Published Wednesday, October 29, 2025
This year marked a major milestone for Growing to Green as the program celebrated 25 years of empowering communities through urban agriculture. As the largest organized effort in Columbus dedicated to supporting and sustaining urban gardening, Growing to Green has transformed hundreds of urban spaces into thriving centers for food production, education, and community connection.
Now, for 25 years, Growing to Green has provided free tools, resources, and support to organizations, neighborhoods, and schools. By increasing access to fresh food and fostering environmental education, Growing to Green strengthens our local food system and builds resilient communities.
With the generous support of donors, volunteers, and community partners, the 2025 growing season was one for the books! Check out the numbers:
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263 community gardens received support and resources to strengthen and sustain their operations
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39 education programs and sessions were hosted by Growing to Green, engaging over 5,500 community members
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9,762 volunteers donated their time to work in community gardens
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161,000 pounds of fresh, local produce from community gardens was donated to neighbors in need
The season culminated in the annual Growing to Green Harvest Awards Celebration, honoring the dedicated individuals and gardens whose hard work continues to shape and strengthen our community. Highlights from the event include:
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Donte Robinson received the Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award for his inspiring and powerful work leading youth gardening programs and coordinating meal distribution through Kingdom Power Baptist Church.
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Susan Benedetti was named Community Gardener of the Year for her leadership and community impact at The Garden for All, which produced over 30,000 pounds of food this season (all donated to local food pantries!).
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Former Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla Tyson delivered thoughtful remarks, highlighting the importance of community gardens and the vital role they play in building neighborhood resiliency.
We also celebrated key gardens’ anniversaries for those that have been operating from 5 to 35 years! Special recognition was given to gardens that have been operating and thriving for more than 25 years, including Holy Rosary St. John Gardens (1999), Gardens at Gantz Farm (1992), Chadwick Arboretum (1980), and Wallace Community Garden (1943).
As we look ahead to the next 25 years, the Conservatory and Growing to Green remain committed to making urban agriculture accessible to everyone, building and sustaining strong neighborhoods, and increasing access to fresh, locally grown food in Columbus.
Growing to Green’s success is made possible by its dedicated partners and sponsors, including: Greenscapes Landscape Company, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, The Hinson Family Trust, The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation (in cooperation with the Bowden Family), and the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board.