Bayer Farm Community

Food Garden Specialists Join the Bayer Farm Community

Food Gardening Specialists volunteer at Bayer Farm. Pictured are Cheri Olhiser, Jan Bryant, Cie Cary, John Wells

There are a number of wonderful Sonoma County neighborhoods. One of these neighborhoods is Roseland where you will find Bayer Farm filled with food gardening, learning and friendships. The Food Gardening Specialists (FGS)—a project within the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County—are excited to become a part of this community. Even though we met Jonathan Bravo, the Bayer Farm Garden Coordinator, in the mud and rain in February at the farm, we instantly knew that there were some important things going on in this community of gardeners. The FGS has been given a generous space that will become pollinator gardens and demonstration beds. Descriptive signage in Spanish and English will be added. We look forward to working side-by-side with all of the gardeners at the farm, growing food to be used where needed and using Bayer Farm’s beautiful garden for community workshops. Most of all, we look forward to learning from our fellow gardeners.

Bayer Farm Park and Gardens is located in the culturally-rich Roseland neighborhood at 1550 West Avenue—just one mile from downtown Santa Rosa. Bayer Farm Garden was created and, for many years, maintained by LandPaths. LandPaths with the Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation is expanding Bayer Farm as a 6-acre farm and city park-in-the-making. The public is invited to lend a hand in the garden during “community volunteer hours” (beginning June 6, Monday through Friday, 1-5:00 pm). Community workdays are every third Saturday of the month, 9:00 am-12:00 pm followed by a potluck lunch. Children are welcome to volunteer or to play in the natural play areas. Visit LandPath’s site to see how you and/or your business can support and donate to the garden. Construction of the park and garden are on-going. You can read about the existing park and garden and view the master plan on the City of Santa Rosa’s site. And, stay up-to-date on Bayer Farm Garden happenings on Bayer Farm’s and SCMG’s Facebook pages.


Food Gardening Specialists clearing a future demonstration area and pollinator garden at Bayer Farm [Photos: Electra de Peyster]