The Garden Commons
An outdoor classroom for experiential learning and community connection
The Garden Commons serves as a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that supports interdisciplinary education through sustainable and organic gardening practices. As an outdoor classroom, the Garden Commons provides students, faculty and community members with opportunities to engage directly with ecological stewardship, food systems and environmental resilience. Through collaborative projects, experiential learning and holistic approaches to sustainability, the Garden Commons fosters community connection, enhances academic learning and cultivates practical skills that empower participants to contribute to a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.
Our mission
To empower students with a deep personal commitment and understanding of sustainable food systems by providing dynamic, experiential learning opportunities that strengthen their connection to the environment, their community and the origins of their food.
Our vision
Nurturing a deep connection to mind, body and the environment.
Programs at the Garden Commons
Garden Ambassadors
Our flagship Garden Ambassadors program hosts five to 10 students each semester, offering an eight to ten week program teaching organic gardening practices, fostering community connections and introducing participants to locally grown vegetables. The program attracts students from diverse majors, including Natural Resource Ecology, Robotics and Biomedical Engineering. While not all pursue careers in food systems, all gain valuable insight into sustainable food production.
Farm Stand
The Garden Commons host seasonal bi-weekly Farm Stands for our students and campus community. All produce is free for students where they can choose three to five items or meal kits with recipes included. Our produce is organically grown and picked fresh daily. In addition, students can enjoy our hyper local produce in Citrus Dining via our Seed to Fork program in collaboration with Sun Devil Dining where two to three garden grown fruit or vegetables are served for specific meal and beverage items.
Academic integration
Garden Commons also serves as a living classroom. Sustainable Horticulture students practice grape vine pruning, soil science and grafting, while Entomology classes identify and collect insect specimens. English and Philosophy students find inspiration for essays on the benefits of green spaces, cultural ties to people and place and virtues building positive habits.
Events at the Garden
There are two events areas within the Garden Commons – the large pavilion and café seating area. We collaborate with departments and campus partners to host signature events such as Cakes and Cacti with Sun Devil Hospitality, the Dia De Los Muertos Celebration with the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and the Innovation Showcase with the Fulton School of Engineering. In addition, the Garden hosts monthly events related to sustainable food systems, gardening practices and overall wellbeing.
Get involved
Reservations
The Garden Commons is available for classes, events, volunteer opportunities and workshops. Contact Melissa Kruse-Peeples for information on events and volunteer requests. Reserve the Garden Commons pavilion and outdoor event space for classes and meetings.
Volunteer opportunities
Visit the Garden Commons Facebook and Instagram pages for announcements on events, the Farm Stand and volunteer opportunities.
Stay connected
If you would like more information about supporting our Garden Commons, please reach out to University Sustainability Practices or Susan Norton. Individuals may contribute to the Garden Commons.