In Boston, within the urban park known as the Fenway, is the Richard D. Parker Victory Gardens/Fenway Victory Gardens. The gardens are now named after Richard D. Parker, who was one of the original organizers of the garden and continued to garden there until his death in 1975. Because of his efforts, the Victory Gardens in the Fenway is the last one of two remaining original victory gardens in the U.S. dating back to World War II. During World War II, much of the food grown was sent to the armed forces, and the remaining portions were rationed. President Roosevelt stated that Americans should grow their own vegetables. The City of Boston set up 49 areas to grow gardens, including plots on Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens. The Fenway Victory Gardens were established in 1942. These gardens are a central part of the Fenway community and are well known to gardeners across the country. The gardens provide the residents in the Boston neighborhoods with a little personal space to grow vegetables or flowers. Some plots even have flagstones and benches for them to walk around or sit and relax. The gardens are private, and, unless you are specifically invited in to admire them, stay out of them and stay on the main paths.
The Fenway Victory Gardens are in full bloom this springtime. Please respect their beauty and tranquil surroundings when visiting the gardens. It truly is an urban oasis in the middle of a large city.
On Saturday, April 24th, the city held the “Boston Shines 8th Annual Citywide Neighborhood Cleanup” that included a park clean up of the Victory Gardens. Police officers that are assigned to the Community Service Office at Area D-4 handed out whistles to the gardeners for safety purposes.
On Saturday, May 1st @ 7:00 a.m. there will be the annual “Birds of the Back Bay Fens”, a Guided Bird Walk with Dr. Gwilym Jones (Professor of Biology, Northeastern University). Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts). Thrill to the sight and sound of the array of birds that inhabit the Back Bay Fens each spring. All levels welcome. Bring binoculars. Additional information available on http://www.fenwaycivic.org