Featured Gardens - 2008

Fodor Farm Community Garden

What was once an overgrown and un-used property is now the site of the new Fodor Farm Community Garden. Families and community groups have registered for a total of 220 garden plots, each measuring 4 ft x 12 ft and costing $5 for the gardening season.

The garden utilizes approximately 2 acres of the 9.2-acre, city-owned property, which was slated for nature and educational purposes through a City Council resolution passed in 2007. The community garden concept, which had been discussed in previous years, became a reality when the Norwalk Departments of Health and Recreation & Parks partnered to submit, and later secure, an obesity prevention grant under the CT Department of Public Health.

The grant provides about $100,000 in funding for the physical garden development, including the provision of fencing, a water system and gardening supplies, marketing, education, evaluation and support. On-site, gardeners have access to tools, water and organic fertilizers and pest control products.

Starting on May 1st, gardeners will be able to begin planting their plots. Fodor Farm will also welcome a beekeeper, educational sessions on cooking, nutrition and other recreational classes, and a farmers market that will run from June to October.

All at one site, Norwalk residents will be able to grow their own foods, learn about nutrition and purchase locally grown products, providing increased access to nutritious foods and safe recreation and allowing historic Fodor Farm to thrive once again.

For more information about Fodor Farm, email Healthy Lifestyles Associate Gabrielle Grode at the Norwalk Health Department or call 203-854-7974.

Abandoned for many years, this is the site of the future Fodor Farm Community Garden (Jan. 2008)

A rusting car used to stand here. (Jan. 2008)

Garden plots are layed out. (April 2008)

The fences and tent go up. (April 2008)

Residents flock to City Hall to sign-up for the garden plots. 220 plots were leased in 2 hours and
more than 100 families are on the waiting list! (April 15, 2008)

The garden plots are ready to be filled with flower, vegetable and herb seeds.

They Mayor of Norwalk, City officials and friends of Fodor Farm celebrate
the garden's opening at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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