Call to open gardens in Philadelphia region, America’s Garden Capital
Within 30-miles of Philadelphia, there are more public gardens than any other city or region in the country. Nowhere else compares. It is highly likely that there is a public garden near you. For a city that likes hometown heroes, our public gardens are a unique point of pride celebrated around the world.
Last year, the Philadelphia area gardens in America’s Garden Capital welcomed over 2 million visitors, employed more than 1,500 people, and returned $250 million to the region’s economy. Recent studies rank botanic gardens and arboreta at the top of destinations that families wish to visit right now. More than all other cultural attractions.
Why?
People likely feel safer in the engaging and comforting outdoor spaces of public gardens. Many studies conclusively prove that time spent with plants and in nature decreases negative thoughts and stress levels, reduces ADD/ADHD symptoms in children, and promotes rejuvenation from fatigue. If there ever was a time when all of us need the natural beauty of our region’s public gardens, it is right now.
The pandemic has hit our nation’s public gardens and arboreta hard. America’s Garden Capital is no exception. Public gardens and arboreta support themselves through earned revenue and donations. All but a handful of our region’s public gardens have been closed since early March and have suffered. The Spring of 2020 will forever be our ‘lost spring.’
The American Public Gardens Association estimates that public gardens in North America are collectively losing $30 million dollars per month in earned revenue. Yet, these gardens are still spending $42 million per month just to maintain facilities and the priceless plant collections that not only inspire us but provide the source materials for innovations like new food crops and about 40% of prescription medicines.
Please open the gates of America’s Garden Capital now. This will restore jobs, provide safe spaces for socially distanced exercise and inspiration, and enable public gardens to sustain their positive contributions to society. On behalf of the 36 public gardens that define America’s Garden Capital, we call upon our local, regional and state government officials who have the authority to unlock our gates to do so immediately.
We are committed and prepared to work with you to provide a safe and beautiful experience in nature when all of us need it most.
Within 30-miles of Philadelphia, there are more public gardens than any other city or region in the country. Nowhere else compares. It is highly likely that there is a public garden near you. For a city that likes hometown heroes, our public gardens are a unique point of pride celebrated around the world.