BELL Garden

Explore the Bellevue Edible Learning Lab - a Nashville food and sustainability hub.

Photo via BELL Garden

Nestled behind Bellevue Middle School in Nashville, TN, BELL Garden stands as a beacon of community-driven sustainability and education. Founded in 2012, this unique hybrid school and community garden is more than just a green space; it is a vibrant hub dedicated to nurturing the environment and the local community.

Many Garden Paths

Spanning one acre, the BELL Garden boasts numerous features designed to promote learning and community involvement. With over 60 raised beds, a half-acre of field rows, and two hoop houses, this community garden provides ample space for growing food together. 

Photo via BELL Garden

The garden also includes cold frames and an herb garden, which cultivate a broad spectrum of herbs and vegetables throughout the year. The cutting flower garden adds a splash of color and beauty, while the Farm Stand offers a direct way for the community to access fresh produce.

Photo via BELL Garden

The garden’s facilities extend beyond growing spaces. A portable classroom facilitates hands-on educational experiences, and a gazebo area provides a welcoming space for volunteers and community gatherings. These features collectively foster community and provide practical, real-world learning opportunities for students and volunteers.

Photo via BELL Garden

Building Strong Communities

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the BELL Garden’s mission revolves around building healthier, more connected communities through various initiatives. The garden’s approach to service includes education, volunteerism, and food distribution. By engaging community members in garden-based activities, the garden not only teaches valuable skills but also strengthens communal ties.

Photo via BELL Garden

The BELL Garden’s commitment to food security is particularly noteworthy. Through partnerships with four local food banks, the garden ensures that produce reaches those in need. This focus on food distribution is complemented by other revenue-generating activities, such as grant applications, fundraisers, and seasonal plant sales. These efforts help sustain the garden’s operations and support its mission of community enrichment.

Photo via BELL Garden

Future Developments

Looking ahead to 2024, the BELL Garden has ambitious plans to expand and enhance its offerings. Adding more raised beds and field rows will increase the garden’s capacity to grow produce, while one of the hoop houses will be used to experiment with extending the growing season. This initiative aims to provide fresh produce for a longer period, benefiting both the garden’s programs and the whole community.

Photo via BELL Garden

Another exciting development is the planned installation of an ability garden, which caters to individuals with varying physical abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate in gardening activities. Additionally, the garden plans to construct an outdoor classroom, further enhancing its educational capabilities. The gazebo replacement will provide an upgraded space for community gatherings and volunteer activities.

Photo via BELL Garden

Conclusion

The BELL Garden Bellevue Edible Learning Lab exemplifies how a community garden can be much more than a place to grow food. It serves as an educational resource, a community connector, and a sustainability hub. 

Photo via BELL Garden

Through its ongoing projects and plans, the garden continues to enrich the lives of those in Nashville, fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. As it grows and evolves, the BELL Garden remains a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in creating a healthier and more connected community.

Photo via BELL Garden

Name: BELL Garden (Bellevue Edible Learning Lab)

Location: 655A Colice Jeanne Rd, Nashville TN, 37221

Meeting Time: Monday through Friday, 8a-11a

Registration:

Single-Day

Recurring

Email: garden@bellgardentn.org 

Website: https://bellgardentn.org/ 

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X

Photo via BELL Garden

What’s Growing? 

Amaranth, Anise Hyssop, Artemisia, Arugula, Basil, Beans, Bee Balm, Beets, Bell Peppers, Bergamot, Blackberries, Bok Choy, Borage, Cabbage, Calendula, Catnip, Cayenne, Chamomile, Chard, Chervil, Chilis, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Cucumber, Dill, Echinacea, Eggplant, Fennel, Flowers, Ginger, Herbs, Holy Basil, Hyssop, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lemon balm, Lemon grass, Lettuce, Lovage, Marigold, Marjoram, Nasturtiums, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Peas, Peppermint, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Purslane, Radish, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Spearmint, Spinach, St. John’s Wort, Summer squash, Sunflower, Tarragon, Thyme, Tomatoes, Turnips, Verbena, Winter squash, Yarrow, Zucchini

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