The Lower 9th Ward has a rich cultural tradition of growing food. We work to encourage and support that tradition, and use it as a community-building tool. We want to bring people together in the gardens to grow, literally and figuratively.
Adopt-A-Plot
The Adopt-A-Plot program offers an opportunity for residents who want to grow in community with others. Garden plots are available for planting at the two BGN gardens – Ernst Garden and the Guerrilla Garden. Lower 9th Ward residents have priority (¾ of plots are set aside for Lower 9th Ward residents). All BGN gardeners get free access to water and basic tools, access to the Tool Lending Library, and free seeds and starter plants courtesy of New Orleans Food and Farm Network and Parkway Partners. Also, gardening at the community gardens allows residents to share advice and stories with one another. Gardeners meet regularly to make decisions about the garden and plan events.
Tool Lending Library
The Tool Lending Library program offers low-cost garden tool rental for Lower 9th Ward residents. In stock, we have a tiller, a weed wacker, pointed and flat shovels, leaf rakes, hard rakes, pick axes, and many hand tools.
Thanks to New Orleans Food and Farm Network and The Home Depot Foundation for your generous donations!
Special Events
Mostly at the Guerrilla Garden, we host a variety of special events to bring our community together in the gardens. In partnership with New Orleans Citizens Diplomacy Council, we have hosted delegations of visitors from around the world for cultural exchanges with our community. We also have an annual Tastes of the Lower 9th Ward Community Potluck, where residents bring a dish that includes ingredients grown in the neighborhood. Our annual Watermelon Party is a fun time to crack open fresh picked watermelons straight from the garden! Events like these are opportunities for our community to come together, share food and stories, and feel more connected to the land and one another.
Community Garden Space Use
The gardens are available for individuals or organizations to use as well. With an outdoor kitchen space, a shade structure, picnic tables and benches, the Guerrilla Garden is a great place to host a church or family function. We see these gardens as lively community centers and welcome community organizations and residents to use them!