History of the Garden 

The community garden movement has been gaining ground throughout the country and, after meetings held by the City to gauge interest, it was determined there was substantial support for developing such in Wildwood. The City wanted to encourage this type of community activity, thus the Department of Planning, with the approval of City Council, constructed the infrastructure for the first Wildwood Farms Community Garden in 2011. 

The original Garden grounds, located at the southwest corner of Main Street and Taylor Road, began with 45 4x8-foot raised planter beds and, over the subsequent 7 years, grew to 136 plots.  With economic growth steadily increasing in the Town Center Area, this prominent corner property gained considerable attention, resulting in the space making way for a mixed-use project approved by the City Council in 2018.

Given the Garden’s substantial support by the City Council, its Management Team, and members, the City elected to continue this community endeavor for those residents who remain vested in it and, based upon the lengthy waiting list, future gardeners as well!  After careful consideration of several options for the relocation of the Garden, City Council ultimately approved the use of a vacant portion of the 4-acre City Hall property and site preparations began immediately in March 2019.

Features of the New Garden

Located at the southwest corner of 16860 Main Street, approximately 30,000 square feet of fenced area holds 140 plots, consisting of 4x12-foot raised planter beds.  The new garden accommodates current and new members, as well as improved water supply, a shady nook in the cedar grove, and storage area for mulch and compost, with adjacent parking to the south of City Hall. Additionally, accommodations at this site will also allow for future expansion to either the east or west of this location. 

Become a Member of the Garden

If you have any questions or would like to put your name on the waiting list for a garden plot, please submit an online form, or contact the Department of Planning: Stacy Chanski, Recreation Specialist, at 636-458-0440, ext. 126, or Joe Vujnich, Director, at 636-458-0440, ext. 115.  It is not necessary to submit your name each year, as the waiting list carries over year to year.  

If you would like to follow the progress of garden, please visit the Facebook and Twitter accounts of Wildwood Farms Community Garden.