Tucked between the neighborhood streets of 3rd and Richland Avenue in the Warwood community lies the Loveland Community Garden. What once began as a patch of land and a small idea has now blossomed into a gathering space where Warwood neighbors become friends and can nurture friendships by growing seedlings together. In this hopeful space, the people of Warwood are cultivating more than just plants and vegetables; they are developing their community with purpose. Julie Davis and Jasmine Donnell, the co-creators of the garden, both had a strong desire to build community and exemplify small-town values. Julie, already involved in local revitalization through Grow Warwood Pride, complemented Jasmine’s inspiration from an urban garden project from her previous hometown of Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. Their shared visions came together to move the project from a concept to reality.
The name of the garden, Loveland, has a meaningful connection to the history and essence of the Warwood community. As Julie explained, “We named it after what that section of Warwood was once called—Loveland. It literally says love land, which I think the community garden exemplifies. It emphasizes a return to simplicity, when everyone knew their neighbors and looked after them.” As a newcomer to the Warwood community, Jasmine found a sense of belonging through the community garden. As she shared, “The feeling of togetherness that we are hoping to create with Loveland Community Garden when it comes to food is as wholesome as it can get, and it warms my heart.” This collective feeling of community highlights the importance of uniting individuals through compassion and support, qualities that the Warwood community is well-known for among many of its strengths.
Thanks to generous grants and a land gift from the City of Wheeling, the garden’s initial phase is underway, with much more planned for the future, like community seating featuring a pergola, a unique mural, educational events, and even a pumpkin patch. The Loveland Community Garden currently features 20 raised beds available to rent, giving neighbors the ability and opportunity to grow their own fruits, vegetables, or flowers.
Julie adds,
“You don’t have to have experience. All you need is some motivation, and someone will help you. We want everyone to feel welcome at the Loveland Community Garden.”
The connections being made at Loveland Community Garden are already beginning. At the very first organized workday, a neighbor who lives just steps away from the garden, recently lost her brother, was volunteering. As they worked side by side, she shared her story and her connection to the space. In her brother’s memory, they will be sharing a bench embossed with a plaque in remembrance of her brother, a symbol of not only growing plants but also a place of healing, remembrance, and community. “The stories people share about the history of the land make the labor of putting the beds together a little bit easier. It rewards and reassures us that we are honoring those before us and giving us a space for everyone to enjoy for many years to come,” Jasmine added.
Whether you’re hoping to grow your own plants, lend a hand as a volunteer, or simply relax and connect with a neighbor, there’s a place for you at Loveland Community Garden. Stay up to date and learn how to get involved by following them on Facebook and Instagram, where you’ll find details on gardening opportunities, community events, and ways to make a difference.
This community garden is more than just a green space–it embodies the heart of Warwood. As Jasmine beautifully put it,
“I fully believe Loveland Community Garden will create a space for everyone to pass on stories of the past, create new memories, restore the soul by simply digging your hands in the dirt; together as family, friends, and neighbors.”
