For nearly 30 years, the Co-op’s Norwich land has provided land to Upper Valley residents who need a place to garden. The Co-op Community Gardens began in 1974, one year after the Co-op purchased the Hazen land on Route 5 in Norwich. Plots were available to members, with the stipulation that they use organic gardening techniques.

Margaret Bragg of Hanover remembers having a plot 25 years ago as a newlywed. “It was a welcomed help with our budget, in addition to the pleasure of being outdoors,” she recalls.

A front page article in the July-August, 1995 issue of the Co-op News reported on the “Greening of the Community Gardens.” “Users of the Community Garden plots at the Co-op’s property in Norwich have to be very dedicated,” wrote Betsy Eldredge, a member of the Education Department at the time. “They are battling an invasion of Jerusalem artichokes and unwanted visits of woodchucks, raccoons, and deer. Eight households are using ten of the 24 garden plots.”

Interested in a Community Garden plot?