Tour the Garden
Highland Youth Garden is a magical place: art, flowers, beautiful structures, and dozens of crops sprawl across a half-acre plot. Please drop in anytime - the site is open to everyone 24/7, and all are welcome. We offer in-person tours open to anyone twice a month during the growing season and are happy to add private tours for small groups of adults, as well. Public tours are scheduled the second Wednesday at 5:30 PM and the third Saturday at 10:30 AM from April through October. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Drop by and see us!
high tunnel
Our 30’ x 66’ tunnel is fully automated and allows for year-round food production and an indoor teaching space.
Native garden
The native garden features native plants like this amsonia and asters arranged attractively along a dry creek and colorful bridge.
tool shed
Hand and power tools are stored inside a cargo crate that’s been painted with a mural by artist Melvin Robinson, Jr. Kids love learning to use shovels, tillers and wheelbarrows.
cistern
Our 1,700-gallon cistern is buried underground and harvests rainwater from the roof of the nearby high tunnel. The water then is tapped at a garden spigot.
Bridge
The colorful bridge is a favorite gathering spot that was designed by artist Karin Weston and painted by volunteers and teens.
crops
A wide variety of seasonal crops — from spring peas and lettuce to fall chard and sweet potatoes — are planted and rotated throughout the garden.
education center
Our education center is underway. When complete, it will include seating for 25, shade structures and a kitchen demo hub.
seedling room
By growing its own seeds here, the garden can save money, have more diverse crops and give kids practice in seed sowing.
blessing box
Friends donate boxes, non-perishable items, small toys and event passes. Neighbors are invited to help themselves.
rainbow benches
Our teens had fun painting this trio of benches in the colors of the rainbow symbolic of the garden’s inclusive culture.
Grape Arbor
The grape arbor supports Concord grape vines that provide welcome shade in this popular teaching spot.
pollinAtor garden
Here kids delight in watching bumblebees and butterflies gather nectar from plants like zinnias, goldenrod and milkweed.
wash stand
All produce are washed and weighed at the wash stand before being distributed at the market or used in education programs.
cut flowers
Youth cut flowers to make bouquets for the market stand. Others appreciate their mood-lifting power and take personal bouquets home with them.
Herb garden
Here, youth smell and taste herbs like mint and lemongrass and learn how to use them in cooking.