Gardening

Started 1999, with plantings, baskets, and urns in downtown Saint Paul the number of baskets has slowly increased over time. Currently Blooming Saint Paul's beautification efforts have reached over 120 sites with almost 600 hanging baskets and more than 8.5 acres of garden beds cared for by city staff and volunteer gardeners.  2003 saw the beginning of the official Blooming Saint Paul program.

The hanging basket program for the downtown Saint Paul area has been in existence since 1998. Since then, the program has expanded to neighborhoods and is just shy of 600 baskets annually.

Each year local individuals and businesses of Saint Paul are recognized for their efforts to enhance the ecology of our city. The nomination period opens in the spring and nominees are celebrated in the fall.

Learn more about the Blooming Saint Paul Showcase

Garden with a group of volunteers, help at the Blooming Saint Paul greenhouse, or just spend some quiet time on your own maintaining a favorite public garden near you.

Apply to be a Garden Steward

Get involved with one of the 6 community gardens in our parks, or start your own community garden from scratch.

Ask About Community Gardening Opportunities

Saint Paul has a number of policies and ordinances relevant to folks getting started on gardening projects in our city.

• Fertilizer and Pesticide: Lawn care chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides must be applied according to specific rules to protect the environment. Only licensed professionals can apply these products to ensure they’re used safely
   
• Invasive Jumping Worm: The City is taking action to prevent invasive jumping worms from entering our parks and natural areas. Jumping worms, native to eastern Asia, tend to cause harm to the soil ecosystem in areas where they are not local.
   
• Harvesting in Parks: Individuals and organizations are not allowed to harvest or remove natural resources or park property of any kind - including fungi, animals and vegetation - without prior permission from the Parks Director.
   
• Community Gardens: Parks and Recreation allows community groups to utilize park land for community gardens. 
   
• Boulevard Gardening: Boulevard may be planted with gardens but must be maintained in so that roads and sidewalks remain accessible and safe for all travelers. 
   
• Composting: Individuals and organizations may compost organic materials on private property or at select Ramsey County facilities. 
   
• Housing and Redevelopment Authority Properties: The Housing and Redevelopment Authority leases vacant lots owned by the City to organizations for gardening activities. 
   
• Planters in Commercial Areas: Individuals or businesses may request a permit to install planters downtown or on paved boulevards adjacent to commercial properties.