Our Story

Downtown Norfolk Community Garden was established in 2021 to benefit the diverse community of Downtown. The purpose of the community garden is to cultivate produce and community in Downtown Norfolk by conducting high density, raised bed gardening and by ensuring access to the entire population of our diverse urban community. It is located on the property of Freemason Street Baptist Church and was created in partnership by members of the church, the Downtown Norfolk Civic League, and Norfolk Master Gardens.

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 city lot and create a living, vibrant community space.

Being a mixed-community garden, we accept all members regardless of their background and experience when it comes to gardening. We believe that anyone can learn how to garden! Not only is gardening a great way to cultivate affordable fruits and vegetables, its also an amazing and effective way to give back to the community.