The garden is approximately 1.4 acres and contains approximately 100 plots available for patrons to lease. The space includes both permaculture and pollinator gardens, as well as space for fruit trees and pineapples, as a nod to Boca Raton’s agricultural past. Ten percent of all fruits and vegetables harvested by individual garden plots are donated to Boca Helping Hands.
The JLBR worked closely with Brightline and the City of Boca Raton to relocate the garden that was formerly located across from the downtown public library. The initiative is part of Brightline’s investment in the city in addition to a new train station and parking garage. The garden is the definition of true community partnership. The City of Boca Raton made the new garden possible by providing the land, and Brightline made a major contribution to help fund the construction at the new location.
The original Junior League of Boca Raton Community Garden broke ground on Earth Day 2010 with land donated by the city. The garden was the brainchild of Mayor Susan Whelchel, a Junior League sustainer, and it opened during her tenure. Since then, the Junior League of Boca Raton has managed and supported the garden. The original garden had a total of 97 plots that were leased to Boca Raton residents on a yearly basis. Historically, the garden has been the largest community garden in the state of Florida.
