On November 7th, community gardeners from across the city gathered at the Garfield Park Conservatory to celebrate the end of another hard fought gardening season. At the GreenNet Community Garden of the Year Annual Networking Potluck, close to 100 community gardeners shared warm crocks of root vegetable stew, salads, dips and other tasty homemade treats prepared with the bounty of their harvest.
This year, ten community gardens were recognized for their unique contribution to Chicago’s community gardening world. While these ten gardens were singled out for their efforts, we want to take a moment to honor and give thanks to ALL OF CHICAGO’S COMMUNITY GARDENERS for their diligence and dedication in maintaining garden, farms, parks, gateways and riverbanks throughout Chicago. Ever neighborhood in Chicago benefits from the impact these trailblazing garden pioneers.
2012 Awards and Recipients
“Inspiring Neighbors”: 500 E. 88th Street in South Shore
“Staying Power”: Ashford Garden in West Humboldt Park
“Remarkable Community Service”: Fulton Street Garden in Austin
“Sanctifying Spaces”: Faith Tabernacle in Chatham
“Increasing Fresh Food Accessibility”: Ginkgo Organic Gardens in Uptown
“Most Revitalized Garden”: Growing Exchange in South Chicago
“Conservation Leadership”: Growing Station in Pilsen 
“Building Community Through BBQ”: Hoxie Prairie in South Deering
“Classic Community Organizing”: Hermitage Garden in Englewood
“Best Use of New Technology”: Merchant Park in Irving Park



GreenNet is a coalition of nonprofit organizations and public agencies committed to improving the quality, amount, use, and wide geographic distribution of sustainable, green open space in the City of Chicago.