By Lisa Viger-Gotte
A community garden is like a little shared oasis, a special spot where folks from all walks of life come together to grow delicious veggies, fragrant herbs, and beautiful flowers. It becomes a green sanctuary, where members roll up their sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let nature work its magic. Often organic, community gardens help promote soil health and community connection as much as they do delicious, locally grown food.
Community gardens play a vital role in environmental sustainability by promoting green spaces, biodiversity, and sustainable gardening practices such as composting and water conservation. By utilizing underutilized land and vacant lots, these gardens transform urban landscapes into vibrant, productive spaces, enhancing the overall quality of life in the community.
Belonging to a community garden offers a multitude of benefits that span social, economic, environmental, and personal realms. Community gardens serve as hubs for social interaction and connection, offering opportunities for neighbors to bond, share knowledge, and support one another. Through shared tasks and collaborative efforts, community gardens cultivate a sense of belonging and collective ownership, strengthening the fabric of the neighborhood. Sandie Schulze, who belongs to Chelsea Community Garden, as do I, said she’s made friendships at the garden and that “It’s easy to get to know the persons who have plots around yours.” She’s looking forward to more opportunities to share produce with the surrounding community.
Participating in gardening activities has been linked to improved mental health, stress reduction, and increased physical activity, contributing to overall well-being. These shared spaces go beyond gardening; they also foster community resilience, environmental stewardship, and personal empowerment, enriching individual lives and their communities. Steven Wright, also from the Chelsea Community Garden, said, “I have developed good friendships over the years within the group. At my residence, there isn’t enough sunlight, and this provides a wonderful space to grow vegetables. It gives me a reason to walk somewhere nearly every day and get other forms of exercise.”
Belonging to a community garden entails certain responsibilities to ensure the success and sustainability of the shared space. Members are typically expected to maintain their individual plots by regularly planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting crops. It’s crucial to adhere to the agreed-upon guidelines and rules set by the community garden, respecting the rights and space of fellow members. Active participation in communal tasks such as maintenance, composting, and organizing events or workshops may also be expected. Additionally, members should contribute to the financial sustainability of the garden through membership fees or volunteer hours. Effective communication and cooperation among members are essential for resolving conflicts, making decisions collectively, and fostering a harmonious and inclusive garden environment. Overall, being part of a community garden requires a commitment to collaboration, shared stewardship, and respect for the community and the natural environment.
Connect with your neighbors and get your grow on. Find a community garden close to you with the list below.
Ypsilanti
Project Grow Community Gardens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible gardening spaces and promoting urban agriculture. Established in 1972, Project Grow manages over 20 community garden sites across Ann Arbor, offering plots to individuals, families, and groups interested in gardening. These gardens range in size and location catering to diverse gardening preferences and needs.
Project Grow emphasizes organic gardening practices, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. They provide educational resources, workshops, and support to help gardeners succeed in their endeavors. Additionally, the nonprofit facilitates community-building activities such as garden workdays, potlucks, and skill-sharing events, fostering connections among gardeners and neighbors.
By transforming vacant lots and underutilized spaces into productive green areas, Project Grow contributes to local food security, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity, education, and sustainable gardening practices makes it a valuable asset to the Ann Arbor community. For more information, visit projectgrowgardens.org.
Frog Island Park Community Garden is a cherished and charming green oasis within the city. Located in the historic Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti, this community garden offers residents the opportunity to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers in individual plots. With its picturesque setting along the Huron River, the Frog Island Park Community Garden provides a tranquil space for gardening enthusiasts to connect with nature and each other.
Normal Park Community Garden is a beloved local resource nestled within Normal Park. This garden provides members with individual plots to grow a variety of produce and flowers in Ypsilanti. Through collaborative efforts, educational workshops, and social gatherings, the Normal Park Community Garden fosters a sense of belonging and environmental stewardship among its members. For more information, visit normalpark.org/activities.
Parkridge Community Garden is situated in the Parkridge Park area in Ypsilanti. This hidden gem of a garden offers individual plots for members to grow fresh produce while promoting sustainability and social interaction
Ann Arbor
Pittsfield Township Community Garden in Ann Arbor provides members with individual plots—some with accessible surfaces, ensuring inclusion and convenience for all members, including those with mobility challenges. Through shared resources, educational opportunities, and collaborative efforts, the Pittsfield Township Community Garden strengthens community bonds and promotes sustainable living practices. For more information, visit pittsfield-mi.gov/1635/Community-Garden.
Chelsea & Dexter
Chelsea Community Garden is a vibrant hub for gardening enthusiasts and community members alike. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this garden provides residents with the opportunity to cultivate their own plots, share gardening knowledge, and engage in community-building activities. There are shared beds of blueberries and asparagus tended to and enjoyed by all. With its focus on sustainable practices and social interaction, the Chelsea Community Garden serves as a welcoming space where individuals come together to grow food, friendships, and a sense of belonging. For more information, visit chelseacommunitygarden.org.
The City of Dexter Community Garden is a thriving community space where residents come together to garden, learn, and connect. Established to promote urban agriculture and community engagement, this garden provides individual plots for members to cultivate their own produce. Through shared workdays, educational workshops, and social events, the garden fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration among its members, enriching the local community with fresh food and a vibrant green space. For more information, visitdextermi.gov/community/community_garden.php.
Related Content:
A community garden is like a little shared oasis, a special spot where folks from all walks of life come together to grow delicious veggies, fragrant herbs, and beautiful flowers. It becomes a green sanctuary, where members roll up their sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let nature work its magic. Often organic, community gardens help promote soil health and community connection as much as they do delicious, locally grown food.