Growing Love Community Garden: A Hidden Treasure in Port Washington
Quick Answer
Growing Love Community Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community garden located inside the Manorhaven Preserve in Port Washington, NY. It connects neighbors to healthy food, nature, and each other through organic garden plots, monthly events like yoga and workshops, and a peaceful gathering space open to anyone — even visitors without a plot. The garden is located at Manorhaven Boulevard, with entry directly behind the Our Lady of Fatima parking lot.
Why This Place Matters to Me
I have to start with full transparency — I'm a board member at Growing Love Community Garden, and I'm proud of it. I also have my own plot here, and it's become one of the most meaningful parts of my week. But you don't have to be a gardener (or a board member) to fall in love with this place. It's open to the community, and it's the kind of spot that quietly becomes your favorite once you discover it.
Where Is Growing Love Community Garden?
Growing Love Community Garden is tucked inside the Manorhaven Preserve, with the entrance located directly behind the Our Lady of Fatima parking lot. You can also access it through the Manorhaven Nature Preserve parking lot, where you'll find the adjacent Nature Preserve Trail that traverses Sheets Creek and overlooks Manhasset Bay.
It's one of those places that feels much further from everyday life than it actually is.
What Makes the Garden So Special
Walk through the gate and you're immediately surrounded by nature — birds, butterflies, pollinators, and blooming plants in every direction. It's an organic, sustainable garden, which means everything you see is grown without synthetic chemicals, and the space genuinely supports the local ecosystem.
What you'll find when you visit:
Lush, blooming garden beds tended by community members
Birds, butterflies, and pollinators throughout the space
Cafe-style tables perfect for a quiet cup of coffee or meeting a friend
A peaceful, welcoming atmosphere open to the whole community
Direct access to the Manorhaven Nature Preserve trail nearby
You don't need a plot to come, sit down, and enjoy it. That's the whole point.
Monthly Events at Growing Love Community Garden
One of the best things about Growing Love is how active the calendar is. Throughout the year, the garden hosts events that bring the community together in really special ways.
Recurring and seasonal events include:
Yoga in the garden — practice surrounded by flowers and fresh air
Mommy and Me classes — a beautiful way for parents and little ones to connect with nature
Sourdough workshops — learn the craft from local bakers
Garden workshops — sustainable gardening, herbs, composting, and more
Fundraising events — live music, herbal teas, lectures, and community gatherings that support the garden's mission
Past fundraisers have included our beloved Rose Soiree, a festive Oktoberfest celebration, and evenings with live music, herbal tea tastings, and lectures on the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs — the kind of gatherings that remind you what community is supposed to feel like.
Can Anyone Visit Growing Love Community Garden?
Yes. The garden is open to the community, not just plot holders. Whether you want to sit at one of the cafe tables with a coffee, take a walk through the blooms, attend an event, or simply find a quiet moment surrounded by nature — you're welcome here.
If you're a Port Washington resident interested in your own garden plot, you can request one through the garden's website. There are also opportunities to volunteer or donate, both of which help keep this nonprofit thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Growing Love Community Garden located? Inside the Manorhaven Preserve on Manorhaven Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050. The entrance is directly behind the Our Lady of Fatima parking lot.
Do you need a plot to visit? No. The garden is open to the community. Anyone can come enjoy the space, sit at the cafe tables, or attend events.
Is Growing Love Community Garden a nonprofit? Yes. It's a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to connect people to healthy food, nature, and each other.
What kinds of events does the garden host? Monthly and seasonal events include yoga, Mommy and Me classes, sourdough workshops, garden and sustainability workshops, and fundraisers featuring live music, herbal teas, and educational talks.
Can I get a garden plot? Plots are available to Port Washington residents and can be requested through the Growing Love Community Garden website.
How can I support the garden? You can volunteer, donate, attend events, or request a plot. Volunteer activities include construction, clean-up, irrigation, and harvesting.
Why I Love Being a Board Member
Serving on the board of Growing Love Community Garden has given me a deeper appreciation for how much one small space can do for a community. It feeds people. It teaches kids. It hosts neighbors who might never have met otherwise. And it's beautiful — every single time I walk in, I notice something new.
If you live in Port Washington and you haven't been yet, please go. Bring a coffee, bring a friend, or bring your kids. You'll see exactly why this is such a special place.