Theodore L. Mead Community Garden

One of the first community gardens in Winter Park, this garden grows fresh, organically grown vegetables and fruit and will be maintained by residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.  Each of the 32 beds is rented by a resident and their family for a full year - 4 growing seasons.  Residents are in charge of planting their own fruit and vegetables, and for maintaining their 4 ft by 16 ft garden bed to be free of weeds and pests using organic methods.

The residents have formed their own organization with bylaws and officers.  Led by a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, and they report to the Board of Trustees of Mead Botanical Garden, Inc.  The group meets quarterly for social events, and the Florida School of Holistic Living provides educational opportunities throughout the year for gardeners to learn and improve their gardening skills.

If you have an interest in being a part of the community garden, please contact Emily Ruff at the Florida School of Holistic Living by email or phone at 407-595-3731.

This communitiy garden was established as a Demonstration Community Garden, managed by the Orange County / UF IFAS Cooperative Extension Service and Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers. In February, 2011, it was turned over to the organization of nearby residents.

The garden is located in the northwest corner of Mead Botanical Garden at 1310 S. Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789.

Benefits of a Community Garden

Gardening by itself is therapy and provides exercise through the process of maintaining a garden. Maintaining a garden bed will be a learning experience through formal and informal demonstrations and presentations throughout the year. Intergenerational and cross-cultural interaction will be encouraged in all participation, education and development phases of the Community Garden. 

Funding

The Winter Park Health Foundation funded the budget for the Demonstration Community Garden in 2009 at $25,000 over three years.

The TLM Community Garden Learning Centre is registered as a member of the American Community Garden Association.