A free tour of the community gardens and parks of Springfield, Ohio's south side returns
July 26, 2025, 10am-4pm
In recent years, the South Side of Springfield, Ohio, has seen a blossoming of new community gardens and neighborhood parks, which offer residents more opportunities to grow their own food, buy fresh produce at affordable prices, get exercise, or simply enjoy beautiful places. Nine of these spots will be open to the public during the free “South Side in Bloom” tour, which takes place on the last Saturday in July.
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See five spots! Win prizes!
By visiting at least five of our nine locations, visitors will win a tote bag with some nice surprises inside. In addition, you can be entered in a drawing to win a painting being created live on tour day by a local artist. Pick up a check-off card at any location and get it stamped at each spot you visit. The cards must be turned in at one of these spots: Auburn Tolliver Peace Garden, Covenant UMC Community Garden, or Gammon House. ​
Participating Sites
Auburn Tolliver Peace Garden
1626 S. Limestone St.
This neighborhood park offers a peaceful haven from the traffic zipping by on Limestone. Brian Keith's family has spearheaded the development of this park, which is named for his great-grandfather, a civil rights activist in the 1960s and '70s.
Covenant UMC Community Garden
529 W. Johnny Lytle Ave.
The church started this garden to provide a healthy resource of vegetables grown from seeds and nourished by love. Since 2021, the garden has yielded tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and corn, which are shared with the community.
Dorothy Bacon Memorial Park
349 W. Grand Ave.
One of three neighborhood parks developed by The Conscious Connect CDC, this spot includes a basketball court, a “little library,” benches, and beautiful landscaping. On tour day, visitors can enjoy music, books, face painting, and more!
Gammon House
620 Piqua Pl.
This National Historic site is one of only three Underground Railroad “stops” still in existence in Ohio that was owned by a family of color. The Discovery History Walk, which opened June 7, gives information about 15 Ohio stops on the Underground Railroad. Volunteers will guide visitors in tours of the house and grounds.
Green Environmental Outreach
724 S. Plum St.
Volunteers at this community garden will offer demonstrations of how to grow plants above the soil in the urban environment, and visitors can take self-guided tours. Snacks and water will be provided.
Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Ave.
The Hartman Rock Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1932. While this visionary art environment is known for its concrete and stone art, flowers were Ben Hartman's first true passion. South Side in Bloom coincides with Tchotchke Palooza, the museum's annual summer event. The day will include new self-guided tours, special tours and programs for kids, and a flower scavenger hunt.
Jefferson Street Oasis Garden
1027 West High St.
At this site, visitors can explore 2.5 acres of garden plots available for anyone to cultivate on a first-come basis. The Oasis also includes a herb garden, pastured chickens, children’s cottage, and a greenhouse. Tour day coincides with the annual “Grilling in the Garden,” so visitors can enjoy freshly cooked vegetables, pizza, and sweet corn.
Melrose Acres Urban Agriculture Project
1030 McCain Ave.
Springfield Ohio Urban Plantfolk grows vegetables to sell affordably at South Side farm stands. This site includes fruit trees, beehives, a hoop house, and chicken coops. Tour day includes a scavenger hunt, children’s activity, farm stand, and learning about no-till methods that support soil health.
Promise Neighborhood Visioning Garden
1217 Linden Ave.
This is a community garden with plots available to the public. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, children’s crafts, cooking demonstrations, and tacos with fresh vegetables.
Thank you to our sponsors!
