The Digital Press

Window-box gardening in Philadelphia dates back to the 1800s and has played a significant role in urban reform, social activism, and neighborhood beautification. It has connected private homes to public spaces while fostering community ties and addressing urban challenges.

Why it matters: Window-box gardens served as tools for social reform, helping immigrants and low-income residents improve neighborhood aesthetics and public health.

The big picture: These gardens evolved from Victorian indoor hobbies to symbols of municipal housekeeping and later became part of civil rights era activism against urban decay.

The stakes: While window gardening helped preserve neighborhoods, it also contributed to green gentrification, displacing long-term, lower-income residents.

Commenters say: Readers appreciate the historical link between gardening and urban activism but note ongoing racial and economic disparities in access to green spaces.