Since it was nice out last Sunday, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Bartram’s Garden. The neighborhood didn’t really creep me out, but my boyfriend (who is from West Philly) kept insisting that it was the hood. Once you’re in the garden, though, it’s hard to remember that you’re in Philadelphia.—Natalie B

I live about six minutes away so I try to stop by the gardens on my days off to relax and sit on one of the benches with a book. It’s a beautiful area kinda funny that it’s next to what could be considered a “shady area” but I love it, it really is sorta like a rose in the concrete. –Zita

(don’t bring armed people, just a good car and your fine)—Bill M

the neighborhood wasn’t that bad, despite the picture painted by some.—CHris F

The neighborhood isn’t THAT bad. But either way, it’s certainly an oasis in the middle of an area that’s not the prettiest.—Amanda F

Uh. Have you ever been here? No? Oh, that’s because you have to dodge bullets to get there.

Ok. I’m sorry. You don’t really have to dodge bullets but there is no way to get here without going through some crappy crappy crappy areas. I mean, Grey’s Ferry in Southwest Philly? C’mon.

But it is a nice place. The first time I was here, they closed the gate and we had to climb out because they didn’t know we were in there. The second time was nicer though.

If you go, bring people (preferably big and/or armed people) and enjoy the nature in the safety of numbers. Just sayin.

I hear that they want to extend the Schuykill Bike path down that way and have a walking bridge across. That will never happen but it shows that they are at least thinking about this place and how inaccessible it is.—Edward F

As previous reviewers have mentioned, the garden is really a hidden gem.  It’s located in Southwest Philly (where my family is from) and it’s a baaaaaaad neighborhood.  It’s easy to get to by  Septa trolley #36, but if you aren’t the type that’s “comfortable” in the city, I recommend you take your own vehicle.  Once you’re on the campus of the garden, you’re *ahem* safe, but this isn’t a neighborhood where you stop and ask for directions or wanna be wandering around on foot.  But don’t be deterred by the shady neighborhood; once you’re in the garden, you’ll forget you’re in the city at all.—Joy G.

Regarding the neighborhood… I used to be a social worker in this city and it’s not even close to being the worst area in Philadelphia.  Get out of your hipster havens and suck it up, folks.—Cristina B.

Sadly, the neighborhood that the Bartram’s estate is located in has fallen into disrepair. Don’t let that stop you from visiting. This place needs all the support they can get.—Celesta A.

This place is really nice if u want to get away without going far. Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll thru this serene ”  forest in the hood “. I’m taken away every time I go.. And quickly brought back to reality when I leave - since the projects are right down the street. Don’t worry though ( u scardy cats ) the robbers don’t go to “the gardens”, during the day.—Wali Y.

Just get over the discomfort of having to drive through less-than-appealing blocks of West Philadelphia. Really folks, it’s not like you’re going to get caught in a drive-by.—Susanne J.