Overview: San Carlos Community Garden
For some, the draw is leasing a plot and growing fresh food, herbs, and flowers. For others, it’s volunteering a few hours, lending a hand on a project day, or joining one of SCCG’s events and educational programs offered throughout the month.
This March marks the 14th anniversary of the first shovel in the ground for the San Carlos Community Garden and its joint-use school partner, the Sierra School of San Diego.
Today, the garden stands as a true neighborhood hub — a place where community members near and far come to grow, learn, and reconnect.
For some, the draw is leasing a plot and growing fresh food, herbs and flowers.
For others, it’s volunteering a few hours, lending a hand on a project day, or joining one of SCCG’s events and educational programs offered throughout the month.
No matter the reason, one feeling tends to be shared by all: when you’re in the garden, there’s a sense of calm and inspiration that feeds the soul.
In the spirit of February’s love-themed month, we asked a few of our gardeners what they love about SCCG.
“Being part of the team that continues to make the Garden a hub in the San Carlos community is very meaningful,” said Carol Lockwood, one of SCCG’s original founders and a contributor to many of the garden’s developments over the years. “Neighbors come together in this beautiful place to learn about gardening, healthy living, collaboration, stewardship, fellowship and support. What could be more healing in divisive times?”
For Ruth Arizmendi, the garden became a gift — and a daily ritual.
In spring 2020, Ruth received a garden plot as a birthday gift from her daughter and son-in-law. She was all smiles while showing off her “multicultural garden.”
“I’m growing Chinese cabbage, Japanese radish, snow peas, carrots, and (my favorite) strawberries,” she said. “I love coming here early in the morning. I can tend to the garden and just wake up with the sun. It’s almost meditative. I also like to help and learn from others. Everyone really takes care of each other here.”
Finding the right community garden
Eliana and Bryce Newall, residents of Chula Vista, joined SCCG in 2024 after years of searching for a community garden that met all their needs.
“We love all the various activities — the produce swaps, summer concerts, and potluck gatherings are so fun,” said Eliana. “And we love the people. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Alan (who leads care for the orchard) showed me how to help and gave us so much fruit after my first time volunteering.”
When asked what they’ve enjoyed growing the most, Eliana laughed: “I’ve had the best luck with the volunteer squash,” though she added she’s also proud of her carrots, broccoli and bok choy.
Transplants from the Los Angeles area, Jim and Leanne Garry joined the garden in February 2025 with a passion for gardening — and cats.
Little did they know they would soon become leaders of the SCCG Cat Care Committee (CCC), one of SCCG’s most vital volunteer committees.
“Jim and I joined SCCG shortly after the cats were released into the garden and soon took on leadership of the Cat Care Committee,” said Leanne. “By all accounts, 2025 was the first year in a long time that everyone’s plots grew lush — largely untouched by rabbits, gophers, mice and more.
“Today, SCCG plots look great and that is 100% because of the cats! They’re doing a great job at pest control and are cute as a bonus. The cats take care of us, and the CCC takes care of them.”
Leanne added that the CCC is in need of more volunteers. “If you love cats and want to play a role in supporting our precious felines and the garden, we could use the help.” Email info@sancarloscommunitygarden.com for more information.
SCCG’s newest gardeners, Alex Blythe and his partner Regan, joined after moving into the neighborhood.
“We recently bought a house nearby and thought this would be a good way to meet other people who are engaged and volunteer in the community,” said Alex. “We garden at home, but mostly landscape. I’m excited to build new skills and learn more about growing food.”
With 70 plots leased by gardeners and many other unique growing spaces — including an orchard with more than 25 fruit trees, pollinator gardens, native and succulent gardens, and its newest installation, a sensory and meditation garden — SCCG has become a true community treasure.
Save the dates
- Saturday, Feb. 28 | 9:30–11 a.m. — Monthly Produce Swap with live Indie/Rock music from local youth band Black Garnett
- Saturday, March 21 | 9–10:30 a.m. — Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Tomatoes with Farmer Roy Wilburn
- Saturday, March 28 | 9–11 a.m. — San Diego Succulent Society Showcase & Sale.
