ZEN's Garden For The Community
Our Story
Our 1.8-acre garden is a vibrant hub where neighbors grow food, share skills, and build community. Since opening in May 2023, we’ve built 28 allotment garden beds (thanks to Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Health) for individuals and families to grow their own food, plus 12 communal beds funded by Target in June 2025 to grow fresh produce for families in need—all part of our mission to Grow with Purpose.
Each plot is lovingly cared for by community members throughout the growing season, from March to November. Every bed reflects the passion and dedication of its gardener, while our communal plots provide a space for those who want to learn, grow alongside others, and expand ZEN’s harvest for the wider community. We kindly ask that you respect this hard work by not picking from any plots—individual or communal—that are not your own.
But the garden is more than soil and seeds—it’s a space to connect, learn, and fight food insecurity together. With our outdoor classroom nearly complete and an outdoor kitchen on the way, we’ll soon host hands-on cooking classes right where the food is grown. From seasonal festivals and workshops to volunteer days and family events, there’s always something happening here.
🌱 Ready to Grow With Us?
If you’re ready to dig in, don’t wait—click the buttons below to either apply for your own garden plot or join our Communal Garden Plot Program at ZEN’s Garden for the Community. Whether you want to tend your own bed or grow alongside others, your space is waiting—and so is your harvest.
ZEN’s Compost Collective
Turn Your Food Scraps Into Fuel for Our Future
Be part of the movement that feeds both people and the planet. The ZEN Compost Collective, in partnership with Hilltop Coffee, is building a local network of eco-conscious neighbors who turn everyday waste into something beautiful — healthy soil and a thriving community. Together, we’re closing the loop—transforming coffee grounds, food scraps, and garden waste into rich compost that nourishes our gardens and supports families across Charlotte through ZEN’s community programs.
As a member, you’ll:
🌿 Drop off compostable materials at ZEN’s Garden.
🌎 Learn sustainable practices through hands-on composting workshops.
💪 Support a circular food system that gives back to the earth and our community.
🪴 Receive access to nutrient-rich soil for your own garden projects.
Together, we can turn waste into wellness—and grow a stronger, more sustainable future for all.
Membership applications OPENS SOON!!! Stay tuned to be among the first to join the Compost Collective!
Meet Leon White, Garden Captain
Leon White serves on our Leadership team and fulfills the role of our ZEN's Garden For The Community Garden Captain. He is also a fulfillment life coach, speaker, YouTuber and likes plants. His passion for growing plants organically is unmatched and his growth in horticulture knowledge has grown in just one year. He is always full of ideas on how to make the community garden more effective and we are so lucky to have him apart of our team.
ZEN’s Farmer's Markets
Starting in 2025, ZEN’s Garden for the Community will host Farmers Markets where neighbors can shop for affordable bags of fresh, locally grown produce. These markets create a space to support healthy eating, celebrate community, and uplift local growers and makers. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to help bring these markets to life—whether by sharing your goods as a vendor or lending your time as a volunteer. Use the link below to sign up and get involved!
ZEN’s Annual Fall Festival 🍂
Every November, we host our Fall Festival at the Garden—a tradition that not only celebrates the season but also builds excitement for the year ahead at ZEN.
This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, where we’ll harvest sweet potatoes that will be shared with families through our Mobile Market.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re focused on being even more intentional—cultivating purpose, connection, and growth with every season.
