A communal garden is often in an urban setting for shared use by a number of local residents.  In this case The VGF brings together diverse members of the Northside community around a common commitment to community building, urban agriculture, and access to healthy food and affordable, local transportation.

The VGF has (24) 12 x 12 garden beds to lease. The cost has remained stable at $20 for the calendar year.

Contact us in the Winter or very early Spring by emailing us through this website or sending a Facebook message providing us with your name, telephone number and email.   Let us know that you would like to be on the garden plot waiting list.  The previous year’s gardeners get first choice. You can also leave your information with a volunteer coordinator when you come to The Gardens at the Village Green or MoBo during Open Bike Shop hours.

We do not sell compost. Our compost pile is available for use in the VGF community gardens.

The plants sold in our annual plant sale are grown in our very own greenhouse using Heirloom seeds!

The co-op is about helping people help themselves. The co-op provides a central place for people to come to rescue bicycles and learn how to fix and maintain them. The volunteer mechanics do not fix bikes for people; they help guide members who are working on their own bicycle projects. The co-op also works for bicycle advocacy, and organizes rides, social events, and contests. Most importantly, we concentrate on empowering people, getting them on bicycles, and having fun.

 

 

The co-op is not a replacement for a retail bicycle shop. If you are looking for a new bicycle and someone else to service it, we recommend one of the many specialized bike shops in the area that offer professional services.  The co-op is not a place to drop off a bike to have serviced. Volunteer mechanics are there to help you, but they will not do the work. We will offer assessment and advice for drop-ins, and we will not turn people away due to lack of funds. We strive to take some of the mystery out of bicycles and help people get the most out of bicycling.

 

The first step is to become a member by paying a $20 annual membership fee. This gives members access to the shop, tools, cleaners, grease, the knowledge of our community and much more in helping you work to on your bikes.  Members who do not own a bicycle can adopt one of the many donated bicycles, parts, and accessories at very modest prices.  Kids receive free help maintaining their bikes during our Summer Kids Day Program which runs weekly throughout the summer.

You can become a member at any time by filling out a membership form at the front desk. We accept cash and check payments.  You may also complete the on-line website form.

 

Open Bike Shop happens twice a week, Wednesdays 6-9pm and Sundays 2-5pm.  Members have access to the shop, tools, cleaners, grease, knowledge of our community and much more in helping you work on your bikes. Members who do not own a bicycle can adopt one of the many donated bicycles, parts, and accessories at very modest prices.  Kids receive free help maintaining their bikes during our Summertime Kids Day program, which runs weekly throughout the summer.

 

MoBo does not normally sell bikes except during our annual Spring Bike and Plant Sale, as we are not a retail bike shop – but occasionally we sell refurbished donated bikes. We also have an “adopt a bike” program where volunteer hours can be put towards earning a bike.

 

 

The VGF is 100% volunteer operated; there are no employees.  We are open Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Open (Bike) Shop.  The community gardens are accessible 24/7. Other independent events are scheduled and promoted through social media, email and newsletters throughout the year.

Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm are  volunteer open house hours.  You can also volunteer during Open Bike Shop hours on Wednesdays from 6- 9 pm and Sundays 2-5 pm.  During these times, if you are volunteering, personal projects are put on hold in favor of volunteer work.

Volunteers work in the gardens mulching footpaths, planting and harvesting, turning compost, maintaining rain barrels, organizing grounds/sheds, tools, and the greenhouse.  Bike shop volunteers clean and maintain the shop, organize donated bikes and parts, and refurbish bikes for our annual bike sale.

You are encouraged to share with us any specific skills you have beyond what is listed that you feel would be beneficial to The VGF such as board service, proposal writing, fundraising, technology, construction, and connections, etc.

Family friendly events are offered throughout the year such as Kid’s Day and Summertime Kids.  Watch for social media post and newsletter announcements for special events such as Seed Swap and Potluck!

The VGF is funded through individual gifts, our annual Spring Bike and Plant Sale, foundation grants and fundraisers.

1. [email protected] or visit us on-site during Open Shop Sundays 2-5 and Wednesdays 6-9 pm; Sundays (in season-weather driven) 11-2 pm.