Spring is the perfect time to get started with gardening for the year. But don’t worry if you don’t have a yard where you could show off your gardening skills. There are a number of great community gardens across DeKalb County that are prime for planting and growing, or for just visiting.
Each garden has their own rules about using and renting plots, so make sure to double check on that before you start digging. Here are some of the community gardens DeKalb has to offer:
North DeKalb Mall Community Garden
This two-acre garden is located on a floodplain near North DeKalb Mall, where Lawrenceville Highway meets Stone Mountain Freeway. It started in 2012 as an outreach project to benefit refugee families in the area. There are more than 25 plots, but there's also a waiting list to join. Their website has more details on how to contact them.
Scott Park
This small, charming park and garden are located in downtown Decatur behind the Decatur Recreation Center. It's unclear whether they have lots available to rent, but the Scott Park Garden Club often hosts meetings and posts on their Facebook page about workshops and helpful gardening lessons.
Credit: Mikki K. Harris/mharris@ajc.com
Credit: Mikki K. Harris/mharris@ajc.com
Henderson Park Community Garden
Up in Tucker, the Henderson Park Community Garden consists of 55 plots inside the multi-acre park. The city of Tucker manages the park and has heralded some upgrades in recent years, while the garden is run by an all-volunteer organization. The garden is celebrating its nine-year anniversary next month; check out their website to learn more about becoming a member.
Oakhurst Garden
Oakhurt Garden, described as "magical and whimsical," is located at 435 Oakview Road in Decatur, near Agnes Scott College. In addition to community plots and a more wooded area, it has a greenhouse, herb garden and chickens. (Also, be on the lookout for the garden's cat named Cardoon). It has 24 gardening plots available to rent; there's more info on how to join on the garden's website.
Credit: Mikki K. Harris/mharris@ajc.com
Credit: Mikki K. Harris/mharris@ajc.com
Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard at Brook Run
For those of you in northern DeKalb County, this one's for you. At Brook Run Park, Dunwoody's largest park, community members work out of more than 90 plots. It started in 2009 with 60 plots, but quickly grew. They also host events and workshops throughout the year to learn more about nature and gardening. You'll need to email the group to reserve a plot; they cost $60 a year. A number of volunteer opportunities at the garden and greenhouse are also available.
Kirkwood Urban Forest and Community Garden
A hidden gem near East Atlanta, this 7-acre forested area describes itself as an "urban oasis." In addition to the community garden, the land features a meadow and forested hiking trails, if you're looking to escape the city without going far.
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