Community Garden Program Converts Unused Parcels of Land

Through the support of the Green Richmond Initiative, the city has launched the Richmond Grows Garden program. The program encourages the use of city-owned parcels of land for the development of community gardens throughout Richmond.

Community gardens provide a wealth of benefits when operated efficiently, including environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, cohesiveness in communities and increased social equity among other immeasurable assets.

The City of Richmond defines "community gardens" as a portion of city-owned property used to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, wood products and native or ornamental plants for non-commercial purposes, i.e. where there is no exchange of goods for monetary value. A "commercial garden" is defined similarly, but with products grown for sale.  

Community garden parcels are available through an online application process, while commercial garden parcels are available through a lease negotiation with the city’s Department of Economic and Community Development. They require approval from City Council.

More information on the benefits of community gardens and the application process for obtaining a parcel of land can be found on the city's community garden webpage.