A view from the interior of the Escondido Community Garden. In the foreground is an artistically tiled pole that says welcome in all twelve languages spoken in the garden.
The Escondido Community Garden—a joint effort between the city and a group of dedicated volunteers—has been providing a space for community members to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more for 31 years.
The garden uses a portion of land owned by the city of Escondido. While fairly nondescript from the outside, it provides a peaceful respite from bustling Escondido traffic. The non-profit organization also works with various groups to educate students on gardening and more. They also partner with the Scouts on service projects.
The garden was founded by Beth Mercurio, over 30 years ago after she learned about community gardens through one that was already running in San Diego. After two years of communication with the city, and work to create it, they opened to the community. She is very grateful to the city, and says they are lucky to still be able to use the land.
Mercurio explained, “We have 115 plots out here, and we like to say we’re a reflection of the community. We have over 12 languages spoken here, and people of all ages. We have families, elderly individuals and people in their eighties. People are out here for a lot of different reasons. They’re out here for exercise, mental and emotional health. It is a very soothing place to be.”
While some people come and go quickly, she has a few gardeners who have owned a plot for over 25 years. The gate to the garden is locked at all times, but community members with a plot have the combination that gives them access during daytime hours. Plots can be tailored to an extent to the individual preferences, and individuals are allowed to grow everything other than cacti, marijuana, and trees.
They grow exclusively organic, have an herbal garden, and also have a butterfly garden within their borders. Each plot has access to a compost bin. They also periodically have gardening and composting classes.
For more information regarding plots, or to be placed on the wait list, contact Beth Mercurio, whose information can be found at
escondido.gov/221/Community-Gardens-Program
Plots are available for $60 dollars a month and provide access to other amenities including, says Mercurio, “a small storage shed, covered cabana sitting area, and picnic tables. Numerous garden faucets are found throughout the garden for watering.”
French lavender growing in the Escondido Community Garden.
California poppies blooming at the Escondido Community Garden.
A bee collects pollen from a cosmos flower at the Escondido Community Garden.
Escondido Community Garden’s 30th Anniversary celebration.
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