Spooky Garden needs your help to achieve permanent preservation!

A vibrant community garden that is broadly known for our namesake Halloween event, Spooky Garden occupies 3 contiguous lots in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. While 2 of the 3 lots are permanently preserved in the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, the remaining  City-owned parcel (equivalent to half of the garden) is still not preserved, despite 20 years of effort by the surrounding neighbors and the historic support of local officials (including former Council President Darrell Clarke's as far back as 2016).  We have recently been informed by our new Councilman's office that this land is at risk of development by the City of Philadelphia unless we can demonstrate public support. If the remaining lot was to be developed, the loss of light & air would be devastating to the garden, the natural habitat it preserves, and the surrounding community. Please note that there is no current, legal pathway for this lot to be purchased from the City by NGT. 

Back in the 1980s, the lots that are now known as Spooky Garden were covered in rubble & trash. Neighbors cleaned up the land and cultivated a garden which has been tended by a succession of devoted nearby residents. In addition to being a communal growing space for culinary herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, our mixed use garden, which protects a majestic 50+ year old elm tree, also provides a community gathering space that has hosted numerous birthday parties, barbeques, and weddings.  In 2002 we held our first Halloween event, decorating the garden with jack-o-lanterns & lights and inviting neighbors in for Trick-or-Treat. We have continued this tradition every year since, weather permitting, and last year greeted over 2000 visitors over 2 nights. While much of the decor has changed, the event remains free & open to all.

Please help us to save Spooky Garden! By signing this petition, you will let the City of Philadelphia know that you support the permanent preservation of the remaining parcel with the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, protecting this community occupied open green space for generations to come.

Thank you for your support!

Spooky Garden Members & Neighbors