City Planter opened in Northern Liberties in spring of 2008
Business partners and friends Mary Costello and Peter Smith, both with over 25 years of horticulture experience, opened City Planter in 2008. The building at 814 North 4th Street had been vacant and in a state of disrepair for many years.
Peter and Mary in front of 814 North 4th Street in 2006. The building on the right is Latte Lounge, soon to be Cafe LeMaude.
Peter and daughter Katsura mid-rehab.
The following year, we expanded into the house next door. This gave us more room for indoor plants, a backyard, and the ability to expand our curb appeal.
Currently, Peter Smith and wife Sue White are the sole proprietors. They have lived in Northern Liberties since 1993 where they have raised both of their children (Katsura and Ilse) to love plants and nature.
Peter and Sue are active members of the community and City Planter is highly supportive of neighborhood causes, particularly involving greening projects and education. Sue is the Co-ordinator of Seedy Acres Community Garden which is protected and supported by NGT (Neighborhood Gardens Trust) and is also involved with the Grave Gardeners Program at the Woodlands Cemetery in West Philadelphia.
Peter and Sue were founding members of Liberty Lands, the neighborhood's community built and owned park, literally helping to create the park and continuing to support it through garden assistance, donations, and yearly sponsorship of the plant sale fundraiser for the park.
City Planter has donated both services and in-kind donations to the following worthy causes: The Northern Liberties Neighbors Association, General Philip Kearny Public School, Bodine School for International Affairs, Orkney Street Park, Orianna Hill Park, Liberty Lands Park , The Print Center, InLiquid, Street Tails Animal Rescue, The Bethesda Project and Philadelphia Horticulture Society.
The “Garage”
In 2020, we increased our commitment to giving back to the community. During the pandemic, while operating as an online store, we have held raffles and auctions on Social Media to raise funds for organizations in need. We opened “The Garage” which was a page on our online store which is inspired by plant purges. Merchandise in the garage consists of cuttings, pot/containers and plants that do not meet our standard for retail sale. 100% of funds raised from the garage are donated. In 2020, through raffles, auctions and special sales we have donated to the following organizations: The Okra Project, Philadelphia Black Giving Circle, Urban Creators and Mill Creek Urban Farm.
Now, the “Garage” is located in our brick and mortar store, which makes it easier for customers to shop. Since 2021, we have made donations to the following organizations funded by your “Garage” purchases: Holler Health Justice, Street Tails Animal Rescue, the Mazzoni Center, the Asian American Legal Defense Fund, The Lenape Nation, Inc, NovaUkraine, Philly Herb Hub, The Attic Youth Center, and more.