CONVIVIUM GARDENSWe believe that the food we eat, how it is grown and prepared, and who we enjoy it with contribute to healthy, fulfilled lives. For us, this starts in our gardens -- located all around our property as well as in the back and front yards of our neighbors.
Our gardens are both educational and functional — they provide hands-on learning opportunities for volunteers and class participants, as well as yield a significant amount of produce that we use in our restaurant, our classes, and in our free casserole program. We also maintain raised bed gardens throughout the neighborhood (Common Beds) where we grow food for the community - anyone can harvest from them! |
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Located in the middle of a food desert in the North End of Dubuque, IA., it is important to us that we use our gardens both to showcase and teach small space gardening techniques as well as to help increase access to healthy food in this area.
OUR THREE TYPES OF GARDENS
DEMONSTRATION GARDENSOur Demonstration Gardens showcase alternative or non-traditional ways to grow food -- like an herb spiral, potato towers, straw bale gardens, and different small space growing methods.
Our demonstration gardens often feature unique and rare crops, as well as highlight garden "themes" like a Bloody Mary garden, pizza or salsa garden, or a Three Sisters Garden. |
PRODUCTION GARDENSOur Production Gardens are where we grow fresh, hyper-local produce that is used in our restaurant, our casserole program, our cooking classes, and catering menu.
In these gardens, volunteers also gain hands-on experience at every stage of the growing process. From seed starting to harvesting -- volunteers help us grow over 3000 pounds of food each year right in our neighborhood! |
COMMON BEDSOur Common Beds are where we grow food for anyone to enjoy. In these yellow raised beds scattered throughout the neighborhood, Convivium staff and volunteers grow vegetables that are free for anyone to pick. Each bed has signs indicating what is available plus how and when to harvest.
These beds combine some of our favorite things: building community and a secure food system, as well as providing delicious food! |
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TAKE A TOURWe offer interactive, guided tours of our gardens and facility for large and small groups. Tours are offered throughout the year, but are most fun (and tasty!) during the growing season (May through September). Fees apply for guided tours.
We also have a free, self-guided tour you can take at your convenience. |
MORE GARDEN PROGRAMMING
GARDENING CLASSESOur gardening classes look to connect participants to the source of their food, the environment, and give them the skills and confidence to grow their own food.
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DEMONSTRATIONSOur demonstrations are free and fun ways to witness our behind-the-scenes projects that will inspire you to connect more with food, nature, and your community.
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