About the Garden @ Case

The Garden@Case is a community garden run by staff, faculty and students that serves as a educational, recreational and community building resource for members of Case and the larger surrounding community to enjoy. As a community garden we are dedicated to upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusiveness and cultural sensitivity. The garden is a shared space where people and animals can come together to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, bird watch, observe butterflies visiting the flowers, build and strengthen community ties, learn about gardening and enjoy the fresh harvests. Everyone is welcome to visit the garden and we hope you will join us in continuing the long tradition of making the garden a safe and welcoming space for all.

Garden History:

The Garden@Case was established in 2012 by Kathleen J. Dowdell, a master gardener, along with fellow staff and faculty members at CWRU near the corner of Juniper Rd and Ford Dr. Following construction at the former site, it moved to its current location in 2016 and was established as a permanent garden site in 2017. The current garden was designed by landscape architect Virginia Burt, who also designed the Mary and Al Schneider Healing garden adjacent to the Seidman Cancer Center on Euclid Ave. In the past the garden worked with the Cleveland Hunger Network to provide fresh vegetables to those in transitional housing and shelters. Beginning in 2024 a decision was made to make the garden's produce available to all members of the Case community, especially those who may be experiencing food insecurity but also any students who wish to practice cooking. Since then volunteers have worked to spread the word to members of the community to come an share in the bounty.

Quick Facts:

The garden falls under the Office of Energy and Sustainability and works closely with our partners at the University Farm. We do not use inorganic fertilizers or pesticides in the garden to protect the safety of our visitors, both human and animal. The space includes raised beds at a height that makes them accessible for those who may have issues bending over, walkways wide enough to accommodate mobility devices, power outlets for charging electronics, a low surrounding brick wall designed for casual seating, a wooden memorial bench donated by the family of Kathleen Dowdell. The garden is surrounded by a several shrubs and native flowering plants meant to attract pollinators. Last year several prickly pear cacti were added to the berm to increase plant diversity. All of the planters inside the garden wall, other than the planter surrounding the fountain feature, are used solely for food crops.