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.
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.
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.
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.
Produce is collected during June through September and donated to food shelves and meals programs.
Dowling Garden presents Heirloom Festival, a celebration of food and sustainable gardening on August 16, 2009 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.