Join the Children's Department on a tour of Songbird Community Gardens on Tuesday, August 1, at 10 AM. Please be aware that this is in an outdoor setting and the weather may affect what you plan to wear. Bees and wasps are important pollinators in gardens and may be seen. Wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing including closed-toe shoes as the walkways are covered in wood mulch.
With the current construction, the best driving route to get to the garden is to take Midland Road from either King Ave West or 27th Ave South. Turn south on Songbird Drive. You will see the garden on your left across the street from houses. The parking is along Songbird Drive.
From the Songbird Community Gardens: "The Songbird Community Garden's mission is to provide gardening and outdoor opportunities for the physical and social benefit of the people of Billings. ln providing growing spaces, the aim of Billings Parks and Recreation Dept. and Songbird Advisory Council is to draw from the expertise of community members to mentor beginning gardeners, to sponsor related educational classes, to nurture healthy eating habits, and to promote responsible environmental stewardship.
Songbird Community Garden was built and funded by a group of private citizens under the guidance of the Billings Parks and Recreation Department starting in 2016. The land, owned by the City of Billings, was loaned to the garden organizers for a public community garden. The organizers had a year to raise the money as a 509(a)2 non-profit, and plan the lay out of the garden before the opening season in 2017. By the first growing season there were 50 plots to rent and 30 gardeners renting plots. The plots are 20’ x 20’ ,but can be subdivided into 10' x 20’ , and/or 10’ x10’ plots. There are 9 raised beds reserved for less able gardeners.
Even though the garden is considered a city park, it is maintained by each of the gardeners. We all take turns watering, weeding, and harvesting the Gifting Garden which is part of our community outreach. From the Gifting Garden and donations from the gardeners, Songbird donates 2,000 pounds of produce a season to Billings food pantries. The fruit trees on the outskirts of the garden are part of the city’s edible orchard program. We are members of the Magic City Community Gardens to share resources with one another. We are also partners with the Billings Community Seed Library to host educational programs."
For more information, check out their Facebook page Songbird Community Garden.