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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
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Community Gardens in Arlington & Alexandria

By Marilyn Thomson, Certified Master Gardener 

Zinnias and vegetables at Fort Barnard Community Garden
Zinnias and vegetables at Fort Barnard Community Garden
Photo © 2018 Marilyn Thomson

A community garden is a parcel of land generally located in an urban area cultivated by an individual or a group of people. These parcels are usually rented, can be on private or public land, and are for the benefit of those who tend the garden. Fruit and vegetables are grown for sustenance. Ornamental and flowering plants are grown to aid pollination and for their visual beauty.

Both the City of Alexandria and Arlington County have established community gardens for their residents.

 

City of Alexandria Community Gardens

Jones Point Park Community Garden
Lilies at Jones Point Park Community Garden
Brick bordered bed at Jones Point Park Community Garden

Through community gardens the City of Alexandria helps to increase residents’ access to locally grown, environmentally sustainable foods as part of the Healthy Food Alexandria initiative. These gardens provide public land for residents to grow fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

Community gardens located within the City of Alexandria:

For more information about these gardens or to start your own garden you may contact Park Operations at 703-746-5496,  https://www.alexandriava.gov/CommunityGardens or RPCAgardens@alexandriava.gov

Arlington County Community Gardens

outh Four Mile Run Community Garden, Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center in the background
South Four Mile Run Community Garden Sign in south Arlington
Companion planting, tomatoes and marigolds; South Four Mile Run Community Garden
Plant supports, in South Four Mile Run Community Garden
National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat Sign, Fort Barnard Community Garden
Fort Barnard Community Garden Sign, in the Douglas Park neighborhood of Arlington
Raised vegetable beds and rain barrels at Fort Barnard Community Garden

Community gardens in Arlington County strive to increase access to affordable and healthy food and to engage residents in a hands-on approach to improving their community.

Map of Arlington Community Garden Locations

Community gardens located within Arlington County:

  • South Four Mile Run Drive along the bike trail
  • 9th Street South and South Buchanan Street along the bike trail
  • Fort Barnard at South Walter Reed Drive and South Pollard Street
  • South Glebe Road and South Lang Street
  • North Barton Street and 10th Street North
  • 9th Street South and South Rolfe Street
  • 1601 Key Boulevard

For more information about these gardens or to start your own garden you may contact the Program Coordinator at 703-228-7872 or https://environment.arlingtonva.us/gardens/community-gardens

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