The garden’s history reflects the revitalization of Soulard, which began in the 1970s. Dating back to the mid-1800s, the block was originally home to predominantly German immigrants who worked in shipping and industry along the Mississippi River. In 1974 row house apartments were demolished and the property was left to weeds. Community Garden operations began in 1992 with a few beds and water from a nearby fire hydrant.
Today the Community Garden property belongs to the City of St Louis Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) and participates in the nonprofit Gateway Greening Land Trust program. About 40 members cultivate 26 individual beds in addition to large shared beds and fruit trees which are served by an underground
The garden is also home to countless “volunteer” butterfly weeds and sunflowers, hosting monarch butterflies and honey bees. Late summer is a wonderful time to photograph the butterflies and buy honey made by garden members, with a little help from the bees.
New members are welcome to apply in early spring via our “New Member Information” page!