On Sat., May 24, staff from the GrowBoston Office of Urban Agriculture joined local gardeners to celebrate the reopening of the Julian, Judson, and Dean (JJD) Community Garden in Uphams Corner. After a successful soil cleanup funded by the city, the garden is once again open for residents to grow food, connect with neighbors, and enjoy this shared green space.
“Community gardens like the JJD are important spaces where residents can come together to cultivate both food and community,” said Boston’s Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon. “The city is pleased to have supported the reopening of this garden through our Grassroots Program, ensuring it remains a safe and accessible resource for Dorchester residents.”
Located at 48 Julian St., the JJD Garden has been part of the Dorchester neighborhood for more than 30 years. It is managed by The Trustees of Reservations, a nonprofit organization that cares for parks and open spaces across Massachusetts. The JJD space has 36 plots, and the Trustees estimate that those 36 plots directly feed approximately 200 individuals. The garden serves many immigrants from Cape Verde and is tended by community gardeners ranging from children to older adults.
With $150,000 in funding from the Grassroots Program and an additional $35,000 from the city’s participatory budgeting process, the Trustees worked to create a clean, healthy site that is safe for growing fruits and vegetables. The work is now complete, and the entire garden is ready for planting.
