Question 1

Where are the Gardens located?

Accepted Answer

The Goldenrod Community Garden is located at the north end of Tunney’s Pasture, just west of the Parkdale Ave. exit from the Kichi Zìbì Mìkan, on land leased from the NCC, between Goldenrod Driveway and the Kichi Zìbì Mìkan. See the map here (Google). The Parkdale-Bullman Temporary Community Garden is located at the intersection of Parkdale Avenue and Bullman Street at 272/274 Parkdale. See map here (Google Maps). The garden has a single tap and watering will be done by watering can.

Question 2

Who runs the Garden?

Accepted Answer

The Goldenrod Community Garden is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors supported by a number of committees.

Question 3

Who can have a plot?

Accepted Answer

The garden welcomes members from communities in the Kitchissippi area including Hintonburg, Mechanicsville, Champlain Park and Westboro. In order to offer access to as many people as possible, we restrict plots to one per household – across both garden sites.

If you do not live in the area, you can support the garden through volunteering, financial donation, and/or becoming a Friend of the Garden.

Question 4

How is the Garden funded?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing expenses for maintaining the Garden are generated by the membership through fees, fundraising, and grants.

Question 5

How much do plot costs? What does the fee cover?

Accepted Answer

Fees are set annually. For 2025-2026, the fee was $50 with 20% of plots being made available on a sliding-scale basis with a minimum fee of $10.

This consists of:
On-going operation and maintenance of the garden (water, soil amendments, lawn mowing, etc)
Admin costs (website, events, registration, etc)
Subsidizing plots for low income gardeners made available through our community partners (Somerset West Community Health Centre, Parkdale Food Centre and Ottawa Community Housing)
Saving for contingencies and capital projects such as repairs

Question 6

How can I participate?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to get involved with the Goldenrod Community Garden.

If you are interested in registering for a plot, please sign up on the waitlist.

If you do not want a plot, you are still welcome to join the garden as a Friend.  Friends of the Garden receive garden communications and are invited to all garden events.  They are also welcome to volunteer on the board, committees or special events.  Join as a friend.

All members - both plot-holders and friends - are encouraged to get involved in the garden by participating in social and educational events, gardening activities, and volunteering on the board and the various committees that keep the garden running (currently properties, membership, pollinator garden, and events).  Other volunteer activities will be advertised through the newsletter and by email to members as they arise.

Question 7

Who are the community partners?

Accepted Answer

The Goldenrod Community Garden is supported by the Community Garden Network. The Garden is partnered with the Somerset West Community Health Centre and Parkdale Food Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions