Care for the Central Library gardens has changed hands many times since their genesis in 2010-2011.
Cultivated by an array of volunteers and their organizations, these plots beautify the library's surroundings, support critical ecology and demonstrate the many benefits of community collaboration. Gardening activities also contribute positively to mental well-being and quality of life, with an umbrella review of studies confirming reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as a greater sense of purpose and emotional resilience.
Vegetable Gardens
In partnership with the Library, Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA) and volunteers from their Plot Against Hunger program manage the vegetable gardens which are located on two sites: to the south side of the Quincy Park tennis courts (known as the Berm Garden) and in the raised garden located on the brick plaza.
The purpose of the garden is to demonstrate sustainable, replicable vegetable garden practices and to educate the Arlington community about how to grow vegetables in an urban area. Plot Against Hunger donates 100% of its harvests to area feeding programs that assist local families in need.
Native Plant Gardens
Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (ARMN), in partnership with the library, care for the native gardens across three plots at Central Library: the Sunny Garden flanking the small auditorium patio, the Shady Garden running along the west side of the tennis courts, and the Shrub Garden located at the library's 10th Street entrance.
The purpose of the native gardens is to help restore native habitat by cultivating supportive native ecosystems and removing invasive plants. These gardens also attract pollinators and natural pest controllers that benefit the nearby vegetable gardens.
Through educational signage and events, the gardeners seek to educate the community about the role native plants play in providing a vital habitat for resident and migratory wildlife while sharing ways to replicate those gardens in residential settings.