2025 Fall 4th Edition
NLR Community Garden Newsletter
Garden Spotlight: Iris Park Community Garden One of our longest standing gardens, Iris Park Community Garden, located at 903 W. 45th St., continues to flourish and evolve as a beloved anchor in the North Little Rock community. This year, the garden celebrated a major milestone with the addition of four new raised beds, which expands opportunities for local families to grow their own food. They also added a dedicated pollinator area, thoughtfully planted to support native bees and butterflies, strengthening the garden’s role as a haven not just for people but for the environment as well.
Ms. Jennifer showing off her scarlet runner beans
Perhaps the most inspiring new feature is their community plot, open to anyone in the neighborhood who needs a little extra produce. This welcoming gesture reflects the heart of Iris Park. At the helm is longtime garden manager, Ms. Judy, whose quiet dedication is the backbone of the garden. In addition to managing daily garden tasks, she also volunteers at the Amboy Food Pantry and maintains the city lot next to the garden, helping to beautify the neighborhood beyond the garden’s boundaries.
Community Plot
She is supported by assistant manager Ms. Jennifer, who also serves on the Community Garden Advisory Committee for the program, lending her voice and experience to guide the direction of our application process. From nurturing food security to pollinator protection, Iris Park Community Garden continues to grow both plants and purpose. We’re proud to have them as a cornerstone of our Community Garden Program and can’t wait to see what they grow next!
Volunteers team up to shovel and spread pea gravel
New Pollinator Garden
nlr.ar.gov/communitygardens
Ms. Judy and Ms. Jennifer tending to their gardens
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