Fort Mason Community Garden

This is such a pleasant garden to stroll around for about 5-10 minutes to take in nature especially in the spring when the flowers are more abundant. It's not really a destination in itself, however it's nice to stop by and check out if doing something at Fort Mason. I usually come here any time I'm at the nearby farmers market. I'd love to sign up for a garden plot but the waitlist for a plot is 9 years!

Great private hidden oasis in lovely ft mason secluded and great place to garden, relax, picnic,meditate, bird watch, draw or read

As a surprise my husband brought me here last weekend. His company is doing repair work on some of the buildings on the property. He felt the need to share such a wonderful place with me.

The views are amazing. The day was perfect, not to cold and the sun was shinning brightly. There was a slight breeze but not to windy.

We walked all over and looked at the flowers and the views. We stumbled upon some guys sitting at the stairs who had parked their bikes and were drinking a beer overlooking the bay. Made me wish I brought some beers to enjoy the moment with.

The Sweet Peas and other climbing vines were in full force of dark pinks and bright oranges. There was some orange flower I contemplated stealing to put in my garden but I saw the ranger driving around and decided not to.

I also got to eat a black berry right off the vine here.

Parking wasn't bad, we went on Sunday. My husband said during the week parking is really bad.

I fell in love with this place at first sight.

I've been a member for a year now. So much to learn and it's been pretty amazing. I'm getting lots of tips and help from other seasoned gardeners.

The garden's website has been down for a while. It is revamped and has a new URL to reflect its 501(C) non-profit status:

http://www.fortmasoncommunitygarden.org

Webmaster.FMCG@gmail.com

This place is a hidden gem. We stumbled across it on our way back to the car parked nearby after attending Off the Grid for dinner last summer. Even my friend who lives in SF didn't know about it.

The place is peaceful, with lots of plots with veggies (some huge squash!), flowers, plants, some fruit trees in the back. There were a few other people there--visiting also or tending their plot?

The wait list to get a plot is LONG!!

Stop in, have a seat on a bench, & relax for a while. We did.

During one of my occasional hiking jaunts this weekend, I stumbled upon this treasure of a community garden. In this carved out hillside, many little raised beds hold smorgasbords of vegetables and ornamentals which look happily cared for by local residents. At this posting, lots of succulents, fruit trees, dahlias and probably the last of the leafy green veggies are prolific. It's such a quiet setting considering it's in the middle of a noisy and busy major city. It's open to the the pubic and free.

I've got the urge to garden again; however, to become a member with a plot, the wait is seven years. In the meantime, it's encouraged me to clean up my house plants and stock up on tulips and a few other outdoor plants that can withstand fall planting and soon winter chills.

Green everywhere. Breathe in and relax.

What a hidden gem?!!!

I stumbled onto this garden like the story of the 'Secret Garden'.

There are vegetables, fruits, and at least a few dozen flowers. Each plot of land in the garden is owned by someone from the SF community. Anyone can get a plot but there is a 7-8 year waiting list. Geez!!!!
The next person on the list to get a plot had her name on the waiting list since 2002!!!!
I can see why people want to garden here. It is absolutely beautiful and tranquil. It's an escape from the busy city life of SF. There are benches and even a greenhouse! Free for anyone to enjoy.

How fair is a garden amid the toils and passions of existence.

~ Benjamin Disraeli

I'm lying full length on a wooden bench, drowsy in the rare summer sun, absentmindedly waving away the bumpily determined bumble bee that is trying to insist my ring is a flower and beginning to fall asleep from the combination of vitamin D, birdsong and drifting rose scents. Two hours ago I invaded the Community Garden at Fort Mason - my favorite 'detox from the world' spot that I am only sharing with Yelpers because I feel compelled to do so.

I may sit here all day, or I may get up and wander over to see if the lady who arrived to work on her plot of heirloom tomatoes and squash might be willing to answer questions. I could decide the sun is too much and go curl up under the trees on the hill. Hmm, perhaps I'll wander among the plots to see what new flowers have bloomed since I last visited. It doesn't really matter - this tiny oasis of horticultural love is perfect no matter what my mood.

I discovered the Community Garden during training walks and have been returning ever since to drink in the beauty of real gardening within this very urban setting. The Garden really got started in the 70's, an outgrowth of our hippie and community activist heritage. While it was a school garden for a while (for Galileo High School) it has since grown to 125 plots - each 20 x 5 feet - in which the gardeners can grow just about anything their heart desires (legally of course). It is so popular that the people on the waiting list can expect to wait four years to get a plot.

For me, the Garden is a place to go when I need a break from the world. I can go with friends or alone. Sometimes I spend ten minutes, sometimes hours. I often meet people there, but if I want to be alone nobody bothers me. Best of all, I can provide enjoyment for myself and for others by admiring the work of some truly dedicated artists.

Come visit the Garden.

Local community garden - no longer hidden . . . I found it and you can too! Plug in Pope & Shafter St. into your GPS.

Start at the Marina Safeway. From there, walk towards the upper Fort Mason park (with all the palm trees). If you see a large nesting doll statue, you are getting warmer. Keep walking towards the white building with a green roof and flag. Done!

It's an amazing place with plots full of hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, and vegetables. There's a greenhouse, picnic tables, and even a grill. Come here on a warm, sunny day and bring a bottle of wine.