San Diego City Wire

What was once a vacant lot in Linda Vista has been transformed into a thriving community garden, featuring fresh produce, flowers, and new friendships. This site is one of seven community gardens established with the assistance of County Aging & Independence Services (AIS).

AIS utilized state funds to purchase necessary supplies such as fertilizer, shovels, trowels, and garden sheds. Overall, AIS supports over 20 new and existing community gardens in various capacities.

The Bayside Community Center collaborated with several partners to construct the garden within Linda Vista Park, celebrating its opening in June.

The garden attracts both novice and experienced gardeners from all age groups. Families with children, college students, and older adults are frequent visitors. Some reside at the nearby Levant Senior Cottages.

Two residents became acquainted while working in the garden rather than at their residential complex.

Jennifer Bransford-Koons, Director of Aging & Independence Services, emphasized the importance of these spaces: “It’s so important to have a place where people can gather and make lasting connections,” she said. “No matter what your age, community gardens allow everyone to work together side by side, as well as learn from, and about each other, in ways that foster that sense of community we all need.”

Intergenerational gardens like this one are found throughout the region, including locations at Spring Valley Community Center and Lakeside Community Center. The County Library branch in Ramona also hosts a garden.

For those interested in finding an AIS-supported community garden nearby, Intergenerational Coordinator Pam Plimpton can be contacted at pam.plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Additional county-related gardens are located at Sweetwater Community Garden in Bonita, Tijuana River Valley Community Garden, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, and Rancho Guajome Adobe.

The County also backs the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. Their website provides information on additional garden locations and guidance on starting or restoring a community garden.

These initiatives underscore the County's dedication to sustainability as part of its mission for a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.