Sunshine Community Garden has been a green oasis advocating sustainable, responsible and natural gardening techniques in the middle of the city since 1979. Members of the Garden promote a healthy lifestyle through green gardening education.
With over 200 plots covering more than four acres, all erupting with a riot of colorful flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs, and decorated with a variety of eclectic folk art, the garden exemplifies Austin’s unique spirit of community and diversity.
Austin’s Organic Oasis
One of the few independently run gardens of its kind in Austin, Sunshine Community Garden provides members with a unique place to grow their own healthy organic food and exquisite flowers. The garden is located near Lamar Boulevard and 45th Street in the northwest part of central Austin, which was recently awarded the esteemed status as Austin’s fifth certified Green Neighborhood.
A vibrant and productive gathering place for people who want to learn to grow their own flowers or healthy organic food, the garden is also popular with people with know-how but who lack the right kind of land or the required space. Either way, the garden offers members the opportunity to enjoy planting, growing and harvesting vegetables, herbs and flowers in a welcoming and productive environment.
Planting Seeds, Sharing Wisdom and Wheelchair-Friendly Gardens
Those new to gardening have the advantage of asking experienced members to share their wisdom and knowledge, along with access to the garden library’s free pamphlets and books available to borrow. There’s a spacious meeting room available for lectures, educational workshops and gardening classes that are conducted throughout the year. The workshops and classes are a wonderful place for members to get to know each other, learn together and teach each other as a community.
In addition to over 200 plots for member use, the garden also provides two greenhouses, a spacious chicken coop and several mulch and compost areas. The community believes everyone should be able to reap the benefits of growing one’s own food, and has recently constructed three raised plots that allow access for people in wheelchairs or individuals with other mobility issues. The specially designed beds have nearby water spouts and are conveniently located next to the parking area.
Family Fun at the Annual Spring Plant Sale
The Sunshine Community Garden’s primary fundraiser, the annual Spring Plant Sale, is held each March and provides Austin with an incredible selection of organic produce, heirloom and hybrid plants, seeds and exquisite flowers.
Funds raised help pay for the Garden’s maintenance, allow affordable plot rental fees and provide opportunities for special member projects. Live local music and a wide variety of art and craft vendors make this free event a wonderful place for the entire family to have fun and socialize while stocking up on everything needed for a beautiful home garden.
The garden is also involved in numerous community projects and donates plants and seeds to school gardens and youth groups, in addition to hosting educational school field trips at the gardens throughout the year.