In an area just at the border of Fishtown, fondly referred to by locals and employees as “Port Fishington,” lies an urban anomaly: Greensgrow Farms. Among newly constructed shopping centers lies this one-square-city-block farm that feels like a lush, rural escape from the bustle around it. A huge green sign marks the entrance to the sprawling farm, which welcomes visitors with views of elaborate container gardens and tiny citrus trees.
Inside, the farm is divided into two sections. To the left are flower nurseries, blossoming with hibiscuses and other exotic plants ready for customers to take home. Greenhouses are filled with rows of flowers and various pots to plant them in. In one greenhouse, rainbows of flowers overflowing from baskets hang overhead.
The right side of the farm is dedicated to food. Particularly locally grown fruits and vegetables. “People have heard of organic and all, but they also don’t realize how important it is to buy local food, too,” says Erik Kintzel, the farm’s food manager. Among the typical strawberries and herbs are about 20 varieties of tomatoes, including heirloom tomatoes generally only found in upscale restaurants. Thursdays, this area of the farm is busting with Farmers Market customers, who stop by to browse the selection of freshly picked vegetables, as well as selections from other local establishments. One woman fries up fresh pierogi samples, while another vendor displays crusty loaves of bread.
Greensgrow Famrs is an escape from the bustle of the three neighborhoods that meet at its location. It offers something for everyone, from boxwood topiaries to locally grown sour cherries to sizzling potato-and-chive pierogies, in the midst of an urban environment.
By Ashley Zeserman and Jillian Atkinson, Group 09, Fishtown
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