By Marilyn Thomson, Certified Master Gardener
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



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:
- Chinquapin Organic Gardens
- Dale St Community Garden
- Holmes Run Community Garden
- Jones Point Community Garden
- GW Community Garden – For more information, e-mail gwcommunitygarden@gmail.com.
- Cora Kelly Community Garden – For more information, call the main office, 703-706-4420
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







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