Directory of Gardens
Nellie Keyes Park Community Garden
| Location | Rice Military neighborhood, near the Heights |
| Main Purpose | Neighbors gardening together |
| Established | 1988 |
| To Visit or to Volunteer | Call Urban Harvest for contact info |
The
Nellie Keyes Park Community Garden was started in 1998. A group of neighbors
in the Rice Military area, a rapidly changing neighborhood near Memorial
Park, decided to approach the parks department to make available a small
space in a pocket park on Lester. We designed the garden in circles, laid
down the irrigation system, and invited the subdivision to participate in
building the garden. Developers, individuals, a matching grant from the city,
and donations from the Rice Military Civic Club provided the funding to pay
for the garden.
Thirty volunteers arrived on February 5, 1998, to build the garden. Today the garden boasts a harvest of organically grown, pesticide free vegetables and fruits year round.
The garden's main purposes are for participants to meet neighbors in Rice Military area, to grow organic vegetables, fruits, and butterfly-friendly plants, to learn about alternatives to pesticides, and to share harvests among volunteers.
The garden is open for visits. It is located on Lester St., between Rose St. and Lillian St., two blocks south of Washington Ave. and one block east of Detering St. The garden can be seen from the street. It is gated, but unlocked. If visiting the garden, please supervise children and keep pets outside the gated area.
The garden can always use additional volunteers. Gardening days/hours are Saturday mornings, 7:00 a.m. during Summer and 8/9 a.m. during Fall, Winter, and Spring, but volunteers can work to fit individual schedules.
