councourse Lake

Thursday, September 22, 2022,  10:00 - noon

(Rain Date September 29, Thurs.)

Meet at the corner of South Concourse Drive and Belmont Avenue

Work days this 2020 gardening season are slightly different due to the restrictions of  the Covid 19 crisis.  To effectively practice Social Distancing, we are limited to 8 volunteers each workday.  Please call Kate McGrann to let her know you plan to come at 215-334-6111 or 267-250-0184.   Masks are required at all times.  If you arrive at the hospital without one, they are available at the security desk.   All volunteers are to first go to the main entrance of the hospital for screening and receive a visitors pass before reporting to the volunteer office to sign in and proceed to the garden.  

Masked volunteers met at Concourse Lake on October 22 to work on the beds planting shrubs, perennials and seeds, raking, mulching and removing invasives during the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic.  

Kate McGrann was presented an Award of Appreciation from PCGCA for her many years of dedication to the Physic Garden.  Thank you, Kate.