This Charming Pennsylvania Plant Shop Is Packed With Hanging Ferns, Tiny Terrariums, And Beautiful Pots
Staghorn ferns mounted on reclaimed barn wood hang on the walls here, growing without a speck of soil.
They cling to the boards just like they would cling to trees in the wild.
I like how that one detail tells you everything about this shop. It treats plants like living art, not just shelf decor.
Moss balls dangle from strings, and tiny glass worlds hold miniature plants and little figurines.
This leafy spot sits in a converted warehouse in one of Pennsylvania’s liveliest city neighborhoods.
A big skylight pours sunshine over a jungle that climbs from floor to ceiling. Even the pups get treats at the counter.
I can’t imagine a better place to lose an afternoon among green things. So what does it take to fill a small space with this much life?
A Run-Down Building Got A Very Green Second Life
Back in the spring of 2008, City Planter opened inside a building that had been empty and falling apart.
The owners saw something better than broken bricks. They saw a jungle waiting to happen.
Friends and business partners Mary Costello and Peter Smith started the shop together. Both brought more than 25 years of horticulture experience to the project.
That’s a lot of watering cans. Growth came fast, which feels fitting for a plant shop.
The very next year, the store expanded into the building next door.
That move added more room for indoor plants and created a backyard space. The expansion also gave the storefront better curb appeal.
Today, the shop sits inside a converted warehouse with plenty of character. It’s a nice reminder that old buildings can bloom again with a little care.
Peter Smith and his wife, Sue White, now run the shop as its sole owners.
They’ve kept the original spirit alive while adding their own personal touches. You can feel that family-owned energy in how the place is put together.
Not bad for a building that once looked hopeless. Some comebacks just need sunlight and patience.
Look Up, Because The Skylight Steals The Show
Sunshine does a lot of heavy lifting inside this shop.
A large skylight sits atop soaring ceilings, sending natural light down over shelves of greenery. Plants love it, and honestly, so will you.
The space is small, but it packs a serious punch. Greenery fills the room from floor to ceiling.
It feels less like a store and more like an indoor urban oasis in the middle of Philadelphia.
Every corner seems to hold another surprise. One shelf might show off tiny succulents, while another holds a leafy giant.
Your eyes will be busy the whole time.
Hanging plants add another layer to the scene. Ferns and trailing vines spill over their containers above your head.
It’s the kind of view that makes you rethink your own bare ceiling at home.
Don’t miss the installation wall by the counter either. It isn’t for sale, but it shows what’s possible with time and patience.
Think of it as living proof that plants can become real artwork. Bring your phone for photos.
Just maybe watch your elbows near the delicate stuff.
Houseplants For Dark Corners And Sunny Windows Alike
Low light, bright light, tiny apartment, or roomy loft?
City Planter carries indoor tropical houseplants for nearly every situation. Small plants and large ones share the shelves.
First-time plant parents will find friendly options here. Collectors hunting for something exotic or unusual won’t leave bored either.
The selection covers both common favorites and harder-to-find picks.
Tillandsia, better known as air plants, are a shop specialty. These quirky little plants don’t even need soil to grow.
Bonsai also rank among the store’s favorites, for anyone who likes their trees pocket-sized. Helpful signs make shopping easier.
Each plant comes with care tips, so you’re not left guessing. Some signs even point out which plants are pet safe, which saves a lot of frantic searching later.
The shop also posts prices and availability on its website. That means you can plan ahead before you visit.
It’s a small detail, but it makes the trip feel less like a gamble.
Got a struggling plant at home? The staff offers email guidance if you send a photo for diagnosis.
Your droopy fern deserves a second opinion.
Tiny Glass Worlds You Can Build Yourself
Miniature landscapes sparkle under glass all around this Pennsylvania shop.
Some are made by the staff, and they’re ready to take home. Others are just waiting for you to dream them up.
City Planter supplies everything you need to build your own terrarium. You can pick from a wide selection of glass containers.
Then add stones, miniature plants, and tiny figurines to finish the scene.
That’s where the fun really begins. Want a little fairy garden?
A desert scene with a tiny traveler? The choices are yours, and nobody will judge your gnome placement.
Guidance comes along with the supplies. The team happily shares tips on planting methods and care.
That helps your little world stay healthy instead of turning into a foggy science experiment.
Terrariums make great gifts, too. They’re small, low-maintenance, and full of personality.
Kids and grownups both seem to enjoy picking out the tiny decorations.
If you’d rather learn with a group, the shop offers terrarium classes seasonally. It’s a relaxed way to try something creative.
Plus, you leave with a mini ecosystem that fits on a windowsill.
Moss Balls And Ferns That Skip The Soil
Kokedama sounds fancy, and it kind of is.
This Japanese art form surrounds plant roots with a ball of soil wrapped in moss.
The result can hang in the air or sit in a dish like a green sculpture. City Planter creates these moss balls in-house.
The shop also teaches classes so you can make your own.
It’s a fun skill to show off when friends ask about that floating plant in your kitchen.
Then come the mounted Staghorn Ferns. The staff crafts these on reclaimed barn wood right at the shop.
Each one becomes a living wall piece with a rustic, earthy feel.
These ferns are epiphytes, which means they grow without soil. In the wild, they cling to trees or rocks.
The mounted display copies that natural growing style beautifully.
Fun fact: Staghorn Ferns got their name because their fronds look like deer antlers. It’s easy to see once you spot one.
They look a little wild in the best way.
Mounted Plant workshops let you try this yourself. You’ll go home with something far more interesting than a plain pot on a shelf.
Pots Big Enough For Trees And Small Enough For Succulents
Finding the right pot can feel like shopping for shoes. It has to fit, and it has to look good.
City Planter makes that hunt a lot easier.
The shop stocks a wide selection of pots, planters, and containers. The lineup changes often, so there’s usually something new to see.
Repeat visits can feel like a fresh treasure hunt.
Sizes cover a huge range. Large fiberglass planters can hold small trees.
On the other end, tiny terra cotta pots are just right for little succulents.
Pots are one of the shop’s most talked-about features, and the variety explains why. You’ll find styles that suit modern spaces and cozier homes.
Your monstera deserves a stylish home, after all.
Can’t find exactly what you want? The team can help with special orders from their catalogs.
That’s handy for big projects or very specific tastes.
The store also sells garden containers and fountains. Outdoor spaces get some love here too.
Peter Smith personally selects outdoor plants, often sourcing locally grown shrubs, perennials, and annuals from nurseries around the tri-state area.
Handmade Treasures From A Printmaker’s Garden
Sue White wears a lot of hats. She’s an artist, printmaker, teacher, and gardener.
She also teaches printmaking at Tyler School of Art and Architecture.
Her creative touch shows up all over City Planter. Sue crafts handmade soaps for the shop.
She also makes lip balms using herbs from her own garden.
Macrame plant hangers are another one of her specialties. These knotted hangers are perfect for showing off trailing plants.
Hang one in a sunny window and suddenly your room feels cozier.
Then there are the Wild Things. These whimsical planters come shaped like animals and dinosaurs.
A succulent growing out of a tiny dinosaur? That’s a mood booster for any desk.
Her husband, Peter Smith, brings over 30 years of gardening and horticulture know-how. He serves as the shop’s Head Gardener and Designer.
Together, they balance plant science with art.
These handmade goods make the shop feel personal. You won’t find the same items at a big chain store.
They’re great for gifts, or for treating yourself after a long week.
Classes, Plant Swaps, And A Garage That Gives Back
Learning has been part of the plan since 2008. City Planter offers classes and workshops on a seasonal basis.
The topics are as varied as the plants on the shelves.
You can sign up for Terrarium building or Kokedama creation. Mounted Plant workshops and Wreathmaking round out the creative choices.
Beginners might love Houseplants 101.
The shop also joins the annual Philly Plant Crawl. This event links multiple stores with sales, games, classes, and raffles.
It’s a full day of plant-filled fun across the city.
Plant swaps happen here too. Swapping cuttings is a great way to grow your collection without spending much.Plus, you get to chat with fellow plant fans.
Then there’s The Garage, a charitable sales section that began online in 2020 and later moved into the physical store. It sells cuttings, imperfect plants, and pots.
Every bit of money from those sales goes to various organizations.
Peter and Sue have been active in Northern Liberties since 1993. They were founding members of Liberty Lands, a neighborhood park, and sponsor its annual plant sale.
Their roots here run deep.
Your Dog Is Invited, And There Are Treats
Good news for pup parents everywhere. City Planter proudly calls itself dog friendly.
The staff even keeps treats on hand for visiting dogs. That makes the shop a sweet stop during a neighborhood stroll.
Northern Liberties is a lively part of Philadelphia, full of places to walk. Your four-legged buddy can tag along for the plant shopping.
You’ll find the shop at 814 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. It’s open every day of the week from 10 AM to 6 PM.
That gives you plenty of chances to swing by.
Parking nearby can take some patience, as city parking often does. Walking or biking might save you a few laps around the block.
Then again, a plant is a pretty good reward.
Those pet-safe plant signs come in handy here too. If your dog likes to nibble greenery, you’ll know what to pick.
That’s thoughtful planning for furry households.
This Pennsylvania shop blends green living, art, and community into one cheerful space.
Bring your dog, bring your curiosity, and maybe bring an extra tote bag. You’ll probably need it.