History

The garden was started when a group of Grant Park residents leased the property in May 2011 and spent a hot summer removing kudzu and ferociously invasive Johnson grass, installing terraced beds, water tanks, composting areas, and trails. Many hours of work were also performed by volunteer groups organized by the Atlanta Community Food Bank. During the 2011/2012 winter, the group farmed cold-weather crops like greens, turnips, garlic and cabbage, most of which were donated to Atlanta Community Food Bank agencies. Private plots were leased out to neighbors starting in the spring of 2012 in addition to the areas that support food grown for donation. Flower, herb and fruit plantings have also been added to the garden.

The participants have a variety of past gardening experiences. All have agreed to use only organic fertilizers or pesticides in their cultivation efforts. Part of the garden’s reward is not only that tomato or kale that you produce, but the new acquaintances you make and the sense of community that evolves from shared goals around what was once an overgrown hill.

GPNA

The Grant Park Community Garden on Grant Street is a project under the umbrella of the Land Use and Zoning Committee of the Grant Park Neighborhood Association. To learn more about GPNA visit grantpark.org