Garden Station

Garden Station is an amazing community garden that enriches our community! Whether you want to own an urban garden bed, pick up some of their delicious produce on Sundays, or hang out for one of their cool events. This place is a true gem in our city!

Ended up here because it was too late in the day to do much else but too early to do night things. It wasn’t what I was expecting. I love the idea of public gardens, though. There was an apiary which I thought was really cool. It didn’t seem alive. I don’t know if it’s a work in progress or what. Didn’t see any fish in the little fish pond thing, either. But it looked the the gardens were growing well and there was some interesting art. The graffiti on the wall was pretty cool.

Bohemia gardens and park setting. Very small about a ten to fifteen minute peaceful walk. Outdoor artworks like wall paintings and crude sculptures. Enjoy for a quick lunch break away from the office. The porta-​potty is locked.

I moved to Dayton rather recently, and as a person who is always looking for something interesting in the community I live in, I was extremely excited when I found Garden Station while meandering through the streets that surrounded but nothing but abandoned buildings (most massive factories) and vacant lots. Lo and behold: a repurposed, rustic city park, with an interesting mixture of flowers, art, and industrial pieces (i.e., actual train tracks that run through Garden Station) used as to both match and enhance the aesthetic.
One of the many reasons Garden Station is awesome, and should be a spot to visit/​volunteer for folks in Dayton (especially when the weather is nice). On the first day I arrived, there were awesome women slicing up glass pieces and smashing tiles with a crowbar fr the purpose of continuing to populate the space with brilliant mosaics. I was a bit nervous to ask to join them, but the moment I was spotted (by a woman who has now become a friend), I was immediately invited over to participate in the project. I spent the rest of the afternoon in great company, and got to contribute a significant amount to the current project: a beautiful mosaic of two pumpkins. I still get a bit excited when I see it, knowing that I helped make something better in a space that was an abandoned lot until 2008.
The people here couldn’t be more friendly, and what I really love is how diverse the group of is who work on the projects – age, gender, nationality, race, single folks, entire families, and so on. It is this that makes the project feel particularly worthwhile, as it clearly brings together people from through out downtown Dayton.
The space at Garden Station is certainly multi-​purpose. There are «for rent» garden beds, in which community members can rent and grow their veggies, herbs, and flowers, art installations to view and enjoy (or to contribute to, if desired!), as well as a great space for events. It really is a vital addition to downtown, and a brilliant place – especially in the nicer weather. I am genuinely energized to see project such as this and the Third Street murals (for example). Dayton knows how to bring it… or at least is actually trying. Thank you.
Here is a link to a short article I wrote on the space, in case it may be of interest (it also talks about urban re-​purposing in other cities, such as Detroit and Philly):
This is is must-​visit! It’s walking distance from the Oregon District’s Fifth Street area, so quit easy to find too. Come down and help, or just stroll though the grounds for fun.

Apparently the drought has changed the garden. There was absolutely nothing charming about the garden. Unless you like war torn provinces or desert urban settings I would skip it at least until the rain comes. If I could have done zero stars I would have.

Garden station is an awesome, eclectic homemade park in downtown Dayton. I love coming her in the summer to hang out with some kids or just hang out and read a book. There’s no swings or slides, but any kid would love it because there is just SO MUCH to look at! There are amazing, huge pieces of art everywhere you look and some really nice flowers and gardens that people tend to. I definatley recommend a visit to play or just relax.