Community and Edible Gardens
The City has added an edible orchard and garden to its park system for the community to utilize. Public areas like these are designed to create an inclusive and interactive experience for all to enjoy.
What is an edible orchard or garden?
These areas are spots where anyone can enjoy convenient access to fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.
What are the rules of the edible areas?
- If bringing dogs, please clean up after them and keep dogs on a leash.
- Wash fruit before eating.
- Do not climb or hang from trees.
- Do not throw, smash or play with fruit.
- Do not overindulge - please leave fruit for others to enjoy!
Locations
Civic Campus West Plaza
The Fridley Civic Campus (7071 University Avenue NE) has an edible orchard and garden located on the west side of the plaza, near Locke Point development. There are a variety of fruit trees and bushes, as well as vegetable and herb towers.
Parking: Visitors are welcome to park at the lot in front of City Hall and use the trail to walk over.
These towers are the result of a Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant to establish edible gardens in the Fridley community.
Apples
There are a variety of apples available in the orchard, including:
- Apple 'Zestar' Dwarf - Ripe mid-August through early September
- Apple 'Kinderkrisp' Dwarf - Ripe late August through mid-September
- Apple 'Honeycrisp' Dwarf - Ripe mid-September through late September
- Apple 'Sweet Sixteen' Dwarf - Ripe mid-September through late September
- Apple 'Haralson' Dwarf - Ripe late September through early October
Blueberries
There are multiple species of blueberries available in the orchard, including:
- Blueberry 'Northcountry' -
- Blueberry 'Northblue' -
- Blueberry 'Northland' -
Cherries
There are a variety of cherries available in the orchard, including:
- Cherry 'Northstar' -
- Cherry 'Evans Bali' -
Plums
There are a few varieties of plums in the orchard, including:
- Plum 'Alderman' -
- Plum 'Toka' -
Pears
There are a few varieties of pears in the orchard, including:
- Pear 'Parker' -
- Pear 'Patten' -
Serviceberries
There are a few varieties of serviceberries in the orchard, including:
- Serviceberry 'Regent' -
- Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance' -
Raspberries
There are a few varieties of raspberries in the orchard, including:
- Raspberry 'Anne' -
- Raspberry 'Encore' -
Vegetables
Vegetables are located in planting towers and are available from spring through fall.
Plantings may include:
- Green beans
- Kale
- Green onion
- Beets
- Spinach
- Snow peas
- Sugar peas
- Shelling peas
- Lettuce
- Brussel sprouts
- Pak choi
- Swish chard
Herbs
Herbs are located in planting towers and are available from spring through fall.
Plantings may include:
Other Fruit
Additional fruit trees in the orchard include:
- Peach 'Reliance' -
- Apricot 'Brookcot' -
Springbrook Nature Center
Springbrook Nature Center (100 85th Avenue NE) has multiple vegetable and herb towers located near the front door of the Interpretive Center entrance.
Parking: Parking is available in the Nature Center parking lot.
The towers are the result of a Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant to establish edible gardens in the Fridley community.
Vegetables
Vegetables are located in planting towers and are available from spring through fall.
Plantings may include:
- Green beans
- Kale
- Green onion
- Beets
- Spinach
- Snow peas
- Sugar peas
- Shelling peas
- Lettuce
- Brussel sprouts
- Pak choi
- Swish chard
Herbs
Herbs are located in planting towers and are available from spring through fall.
Plantings may include: