John Abel Community Garden: Grow with Us!

The John Abel Community Garden offers residents and community groups a dedicated space  to grow their own food while promoting sustainability and community engagement.

Image of John Abel Community Garden

Located in John Abel Park at 276 & 310 Hartwell Way, this initiative helps address food insecurity and encourages environmentally friendly practices.  

Apply by Friday, March 7, 2025

Apply for a Community Garden Plot 

 Eligibility
The John Abel Community Garden is open to all Aurora residents and Aurora based community groups interested in growing their own food. Plots are available on a seasonal basis, from May 1 to November 1 each year. Due to limited availability, plots are assigned through a random lottery system.  
 How to Apply
To apply for a garden plot, complete the online application form by Friday, March 7, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified after the lottery process. Late applications  will not be considered.
 Plot Sizes
The garden features planter box-style plots, to suit various  gardening needs:
  • Full Plot (8’ x 16’ – 16” height)
  • Half Plot (4’ x 16’)
    • 24” height
    • 32” height

Plots are assigned based on availability and accessibility requirements.
 Fees
  • Full Plot (8’ x 16’): $50 annual fee (nonrefundable)
  • Half Plot (4’ x 16’): $35 annual fee (nonrefundable)
  • Security Deposit: $25 refundable deposit (returned at the end of the season if garden guidelines are met)

Note: Residents who meet financial assistance criteria may be eligible for a fee waiver.
 Garden Agreement
Selected applicants must sign an agreement with the Town of Aurora, outlining responsibilities such as plot maintenance, garden rules, and fees.
 Maintaining Your Plot
 Gardeners must maintain their plots throughout the season, including:
  • Watering, weeding, are harvesting regularly
  • Removing  fallen or rotten produce
  • Keeping surrounding walkways clean
  • Finding an alternate caretaker if unable to maintain the plot
 What Can I Grow?
The primary focus of the garden is food production. Grow a variety of fruits and vegetables suitable to the local climate and growing season.
 Gardening Guidelines
 To ensure a safe and productive space, gardeners must:
  • Use organic gardening methods whenever possible
  • Keep plots free of weeds and invasive species
  • Avoid using harmful  pesticides or herbicides
  • Respect neighboring plots (avoid overhanging plants)
  • Follow  water conservation guidelines
Getting Started

To get started, you’ll need basic gardening tools, including:

  • Gardening gloves
  • Hand trowel and spade
  • Watering can
  • Seeds or seedlings
  • Soil amendments (compost, organic fertilizers)
Harvesting and Sharing your Yield

The produce you grow is yours to enjoy! Feel free to:

  • Use it for personal consumption
  • Share it with family and neighbours
  • Donate surplus produce to local food banks

Questions

For more information on the John Abel Community Garden please email us. 

Background

Located on Hartwell Way, John Abel Park offers a range of amenities for all ages including a unique playground designed with primarily wooden log features, a natural rock amphitheatre to facilitate group learning activities, a Trail-Head Plaza that includes a shade structure, play-themed tables and seating, shade sails and seating throughout the park and walkways linking the park to the Town’s trail system and the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve, enhancing accessibility and encouraging exploration.

Aerial Photo of John Abel Park

The park also features Community Gardens that provide an opportunity for residents to cultivate plants and contribute to the community’s green efforts, an open grass area where visitors can relax, play, or enjoy casual gatherings.

The park was named after former Councillor John Abel who had a strong passion for arts, culture, and nature. 

There are many more features to be added in 2025, such as wood pole carvings with a flora and fauna theme that will be installed at several locations within the park, an indigenous garden area and park and trail signage.