Community Gardening

Community gardens are a place for all levels of gardener, from aspiring to master gardener. Join us and reap all of the benefits that community gardens offer. Access to delicious, nutritious, fresh food is just the beginning. Garden plots are available to rent throughout the season or until all plots are rented.

Gardeners:

• experience physical and mental health benefits

• enjoy the sights and sounds of nature

• meet people with a shared interest

• carry out their own food culture

• engage children in experiential learning

• help their families develop healthy eating habits

• learn tips from gardening experts in our classes

• join us at community events

We provide:

• fencing to keep deer and other animals out of the garden

• access to water

• communal tools

• composting

• knowledgeable garden staff who are ready to help you

• a monthly garden newsletter

Visit bloomington.in.gov/communitygardening or contact communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov for more information.

Butler Park Community Gardens

Located at Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park at the intersection of West Ninth and North John Streets. Code

32 sq. ft)

Switchyard Park Community Gardens

Located at the north end of Switchyard Park, accessible by the B-Line Trail or the Grimes Lane parking lot.

Code Annual cost Description

165203-A $45/in-city, $52/non-city Organic Raised Bed (approx. 24–32 sq. ft)

Willie Streeter Community Gardens

Located in Winslow Woods Park on South Highland Avenue.

Code Annual cost Description

165202-A $80/in-city, $92/non-city Organic Large Plot (200 sq. ft)

165202-B $45/in-city, $52/non-city Organic Small Plot (100 sq. ft)

165202-C $45/in-city, $52/non-city Organic Raised Bed (32 sq. ft)

For more information, contact Sarah Mullin at 349-3704 or mullins@bloomington.in.gov. For ages 18 yrs. and up.

Healthy Soil, Healthy Garden

Healthy soil is a vital living ecosystem that is the foundation of a healthy garden. Join us to learn about the importance of healthy soils, methods that improve soil health, and how to test your garden soil to better understand its composition and needs.

Instructor: Hannah Martin, Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District

W 5/10 • 5:30–7 p.m. • Register by 5/7 • 265203-A

$10/in-city, $12/non-city • For all ages.

Butler Community Park Gardens

Composting Basics

Dive into the basics of composting in the peak of garden season. Composting is an easy way to make your household more eco-friendly. Learn how to use compost in your gardens and how to incorporate composting at home regardless of your space restrictions.

Instructor: Brandon Olson

Su 6/4 • 2:30–3:30 p.m. • Register by 6/2 • 265202-A

$10/in-city, $12/non-city • For all ages.

Willie Streeter Community Gardens

Garden Insects: Friends & Foes

Join a Natural Resources Educator to discover the insects that call our gardens home… or food. Together we will look at what insects use our gardens and identify which insects are friends and which are foes. We will also discuss how to attract beneficial insects and reduce harmful ones in our gardens.

Instructor: Brandon Olson

Sa 6/24 • 5–6:30 p.m.

• Register by 6/22

$10/in-city, $12/non-city • For all ages.

Butler Park Community Gardens

• 265201-A

Join the Bloomington Community Orchard for free weekly Work & Learn Days

The Orchard is a public food forest for all to enjoy, and the harvest is available to everyone. We welcome volunteers to help us cultivate the Orchard, while developing their own hands-on orcharding skills. All are welcome, and no experience is needed – we provide the tools and show you what to do!

April–May: Saturdays, 1–4 p.m.

June–August: Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m.

September–November: Saturdays, 1–4 p.m.

Bloomington Community Orchard, 2120 S. Highland Ave., (across from the south side YMCA)