Written by Scott Mizrachi, this article was originally published in the August Boston Compass
 
 
Somerville Community Growing Center
22 Vinal Ave., Somerville, MA 02143

Sometimes it seems like summer is almost over as soon as it gets here. Why not check out some great outdoor spaces nearby while we’re right in the middle of it? There’s nothing wrong with spending your days by Jamaica Pond, the Charles River or any of the jah-mazing beaches of the North and South Shores respectively, but for this article, I’ve chosen a spot that is truly a hidden gem in our own backyard.
 
The Community Growing Center is nestled into the corner of Summer Street and Vinal Avenue, just a short walk from Union Square in Somerville. This unique urban oasis is a welcome green space in the often dense and industrial surrounding areas. After the junior high school that previously occupied the space was torn down, the neighboring community came together, uniting local artists, activists, and city officials to take part in a planning process that would eventually result in one of most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Boston area.
 
The garden itself is a peaceful harmonious place to relax in the midst of the Beantown buzz. With terraced beds of herbs, flowers and vegetables on a sloping hillside, and a gorgeous miniature amphitheater, you can spend hours on end connecting with your natural self and other like-minded folks. The garden is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., or get involved as a volunteer for unlimited access! The Growing Center also hosts a litany of seasonal programming, including educational workshops and musical performances.