Located in Richmond’s historic Highland Park neighborhood in the city’s Northside, Six Points Community Garden was established in the spring of 2022 on a long-vacant lot owned by the City of Richmond.
Designed as park space rather than a traditional community garden with individual plots for cultivation, the initial planting saw the introduction of three native dogwoods (cornus florida), a Princeton elm, and two lilacs. Shortly afterwards, peonies, hydrangeas, viburnum, and roses were added to the park, enhancing the appearance of the park and complimenting the vibrancy of the community. In autumn, 2022 two North Star magnolias and hundreds of bulbs (tulips, daffodils, and crocuses) were added to the parcel.
In fall, 2024 more trees were added, including a maple, American hornbeam, and two Eastern redbuds, providing refuge for birds and adding spring color to the park. Months later, two raised beds were installed, planted with native Virginia flowers including Black-eyed Susans, phlox, coneflowers, wild bergamot, butterfly weed, and dill, among others.
Just as the neighborhood continues to flourish, work will continue at Six Points Community Garden, with grass supplanted by shrubs and flowers as we strive to best occupy the space and bring the most aesthetic value to the community.