About

What is a Community Garden?

A community garden is land gardened collectively by a group of people. Each person has an individual plot they take care of from planting to harvesting local, fresh, healthy food for themselves and their family. The garden’s members work to keep the space tidy and productive. A community forms between the gardeners that transcends garden boundaries and strengthens the larger community.

What makes Crowley Station Community Garden Unique?

Crowley Station is centrally located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The garden is 14 raised beds on top of the concrete platform that surrounds the Madison Water Utility well #17. The space also serves as a meeting and social area for the First Settlement neighborhood. Our beds are smaller than those of other Madison community gardens which makes CSCG perfect for new gardeners and busy downtowners.

The garden was made possible by a generous grant from Madison Water Utility in the spring of 2014.

What do members of the garden do?

Garden members are assigned individual plots. Throughout the year they plant, care for, and harvest their plots. The harvests from these plots provide fresh produce at a fraction of the cost for gardeners and their families. Members also contribute some volunteer work hours to the whole garden. Members are encouraged to get to know their garden neighbors and create a community with each other.

What is the Becky Selleck Memorial Plot?

One full plot has been dedicated to educating members and the public of the many joys and benefits of gardening. The leadership team cares for this plot all year round. This plot has been used to help demonstrate different space saving techniques for urban gardens and the basics on caring for vegetables. Harvests from this plot have been donated to the Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry.

This plot is dedicated to the garden’s first Educational Director, Becky Selleck, who passed away in 2015.

What are the benefits to a Community Garden membership?

• Fresh, Nutritious, Affordable food.
• An excuse to spend time in the fresh air and sunshine.
• Advice and help from neighbors in gardening efforts.
• Opportunity to serve as a community leader on the Leadership Team.
• Ability to grow your own food.