Community gardens have been growing in popularity—and with good reason. These public spaces allow individuals and families who normally wouldn’t have the space and/or resources to grow their own food.
Simon’s Community Garden benefits the underserved community in East Winston by providing access to fresh food and free programming and workshops.
What Can I Find at Simon’s Community Garden?
Simon’s Community Garden features 90 raised garden beds, a native wildflower meadow, a covered outdoor classroom, a multi-purpose education area, a concert stage, and a meditation area.
While a few of the raised garden beds can be used by anyone, the majority of the beds are available to rent for the season. The cost of rent depends on the bed size, but the most anyone will pay is $20.
The Details: Individuals or families renting a garden bed are provided a code to access the garden anytime.
Background
Simon’s Community Garden started in 2011 as part of the Simon Green Adkins Community Development Corporation (SGACDC). The initial gardeners included Winston-Salem State University students, Emmanuel Baptist Church members, and participants from the Boys and Girls Club.
The Bigger Picture: SGACDC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by Winston-Salem State University. WSSU created the nonprofit to revitalize the communities surrounding the university by promoting homeownership, development, job creation, and community.
Why it Matters
The community garden is located in an underserved part of Winston-Salem, where residents have limited access to fresh, healthy food. The garden not only provides them with the opportunity to grow their own food, but it also serves as a space for creating community, relaxing, and healing through nature.
Events
Here is a list of the events, free programming, and workshops Simon’s Community Garden offers!
Garden Volunteer Days
Third Tuesdays, 6 PM – Dark; fourth Saturdays, 10 AM – 12 PM
Get your hands dirty and experience gardening firsthand.
Cooking in the Garden
Fourth Tuesdays from 6-7:30 PM
A hands-on cooking class and demo using ingredients right from the garden.
Farmer’s Market
Second Thursdays: 6-8 PM; fourth Tuesdays: 6-7:30 PM; 4th Saturdays: 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Purchase fresh food grown by the local community.
Sizzlin’ Summer Nights
Second Thursdays from 6-8 PM
Experience a night of live music, great food, opportunities to tour the garden, and fellowship with neighbors.
Youth & Senior Garden Experience
First and third Tuesdays from 6-7 PM
Gardening is for everybody, no matter your age!
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