OUR MISSION
- Provide community garden space
- Build a sense of community
- Promote sustainable gardening practices such as organic gardening and on-site composting
- Share produce with community organizations
- Provide a place of beauty for others to enjoy
- Provide environmental education and outreach to Dowling gardeners, Dowling School parents and children, and the community
- Provide garden space for Dowling School children, teachers, and after-school program
At Dowling Garden, organic gardening practices are encouraged; pesticide and herbicide use is not allowed. Dowling Garden is a contributing member of Seed Saver's Exchange and Seeds of Diversity, Canada--organizations preserving heirloom varieties of vegetables, fruits and flowers. See links below.
Gardening Opportunities
Dowling contains over 175 plots, serving more than 200 gardeners from six cities and 15 neighborhoods in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Dowling School teachers and children garden four of the plots. Dowling gardeners are culturally diverse, of all ages and abilities. There is always a waiting list of gardeners for available space.
Wheelchair-accessible Gardens
Raised bed gardens are used by disabled gardeners and Dowling Special-Ed students. Taller raised bed gardens are used by older gardeners or those with limited mobility.
Environmental Education
Through our web site and newsletter we distribute gardening and harvest advice. Dowling maintains demonstration gardens showcasing organic practices, holds informational events, distributes fact sheets and seeds. We are increasing wildlife habitat through bird and bat housing and native plant gardens.
Excess Produce Donation
Produce is collected during June through September and donated to food shelves and meals programs.
Community Focal Point
Dowling Garden presents Heirloom Festival, a celebration of food and sustainable gardening on August 16, 2008 from 10 am to 2 pm. We are improving open space used by community members with flower gardens, a picnic table, benches and a bike rack.