Garden Details
Garden Details
The Franciscan Ministries’ Community Garden promotes stewardship of nature and cultivation of the land for the benefit of others. Our Garden is one of the largest organic gardens in Southwest Ohio. It currently encompasses 108 plots which vary in size from 200-1,200 square feet.
A handful of our plots are set aside as Community Crop Plots specifically cultivated to “give back” through donations to local agencies and to the St Clare Convent kitchen. Additionally, many gardeners donate from their surplus, and some specifically grow a part of their plot to donate. Since our start in 2009, we have donated over 14,000 pounds of food locally.
Gardeners are granted use of a plot for the season, as well as access to water, composting, and community tools. In return, we ask that the community works together for the greater good: to keep the Garden a happy, secure, and enjoyable place where all participants can garden and socialize peacefully in a neighborly manner as good stewards of the land and resources.
Our Community Garden is a vibrant tapestry of diversity. Representing 21 unique zip codes across Hamilton County, our members reflect a rich mix of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Notably, 65% of our gardeners are of Bhutanese descent, while an additional 14% come from other ethnic communities where English is a second language.
Garden Practices
Garden Practices
organic only, adjacent beehives on the grounds, community composting on site
Picture plots bursting with heirloom tomatoes from one family’s heritage, fragrant herbs from another’s homeland, and perennials tended by a local enthusiast to encourage pollinators.
produce donations, community workdays, garden potlucks and celebrations
Additional Information
Additional Information
consistently long wait list
monetary donations toward water costs, fence and faucet repair and maintenance, and community tool purchases
For many of our gardeners' families, the Garden is a primary food source. It encourages integration and social engagement which is often difficult for those living in a land that is culturally foreign to them. The act of gardening helps create a positive impact on mental health and fosters an active and healthy lifestyle. It offers an opportunity to reconnect with and share their agricultural roots.
Conversely, these individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and a new perspective to the local-born gardeners in the community. Everyone, regardless of birthplace, has exchanged gardening advice and taught each other about their ethnic foods and culture. There is a shared joy of the earth and its bounty that is apparent.
For a fuller picture of our Bhutanese gardeners’ experience, please watch OUR OHIO: New Arrivals, New Roots. This short film can be found on our website.
