Valley Community Garden
Location: West Center City Neighborhood – Corner of 8th and Jefferson Streets, Wilmington DE
Fast Facts
Type: Vegetable Garden
Coordinator: Rock Brown
Created: 2001
“The Garden has stimulated concern for the cleanliness and welfare of the neighborhood.” |
History: As with many other community gardens, Valley Community Garden began as an vacant lot that had become a  dumping ground for trash and car parts. Citizens rallied around the idea of making a garden out of the space and enlisted of the help of the City of Wilmington and the Delaware Center for Horticulture. Working together, the site has been transformed into a community vegetable garden featuring 21 raised beds, 14 different families and individuals who tend them and an eye-catching mural by local artist Roldán West that represents the Past, Present, and Future of the area.
Naming the Garden: The garden name is derived from "The Valley" neighborhood in which it is located. Known as a tough neighborhood, the name dates back to the 1960’s and is so-called for its location at the bottom of a hill that rolls down from Washington Street to Monroe Street and travels up again from Adam Street to Van Buren Street.
Impact: The garden has clearly been changing the neighborhood for the better; fostering concern in area residents for the welfare of the community. Individuals and organizations have stepped-up efforts to keep nearby lots and streets clean, and people are noticeably more relaxed in the streets around the garden. |
