GARDENSCAPES
Island Roots:
A Look Inside the IGI Community Garden
By Elisabeth Roche
Just past the orderly rows of Island Grown Initiative’s farm lies the IGI Community Garden, a half-acre patch of sun and soil where residents from across the Island come together to plant seeds, pull weeds, and quietly build something lasting. It’s a shared space where food, friendships, and self-reliance take root.
Now in its twelfth season, the Community Garden has grown from a modest experiment into a vibrant gathering place with 45 active plots and a growing waitlist. It offers residents of all ages and experience levels a place to grow their own food and connect with others.
The garden is part of a broader mission at Island Grown Initiative, the nonprofit stewarding the land it sits on. Since 2006, they have worked to build a regenerative and equitable food system on Martha’s Vineyard. IGI supports thousands of Islanders each year through farming, education, and programs that expand access to healthy food. The community garden is one small but essential piece of that work.
Emily Armstrong, who manages the garden, has been involved since the beginning. “The garden started with just five families, including me,” she said. “We had one hose and one wheelbarrow we all shared. Over time, we’ve added compost, wood chips, shared tools, and water lines to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed.”
That infrastructure reflects the spirit of the space: collaborative, functional, and grounded in community. Today, 25 families garden here, most returning season after season. While some eventually move or start gardens at home, many stay, mentoring newcomers and helping maintain a culture of support.
Gardeners grow everything from lettuce and onions to sunflowers, beans, kale, and cucumbers. Some are seasoned growers. Others are just getting started. And then there are participants like Irene Jackson, who simply can’t imagine summer without her plot.
“This is my third year planting at the Community Garden,” Jackson said. “Having a garden is pretty critical to my well-being. When I moved to the Island, I didn’t think I’d be able to have one where I was renting. Now I garden both at home and here. Woohoo!”
Jackson has learned that the soil at the Community Garden supports certain crops—like lettuce and onions—far better than the poor soil at her rental. She’s also found community among her fellow plot holders.
“Everyone is friendly and helpful and clearly in their happy place when they’re in the garden,” she said. “There’s always someone sharing tips on germination, pest control, or deciding when to harvest.”
That exchange of knowledge is one of the garden’s greatest strengths. While each plot is maintained individually, the space thrives on neighborly interaction. Gardeners often share seeds, trade recipes, and admire each other’s successes.
“Everything is better together,” Armstrong said. “The Community Garden offers an opportunity to share growing tips and food. It’s peaceful, productive, and grounding—especially in the middle of a busy summer.”
Some plots are nestled beside those of experienced growers, whose thriving rows offer inspiration. But the atmosphere is intentionally welcoming, especially to beginners.
In recent years, demand for space has surged. In 2024 alone, IGI added 12 new plots—a record for the program.
“We’re using just about the whole half-acre,” Armstrong said. “When we can’t accommodate new gardeners, we refer folks to The Farm Institute, which also has a community garden program.”
Getting a plot requires patience. The waitlist is typically one to two years, and each gardener pays a small seasonal fee. Those interested can email Armstrong directly at emily@igimv.org to join the list.
For those looking to get involved with local food in a more flexible way, IGI’s Gleaning Program offers another opportunity. Volunteers help harvest surplus produce from Island farms (produce that might otherwise go unharvested) and distribute it to local schools, food pantries, and IGI’s Prepared Meals program. In 2024 alone, the community gleaned over 63,000 pounds of fresh food.
Back in her plot, Jackson reflects on what the space means to her. “Be prepared to work hard and enjoy others who think getting tired and sweaty playing in the dirt is the route to happiness,” she said.
In a region where seasonal rhythms move quickly and community ties can sometimes feel fleeting, the IGI Community Garden offers something different. It’s a place where Islanders return year after year to grow, connect, and stay rooted.
Island Grown Initiative (IGI) has worked to build a strong local food system for all on Martha’s Vineyard. Today, our programs touch the lives of the majority of year-round Islanders.
For more information, to volunteer or make a donation go to: www.igimv.org