Our current focus is getting visible demonstrations of high production urban food systems on the ground at community hubs so the general public can see a new model for urban agriculture. We are developing experienced interdisciplinary teams that can work with organizations and communities to implement projects. If you have a project you’d like us to consider, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

House of Hope Garden

Planted alongside the manicured lawns of Summit Avenue in St. Paul is a different kind of garden – a garden designed to bring "a healthy ecosystem to life” while providing abundant food for Neighborhood House, the largest food shelf in Ramsey County. With a border of pollinator plants, strawberries, and rhubarb it is home to tomatillos, tomatoes, collards, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and much more. The crops are grown in polycultures with other vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers to increase productivity. Herbs and edible flowers attract beneficial insects, repel pests, provide food, and add to the beauty of the gardens.

The House of Hope Presbyterian Church’s 4800 square foot community garden was designed and installed by PRI’s Research and Demonstration team in June, 2011. The garden produces over seventy pounds of fresh produce every week. Five teams of trained volunteers from the church and the surrounding community harvest and maintain it.

A multifunctional fence was designed specifically for the garden. It keeps out rabbits, allows people to view the gardens, and provides a trellis for crops. Aesthetics were a high priority in the design of the garden given its location and the need for approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Because of its location the garden has attracted widespread attention. While planting, people drove by, honked and gave us the thumbs-up. Others consistently stop by and say how beautiful the garden is. However, the garden has also been a lightning rod for a few people who don’t think a garden belongs on Summit Avenue. They are challenging the Heritage Preservation Commission’s approval of the fence. Stay tuned for more and meanwhile stop by and visit the garden if you’re in the neighborhood - the church is located at the corners of Summit Ave. and Avon. St.