Ruby Garden was born following the demise of the Sophia Garden in November 2008, after a ten-year lifespan on nearby Loyola Avenue.  A coalition named “The Rogers Park Green Space and Food Systems Coalition” was formed and began a concerted effort to find a new space.  Our “Edible Garden” application was approved in April, 2009 and in concert with the Schreiber Park advisory board, the garden was mapped out.  Ground was broken (soil was delivered) on June 27, 2009. 32 16’ X 4’ beds (divided into 64 8’X4’  plots) were shared “50/50” between community organizations and individual neighbors. 

On September 12, 2009 the garden was dedicated to the memory of Ruby Langer, who lived adjacent to the garden for 40 years, stewarding the park with her husband, Ed Langer.  Ruby passed away shortly before the garden started. Ed is on the advisory board and has shared the garden is one of the “best things” that has happened here.

In 2011,  the garden expanded from 64 to 72 beds.  We were able, with alderman and CPD assistance, to access water on site and construct a hydrant, secure attachments and connect 4 food grade hoses (from Parkways) that allow easy watering that a few gardeners can use simultaneously.   We installed the garden tool storage chest (from a past Gardenburger grant) which is now full of tools all gardeners have access to, thanks to Parkways Foundation.  Communal borders were sown with perennials, native plants and fruits. Most programs share their produce communally between participants. 

An area which distinguishes our garden from many others is the diversity of gardeners and program participants representing countries and traditions many of us locally have little knowledge of including Bhutan, Burundi, Cameroon, Togo, Eritrea, El Salvador and Gabon to name a few. Despite some challenges with language differences, exchange of knowledge, seeds, plants and food all serve to boost the community spirit at the garden and beyond. 

The garden is maintained day to day by plot holders and oversight is monitored via our ongoing garden council meetings in collaboration with the CPD supervisor who is also on the council.  Community work-days are scheduled periodically during the season and include “plot lucks” which are well attended and delicious (Garden Calendar). Most of the community programs plan weekly work projects in the garden.  Angelic Organics Learning Center supports training workshops which are funded through Heifer International.

Ruby Garden, started in 2009, is beginning its fifth season.

Applications
Ruby Garden is now accepting applications for the 2013 Season.  If you are interested in a plot for the 2013 season, please fill out the application below and return it as instructed within.

ALL plotholders (new and existing) MUST fill out an application in order to receive a plot for the 2013 season.  Applications are due by March 22, 2013.  Plots will be announced on March 26, 2013.

Plots are chosen by lottery, and families / individuals may share plots.  One plot per household.

As always, you can email us here with questions.

You must live in the Schreiber Park area: defined by Pratt Ave. on the north, Gran-ville Ave. on the south, Lakewood Ave on the east, and Ravenswood on the west.

You must not be a member of any of the sponsoring organizations.

The Chicago Park District is sponsoring Ruby Garden, with technical and leadership input from Angelic Organics Learning Center, Chicago Waldorf School, Heartland Alliance’s Marjorie Kovler Center and Refugee Health Programs, Family Empowerment Centers, Pan-African Association, the Hamdard Center, and the Schreiber Park Advisory Council.