text: seven walking tours through historic Philadelphia

Walnut Street Garden and Houses

On the north side of Walnut St., just east of 4th St. is an authentically planted 18th-century garden, which recreates many features of formal gardens of the 1700s. Neat pathways, geometric flower beds, small arbors and gazebos are all characteristic of early Philadelphia gardens. It is maintained by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and the flowers and shrubs are set out in the beds according to the season. It is spectacular in the spring when the tulips and hyacinths are in bloom, and one may sit in the summer house, a favorite retreat for walkers in this section, to enjoy the prospect in any season.

The houses along this row are either restorations or reconstructions.

On the other side of Walnut Street is a small park and garden, leading into St. Joseph's Church — We speak more about St. Joseph's on the Society Hill Tour. 339 and 341 Walnut are reconstructions of houses originally built in 1775.

Just to the west of the 18th Century Garden, on the NE corner of the corner of 4th and Walnut, is the Todd House

Independence Hall Area