“Man has affinity for his fellowman, regardless of race, creed, or politics, and the greater the variety, the more the zest. All friendliness needs is a sporting chance; it will take care of itself in any company.”
— Paul Harris

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Rotarian Andrew Bunting is the Vice President for Horticulture of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). His presentation covered the history of PHS and an overview of its current programs. Founded in the 1827-1829 timeframe, PHS’s current activities include developing and caring for public gardens, shows, and events.

PHS cares for more than 20 public gardens. Many started as pop up gardens but have stayed in existence for a long time. The only garden PHS actually owns is Meadowbrook Farms. It partners with other organizations to create and maintain gardens at the Philadelphia Art Museum, The Rodin Museums, Logan Square, the Subaru of America campus, the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Manayunk, South Street, the PECO headquarters green roof and the Drexel Gateway Garden.

In addition to running the City Harvest Program, growing produce to feed the needy, PHS is active in planting street trees and in storm water management. It has cleaned up and planted many vacant lots in Philadelphia, improving neighborhoods and teaching residents gardening skills. Andrew estimates there’s lots more work for PHS because there are still 40,000 vacant lots in Philadelphia. And, of course, its two most famous activities are the Gold Medal Plant program and the renowned Philadelphia Flower Show.

Here are more photographs of our service project at the Loaves & Fishes food bank on April 25.