was established in 2021 to benefit the diverse community of Downtown Norfolk. Prior to the garden’s establishment, Norfolk had many public spaces, but it did not have a community garden in the heart of Downtown. This project was designed to revitalize a vacant lot and create a living, vibrant community space.
The Downtown Norfolk Community Garden
We’re on a mission to cultivate produce and community.
Our Progress
Beds sponsored by local businesses and individuals to ensure equitable access
8
1,200
Seed packs donated by local businesses to enable enduring seed library for community
We’ve achieved these goals in partnership with local businesses, sponsors, and the wonderful Downtown Norfolk community!
Unique volunteers contributing their time since 2021
600+
50
4x8’ raised beds constructed & occupied
Our Projects
Accessibility
As champions of accessibility, we are dedicated to meeting people where they are to build a stronger community. To make our garden accessible to individuals with limited mobility, we have partnered with the Rotary Club of Norfolk, under the leadership of Jeff Wells, to design one of the region's first fully accessible, ADA-compliant gardens.
Growth
Bordering a USDA-designated food desert, we are committed to bringing food back into the community through partnerships with local food banks and community refrigerators like Not Your Last Supper. Through effective crop rotation and continuous production, our goal is to provide 800 pounds of fresh produce to the community each year.
In a community defined by our military, we recognize that 1 in 5 military & veteran families experience food insecurity. This project includes eight production beds and a pollinator garden with plans for a garden kiosk to support garden instruction. The project was funded through the charitable contributions of Patricia Smith, Veterans First, and Whole Foods Market.
Community
Our Sponsors & Partners
