Perkins Park

Our Beginnings

In 2010, Christine Sullivan and Patricia Morey of Sustainable Braintree formed and led a task force to research the feasibility of opening a community garden in Braintree. With the town’s assistance, they selected a space within Jonas Perkins Park, a portion of which had already hosted a group of gardeners who’d been keeping a few plots. They broke ground that summer, and by July, most plots had been filled and planted. Since then, PPCG has continued to draw gardeners interested in growing, learning, and promoting organic practices.

Important Details

Novice and experienced gardeners are welcome!
Members must reside in Braintree.
The Perkins Park Community Garden is organic: no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides are allowed (e.g., Sevin, Round-Up).
Size of most plots is 6′ x 12.’
Our growing season runs from April 1 through November 15 of each year.
Cost is $30 per season.
Membership includes access to a water source and a storage shed.
Because we are a community garden, we ask that everyone participate in two group clean-ups of the common areas–one in the spring and one in the fall. We get a lot accomplished in two hours, and it’s also a great time to meet/catch-up with other gardeners.
Gardeners who stay active and keep their plots tended may renew their memberships on an annual basis.

Other Notes

We have some tools for group use–such as shovels, rakes, hoses, and pruners–but members often purchase a few items (e.g., gloves, twine, stakes) and soil amendments.
Our space is not protected from pests such as deer and rabbits; some years are better than others. Be prepared to cover plants with netting or row covers or use other organic deterrents.
Every garden is different. Some plots are in full sun, for example, while others have some shade.
Active members can request to switch to open plots when other members leave.
Our soil has been tested for lead, but we recommend soil testing to ensure plants get proper nutrients. Testing costs about $20 through UMass Amherst.
Greater efforts generally yield a healthier, more productive garden. It’s a small space, but it does take time and attention, sometimes on a daily basis.
New to gardening? Going on vacation? Ask for help! We help each other with watering, gardening advice, etc..
Any gardener who is interested may help maintain an additional shared plot for growing and harvesting herbs.
At the end of every season, we have a potluck/cookout–just for fun and to celebrate the growing season.

COVID-19 Information

PPCG’s garden shed has been opened for our 2021 growing season. We ask that all of our members use the sanitizing wipes or spray that we’ve provided to keep tools and high-touch surfaces clean.

Face coverings must be worn when physical distancing is not possible.

Large group gatherings are not permitted, but our relatively small membership will still permit activities such as work parties. We will suggest alternative jobs to members who prefer solo options. More information regarding the possible scheduling of our annual harvest picnic will be provided later in summer.

Questions? Interested in Joining Us?

Additional information can be found at SustainableBraintree.org.