April is National Garden Month, and nothing says springtime quite like blooming flowers and sprouting greens, so we would like to spotlight local community gardens in Gilbert and surrounding areas! National Garden Month, originally observed as National Garden Week, was established to celebrate the benefits of gardening. This observance was initially celebrated from April 12-16, 1987 following President Ronald Reagan’s declaration in 1986. In 2002, the National Gardening Association requested that the observance be extended to the entire month of April, which was officially approved in 2003.
Whether you just want to stroll around and take in the beauty, or you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, here are some local public gardens to visit this month:
Agritopia Community Gardens
Address: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Website: agritopiafarm.com
Agritopia’s Community Garden is not only serene and beautiful to walk through, but is home to a variety of produce tended by members of the community. If you would like to lease a garden plot, click here to learn more.
Escalante Community Garden
Address: 2150 E Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Website: tempeaction.org/get-help/food-security/community-garden/community-garden
The Escalante Community Garden follows a communal model with healthy growing practices. A portion of the garden’s produce goes to the volunteer members who work two hours a week in the garden, and another portion of the garden’s harvest is given to the Tempe Community Action Agency’s Food Pantry to supplement emergency food boxes. The garden features a children’s area, as well as a desert and herb garden.
Heart & Soil Peoples Garden
Address: 1730 S 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: heartandsoilgarden.org
Heart & Soil Peoples Garden’s mission is to provide a nurturing space for women growers and entrepreneurs, promote health and wellness, and advocate for food sovereignty and culturally appropriate food. Through their programs and initiatives, Heart & Soil aims to provide access to fresh, healthy produce, build skills and confidence, and create opportunities for economic development and community engagement. You can get involved by renting a grow space, attending a workshop, or volunteering your time. Contact them here to learn more.
Queen Creek Botanical Gardens
Address: 25002 S 206th St, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Website: qcgardens.org
As part of the greater Pecan Lake development, Queen Creek Botanical Gardens is all about pairing sustainable food production and aesthetic landscaping beauty. The Garden features only edible plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs or edible flowers, and is home to the only fully-operational industrial-age water mill in the American Southwest. The Gardens provide a place to escape, enjoy the beauty of nature, and learn more about food security through community resources.
Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden
Address: 5401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Website: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/xeriscape-garden
The Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park is an excellent educational hub that promotes the use of regionally appropriate plants to reduce outdoor water consumption. The garden, which is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat, showcases over 7,000 plants and 200 species.
Val Vista Lakes Community Rose Garden
Address: 1998 E Lakeside Dr #1900, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Website: vvlgardenclub.org/rose-garden
Established in 2011, The Val Vista Lakes Community Rose Garden is managed by certified rosarian Lynn Twitchell, along with a team of volunteers from the VVL Garden Club, Thorbird trainees, and VVL residents. Under the guidance of Lynn Twitchell and the Rose Garden Committee, the garden hosts frequent educational and social events, where visitors can learn about roses and enjoy the serene environment. To become a volunteer to help take care of the rose gardens, reach out to them at info@vvlgardenclub.org.
Happy Garden Month! Go support our local community gardens!
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW