The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a trolley tour and garden party on Sunday, September 10, at The Woodlands in University City. The party will kick off with a trolley orchard tour around the neighborhood from 1–3 p.m., followed by a festive celebration from 3:30–6:30 p.m. with food, fun and libations.
All proceeds from the event will go toward POP’s continuous efforts to create and maintain thriving green spaces to produce and grow food for the community. The organization works with community-based groups and volunteers to cultivate and plant orchards all over the Philadelphia area, including formerly vacant lots and schoolyards.
The result is a plethora of locally grown, healthy produce for low-income populations that may have otherwise gone without. POP works with volunteers to plant and grow an abundance of fruits and nuts, including Asian pears, almonds, figs, hazelnuts and various berries, in addition to perennial vegetables, herb gardens and food forests. To date, POP has planted 44 orchards; 1,141 trees and 2,536 shrubs and vines all over the city.
After touring the urban orchards, enjoy some garden-themed hors d’oeuvres and beverages from local sponsors such as Three Springs Fruit Farm, Stateside Vodka, Ploughman Cider and Weckerly’s Ice Cream, among many others. For the full list of sponsors, visit the POP website.
Tickets vary in price. Choose from a single ticket ($100), a Cherry Champion ticket ($250; includes one event and one trolley ticket), an Asian Pear Advocate ticket ($500; includes two event and two trolley tickets); a Paw Paw Advocate ticket ($1,000; includes three event and trolley tour tickets) and an Orchard Sponsor ticket ($2,500; includes five event and trolley tour tickets). Space is limited and reservations are required. To purchase your tickets, visit the POP website or call (215) 724-1247. Garden attire is encouraged.
The Philadelphia Orchard Project party on September 10 will be held at The Woodlands, located at 4000 Woodland Ave. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 724-1247.
- Photos: Philadelphia Orchard Project
