Evergreen Tree Trimming and Removal Service
Community Gardens of San Francisco
This is an excerpt from the Book called “Cracks In The Asphalt “ by Alex Hatch. Continue reading to learn more about Community Gardens of San Francisco, thanks to the author.
BERNAL HEIGHTS
BERNAL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY GARDEN
Bernal Heights Boulevard
Bernal Heights Community Garden is the oldest in San Francisco, and was once part of the vast Jose de Cornielio de Bernal rancho in the I83os. It is now owned by the city and is the anchor for the four Bernal Heights community gardens.
THIRTY YEARS AND STILL GROWING
Bernal Heights Community Garden was established by a committed group of neighborhood activists who, with the help of the San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners (SLUG) in the I97os. It is located on the south side of Bernal Heights Road. It is easy to miss. Look for tall pine trees, a low fence, and a pretty gate just on the other side of the white traffic barrier. It has sunset views with an inviting bench for viewing.
These gardens are within walking distance from one another. I have included a walking tour between them which offers varied views of San Francisco and some good exercise. Walkers can stop at one of the many restaurants or cafes on Cortland Street for a bite before or after touring the gardens.
BERNAL HEIGHTS
DOG PATCH/MILLER MEMORIAL GROVE
Franconia and Massasoit
STAIRWAY GARDENS
What was once a collection of unwanted cars and other commodities accumulating for many years is now Dog Patch/Miller Memorial Grove. In the I970s the city took responsibility for the area and built retaining walls and plots. Thereafter the women farmers of the Hmong community could be seen regularly working in their traditional dress using tools brought with them from Laos. The garden continues to flourished to date. This area is dissected by stairways which give onto private gardens and offers wonderful views.
Miller Memorial Grove adjoining Dog Patch is named for a gentleman who was a fixture of the neighborhood at the time. Although he was not a gardener he was well-known and respected by the gardeners who, after his death in the I98os decided to name the garden after him. His family resides nearby.
BERNAL HEIGHTS
GOOD PROSPECT GARDEN
Between Cortland and Santa Marina Streets
TWO IN ONE
Opening onto Cortland Street, the commercial hub of Bernal Heights, is Good Prospect Garden. Started in the late i98os, the plots cover an enormous pipe carrying water from a reservoir near Holly Park to Cortland Street.
The garden is divided into two halves, one side is the traditional plot garden and the other side is open and tree lined, with a bench overlooking Cortland Street.
BERNAL HEIGHTS
OGDEN TERRACE
Ogden Avenue and Prentiss Street
TIES TO THE PAST
Ogden Terrace was originally constructed using old railroad ties, which gave the garden a distinctive look and feel. They have since been replaced due to disintegration. The garden was completely redesigned in 2006, and currently boasts terraces and archways.
Ogden Terrace overlooks one of the many city-wide San Francisco farmer’s market’s open on Saturday mornings.
CORONA HEIGHTS
CORONA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY GARDEN
States Street off Roosevelt Way
SALAD BOWL FOR THE HOMELESS
“Salad bowl for the homeless.” a negative cry from some of the neighbors when sin I993, two neighborhood activists and designers began talking about the possibility of establishing a community garden on Corona Heights. In I995 this small garden was opened with the help of the city in spite of the neighborhood opposition. It gives the feeling of hanging over the hillside and offers spectacular views of the city.
DIAMOND HEIGHTS
CRAGS COURT COMMUNITY GARDEN
Crags Court near Berkeley Way
A GARDEN ON THE EDGE
Crags Court Community Garden owes its existence to the lucky fact that, although the area was being developed in the early I97os, the land it sits on was far too small for a home and just the right size for a community garden. Since that time, it has been lovingly tended and developed by a dedicated group of gardeners who also rescue plants discarded by nurseries. During the week it is a teaching garden for groups of preschoolers.
The garden hangs of the cliff overlooking Glen Canyon and is small but full of beautiful plots, arbors, pine trees, and lovely views.
EUREKA VALLEY
CORWIN STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN
Corwin and Douglass Streets
NATIVES IN THE CITY
In I963 the residents of Eureka Valley staged the first sit-in to block developers from building on empty land. This was the beginning of a movement to save open space in San Francisco and a forerunner of the development of community gardens.
Corwin Street Community Garden was established in I995 and is devoted to drought resistant native plants. After viewing the garden, I recommend a walk around the neighborhood, which is charming.
Below is a short walking tour of the area around Corwin Street Community Garden.
GLEN PARK
ARLINGTON GARDEN
Arlington Street between Miguel and St. Charles Streets
THE GREENING OF SAN JOSE AVENUE
A flourishing garden now stands where there was once a row of houses which were removed when San Jose Avenue was widened in I987. Rather than let the area be neglected, the neighbors stepped in to create a garden of flowers and vegetables surrounded by roses and vines.
HAYES VALLEY/FILLMORE
THREE ON ONE
PAGE STREET GARDEN
Page Street between Webster and Buchanan Streets
This property passed through the hands of the Zen Center, which is nearby, and the San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners before it was bought by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department in 2004. This space accommodates many gardeners in the area who wish to have a plot to grow their favorite vegetables and flowers. There is a charming seating area in the back of the garden. It is locked, but perhaps a friendly gardener will let you enter to have a look around.
HAYES VALLEY/FILLMORE
ROSE/PAGE MINI PARK
Page and Rose between Laguna and Octavia Streets
VICTORIAN CHARM
Surrounded by Victorian homes, built as early as I9Io, this cozy garden is a little piece of Europe with its wrought iron fences, gates, and winding path—a charmer for the city, fitting into the feeling of San Francisco in the early I900s. It is open to the public daily.
INGLESIDE
BROOKS PARK
Shields and Ramsell Streets
BROOKS PARK HAS MOVED WITH THE TIMES
Originally the land was a playground for the children of the Ohlone Indian tribe. From the I92os until the I97os, the property was occupied by the Brook’s family. At that time the land was sold to the city. It was neglected and unused until the late I98os, when the neighbors decided to clean it up. From these efforts the Brooks Community Garden was born. Mrs. Brook’s original native plant garden on the hillside opposite the garden continues to be restored by a loving group of devoted volunteers who gather monthly.
In this remarkable park plots are brimming with vegetables and flowers. The local elementary school uses it as a learning garden, with Tai Chi classes, and a ping pong table stands ready for use. Views include the Pacific Ocean and Mt.Tamalpais in Marin County. For additional information pick up the handout, A Brief History of Brooks Park (2006) available at the garden.
MARINA
FORT MASON COMMUNITY GARDEN
Bay and Franklin Streets
A GARDEN RETURNS TO ITS BEGINNINGS
In the I970s the San Francisco Arts Commission, established by several well-known local artists inspired by the civil rights and free speech movements, began the community garden movement in San Francisco.
Fort Mason Community Garden was one of the first to be established in I975. However, it was not originally in the location it is today. After some research the present location was selected and later it was discovered to be the very sight of the original Fort Mason garden. It became a teaching garden for the students of Marina High School and a focal point for the neighborhood. Nestled behind the Visitor Center in Fort Mason, the Fort Mason Community Garden offers a lovely and quiet place to contemplate and read about its long history from the informative handout available at the garden. Take some time to stroll around the large and lush vegetable and flower beds, and enjoy a garden brimming with roses, sunshine, and spectacular views of the north bay. This is a garden not to be missed with a picnic table available to enjoy.
MISSION
Dearborn community garden
Dearborn and Bird Streets
From Car Park To Garden
It is appropriate that this 35 year old garden should border on Bird Street since there are many birds today in what used to be a parking lot for the now extinct Pepsi Cola factory. In the late I970s the Pepsi Cola Company, which still owns the property, generously allowed the neighbors to create the garden you see today. It is a locked garden however, if a gardener is available, ask if you can come in and wander.
NOB HILL
HOOKER ALLEY
Mason Street between Pine and Bush streets
HOOKER ALLEY SPANS HISTORY
Perched on Mason Street, Hooker Alley is long and narrow, and possibly named after Charles G. Hooker. Mr. Hooker came to San Francisco in I852, three years after the Gold Rush and became a prominent hardware merchant and member of the pacific Union Club. He lived at 9I7 Bush Street from I867 until I887 and passed away in I905.
When the alley began to be used as a homeless camp, the neighbors contacted the city with their plan to create a garden. Once the city agreed, the neighbors banded together and cleaned up the alley. The city brought tons of top soil to cover the concrete and the alley changed its role in the history of San Francisco. The garden is surrounded by a fence; however, if a gardener is available, you may be able to get a glimpse of the lush garden on the other side.
NOE VALLEY
CLIPPER TERRACE
Clipper and Grandview
TOM, THE LAST HORSE IN NOE VALLEY
Clipper Terrace is a small portion of what remains of the Paige Family ten acre dairy farm today. Two farm houses once stood on the hill until fire and decay caused them to be recently replaced by modern housing.
In the article entitled “Two Paiges in History” by Jeanne Alexander (Noe Valley Voice, October, 1989), Alexander narrates the history of the Paige family ranch and the subsequent use of the land as a teaching garden for the students of nearby McAteer High School, now school of the Arts.
As late as I965, Tom the pinto horse, owned by the Paige brothers could be seen high on the hilltop overlooking Noe Valley. Occasionally, on Halloween night, Tom was taken for a walk down into the valley courtesy of neighborhood pranksters and could be seen Posted at the Clipper Terrace Garden entrance is the complete article about the Paige brothers and the history of the farm.
NORTH BEACH
MICHELANGELO PLAYGROUND AND COMMUNITY GARDEN
Greenwich between Leavenworth and Jones Streets
It may be easy in Rome, but in San Francisco, Michelangelo is hard to find.
Just over the top of Russian Hill on Greenwich Street look for a sign indicating a school playground and you will have found Michelangelo community Garden. It is an off-street garden surrounded by apartments, combining a basketball court, playground, and community garden. This deep lot was meant to be a real estate development twenty years ago until the neighbors petitioned the city to create the garden and adjoining park. The three-block climb up the hill from Columbus Avenue is well worth the effort and a lovely spot to sit and relax.
POTRERO HILL
GARDENS, VIEWS, AND WINDING STREETS
The Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco has four gardens: Arkansas and Connecticut Friendship Gardens on 22nd Street, Potrero Hill Community Garden at Vermont and 20th street at McKinley Square, and 25th and De Haro.
ARKANSAS AND CONNECTICUT FRIENDSHIP GARDENS
22nd Street between Arkansas and Connecticut Streets
SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AND COMMUNITY
The persistence of the members of these back to back gardens have changed a neighborhood dynamic from one of vandalism to cooperation. Almost all was lost when a piece of property adjacent to the two gardens changed hands and new construction threatened both the light and size of the gardens. However, because of the generosity, understanding, and recognition of the value of these two gardens by the new neighbor, the gardens have continued to bloom and nourish the spirit of the neighborhood for many years to come.
In front of the Connecticut Friendship Garden is a community herb garden planted beside a memorial to a young neighborhood child. The gate is often open.
POTRERO HILL
POTRERO HILL COMMUNITY GARDEN
20th and san Bruno Streets
NEXT TO THE CURVIEST STREET IN SAN FRANCISCO
This hillside has had many incarnations: a goat pasture, a teaching garden in the late 1960s, and a squatter garden which finally became a community garden. Potrero Hill Community Garden with its spectacular panoramic views of San Francisco sits beside Vermont Street, which, as it reaches 20th Street, becomes the curviest street in San Francisco despite the tourist guides which give that distinction to the fancier Lombard Street.
POTRERO HILL
25TH AND DE HARO
25th Street and De Haro at Littlefield Terrace
SWEET PEAS AND MEMORIES
25th and De Haro is a small and compact garden in a country setting making it quite charming to visit. The fence is low, so it is easy to see into this thriving and productive oasis. This garden has had some vandalism in the past, but the members have shown initiative and determination and made this small space once more productive. Plot#16 is a memorial plot dedicated to a long-time member.
RICHMOND
ARGONNE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Between 15th and 16th Avenues, and Fulton and Cabrillo
COMMUNITY ACTIVISM SAVES GARDEN
Argonne Community Garden is one of the older gardens is San Francisco and is administered by the Unified School District. In the late I990s the garden was threatened by closure, but thanks to a huge turnout of neighbors and other garden activists, the plans were changed. A new solar preschool was built and the garden remains today as a testament to the power of a determined and unified community. The gardeners have made a commitment to a weekly box of food from the garden to be given to a shelter for women and children in the neighborhood. Argonne Community Garden is large and very pleasant garden to wander through with a picnic table for relaxing.
SOUTH OF MARKET
MISSION CREEK GARDEN
6th and Channel Streets
HOUSEBOATS AND ROSES
THE GARDEN AT 6TH Street and Channel sits beside Mission Creek and the houseboats which line it. A grassy, tree lined walk follows the creek leading to the garden. Beyond is the new University of California Medical Center campus, and just beyond, the downtown area.Within walking distance of the garden is the San Francisco Giants baseball stadium. A nice destination to picnic before the game. Also, two of San Francisco’s three drawbridges are nearby at 3rd and 4th streets.
SUNSET
The foggy western edge of the city boasts three gardens all of which, despite the drippy, dense fog of summer, are beautiful and colorful year-round.
SUNSET COMMUNITY GARDEN
37th Avenue and Pacheco Street
FROM VICTORY GARDEN TO COMMUNITY GARDEN
One of the oldest community gardens in San Francisco, Sunset Community Garden has a rich history connecting it to this most western neighborhood of San Francisco. Originally, it was a World War II victory garden providing food to the residents nearby. Today it continues that tradition the members, who are mainly senior citizens, live in the surrounding neighborhood and work the garden which provides them with sociability and exercise in an invigorating climate. Take some time to stroll outside the fence along the path on the northern side of the garden.
SUNSET
GARDEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
7th Avenue and Lawton Street
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
This garden was established by the now defunct San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners or SLUG, and has always been the hub for educational programs form composting to rose care. Classes are held frequently and the garden is always open for wandering. Be sure to read the information on the use of native and drought tolerant plants. This is strictly a teaching garden and therefore the plots are not available for use.
SUNSET
WHITE CRANE SPRINGS GARDEN
Locksley Street
NOOKS, CRANNIES, AND ENCHANTMENT SINCH THE 1970S
Down the street from Garden for the Environment, the large and well cared for White Crane Springs Garden is nestled in the trees and is open to the public. Take a few minutes to walk around its many nooks and crannies and be sure to have a good look at the clay and straw redwood framed tool hut with a living roof and the beautiful door.
