Langdon Community Garden : A Partnership Between DPR and The Neighborhood

A perfect example of gardening in small spaces is the Langdon Community Garden at the corner of 24th and Franklin Streets NE. Located across the street from First St. Paul Baptist Church and catty-corner to the Bodega where a young man was gunned down a few weeks ago qualifies it as a true urban garden. Amid this dichotomy is a thriving community garden managed by “Beth” as an exemplary example of the partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Langdon neighborhood.

Beth took a few minutes away from her gardening to talk to The DC VOice about the Langdon Garden. The garden was established in June of 2016 and contains 18 plots growing a wide variety of vegetables from tomatoes, to greens, okra. Beth also mentioned that blueberries grow outside the fence and are free to the public. The garden provides an opportunity for youngsters in the community to become exposed to gardening. Among the plot owners is Petite’s Daycare, a few short blocks away on Rhode Island Avenue. The garden is part of the Langdon Youth & Community Gardening Program, sponsored by DPR.

There are currently about 20 residents on the waitlist looking for their opportunity to break ground. Gardeners range in age from 3 and a half to 80 years old. Residents are allowed to keep a plot for 3 years unless there’s no one waiting for a plot. In that case, they may retain the space longer. If you question whether this is a working garden, dispel the thought. As The DC Voice was leaving a resident was coming in to pick some fresh greens.