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Related information links

Statewide directory of allotment style community gardens

History of Burlington Area Community Gardens, 1972-2007 (pdf file)


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Burlington Area Community Gardens (BACG) sites
 Rock Point
Burlington Area Community Gardens (BACG) includes nine garden sites with nearly 400 allotment style garden plots. Plots average 25 ft. x 25 ft. and are rented through Burlington Parks and Recreation; half plots and family friendly/novice plots are also available.

Limited income gardeners may apply for BACG
scholarships to help cover garden plot fees. Scholarships are funded by contributions from fellow community gardeners.

Burlington's community garden program was founded in 1972 by Gardens for All and the Burlington Parks Department. Burlington Parks and Recreation has administered the BACG program since 1987.

A directory of BACG garden sites is below. For BACG registration information and guidelines, please visit the Burlington Parks and Recreation web site or contact BACG's Coordinator, Lisa Coven, at 802-863-0420.

Map of Burlington, Vermont showing community garden locations.


Directory of BACG Garden Sites

1.   Tommy Thompson Community Garden 5.  Medical Center Community Garden
2.   Starr Farm Community Garden 6.  Champlain School Community Garden
3a. Winooski Valley Park Community Garden 7.  UVM/ Wheelock Farm Community Garden
3b. New Discovery Garden
8.  Lakeview Community Garden
4.   Rock Point Community Garden 9.  Baird Park Community Garden
  
Tommy ThompsonTommy Thompson Community Garden

Begun in 1980 and named after the founder of Gardens for All, this 5-acre community garden has 150 plots. The rich soil produces bumper crops, and while gardening, you can enjoy the natural beauty of being in the Intervale.

The Tommy Thompson site has two tool sheds, and a pole barn that provides a central meeting place. The garden is located on the left side of Intervale Road just past the Intervale Community Farm.
 

Starr FarmStarr Farm Community Garden

Founded in 1993, this 2-acre community garden with 66 plots has the most beautiful garden sunsets in Burlington. The soil is sandy, so plan to mulch heavily and add lime and compost to your plot each year. Amenities include a tool shed, picnic tables, and shade trees. The site is easily accessible from the Burlington Bike Path and is adjacent to an off leash dog area maintained by Burlington Parks and Recreation..


WVPD gardenWinooski
Valley Park Community Garden

Begun in 1976, this 1-1/2 acre community garden at the Ethan Allen Homestead includes 50 garden plots.

The WVPD site is linked to the Old North End and New North End by bike paths. The Winooski Valley Park District provides access to bathrooms and a picnic shelter on site. The Community Teaching Garden sponsored by FBG, and the Family Room Garden sponsored by the VNA, take place at the WVPD Community Garden.
     

New DiscoveryNew Discovery Garden

Founded in 1996, this unique garden is located just north of the  Winooski Valley Park District picnic shelter at Ethan Allen Homestead The site includes a central garden area with four circular gardens maintained by 2nd year Community Teaching Garden participants.  The perimeter of the New Discovery Garden includes twenty 10 ft. x 12 ft. novice/family friendly garden plots available through BACG.

  
Rock Point North
Rock Point Community Garden  (North and South)

Rock Point is one of BACG’s most secluded sites, yet the gardens are just a short walk from North Beach. Located on land provided by the Episcopal Diocese, Rock Point has heavier soil that is well suited to raised beds. The north area (16 plots) was founded in 1996 and the south area (12 plots) was established in 2002. The photo shows the  north area of the community garden looking toward the south area.

 
 
Medical CenterMedical Center Community Garden

Begun in 1977, this 15-plot community garden is located between the Vermont Health Department Lab and Fletcher Allen hospital. The garden offers a neighborhood oasis in the midst of the city. The soil is fertile and off street parking is provided in the VT Health Department lot.  Due to its neighborhood location near the corner of East Avenue and Colchester Avenue, the site is quite popular and fills quickly.

  

ChamplainChamplain Community Garden

The Champlain Community Garden was started in 1980 and moved to its present location beside the Champlain Elementary School in 1982. The 16-plot community garden is fenced and has a tool shed. The heavy soil is well suited to raised beds. As one of two BACG sites in  Burlington's South End, the garden is popular and tends to fill up quickly in the spring.                                                                
   
Wheelock FarmUVM Wheelock Farm Community Garden

Established in 1998, this 12-plot BACG site is located in South Burlington. The garden continues BACG’s long term garden partnership with the University of Vermont, which owns the land.    The site has loamy soil and is accessible via the South Burlington Bike Path. Known for its beautiful views and flowers, the Wheelock Farm Community Garden plots tend to fill up quickly.


LakeviewLakeview Community Garden

Founded in 2002, this popular 4-plot community garden is located behind the Lakeview Community Care Home off North Avenue. The garden has loamy soil and is convenient to the Old North End. The garden is fenced, and tool storage is available on site. Raised beds at the garden are maintained by the Lakeview gardeners without outside tilling. The site is a model of a permaculture community garden.
 
Baird Park
Baird Park Community Garden - New for 2008!

BACG's newest garden is located at Baird Park in Burlington's South End. The garden will include ten 10 ft x 12 ft novice/family friendly plots. As a first year site, gardeners should be prepared to work together to run hoses for water until a permanent water system is created. With the adjacent park and play areas, the new garden is ideal for families with young children.
 

Friends of Burlington Gardens has a long tradition of support for the Burlington Area Community Gardens program. FBG partners with Burlington Parks and Recreation to support the development and sustainability of BACG sites.

For additional background information on the Burlington Area Community Gardens program, download:
Thirty-five Years and Still Growing: The History of Burlington Area Community Gardens, 1972-2007

The Web www.burlingtongardens.org
  
Friends of Burlington Gardens & the 
Vermont Community Garden Network
180 Flynn Avenue Studio 3
PO Box 4504
Burlington, Vermont  05406-4504
802-861-GROW
www.burlingtongardens.org

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