Welcome to the Civic Garden Center!

We are a regionally recognized nonprofit model that has been teaching people how to grow food and care for the environment since 1942. Founded during the Victory Gardens movement and situated on the former estate of philanthropist Cornelius J. Hauck, we are Cincinnati’s go-to resource for all things gardening, sustainability, and horticulture. 

What We Do

Our work spans three broad areas.

Grow: Anywhere & Everywhere 

What are you feeding? Whether it’s yourself, your neighbors, or the animals that share our ecosystem…whether you have a yard, a raised bed, or just a pot on a windowsill…whether you’re a new gardener, a community or hobby gardener, or a professional horticulturalist…we’re here to support you.

Nurture: Ecology for Everyone 

To us, ecology is about interconnectedness. What are the relationships between plants and animals (including us!) and the world around us? How do we extend that interconnectedness to all? And how we can work together to protect Earth’s resources in ways that leave the environment healthy for future generations? Let’s explore the answers together. 

Connect: In Learning and Beyond 

It’s telling that in a so-called “hyperconnected” society, people everywhere are trying to find—or rebuild—communal values and restore some collective optimism to their lives. With a commitment to diversity and accessibility, ours is a growing community of people aspiring to lead healthy, connected, and environmentally responsible/conscious lives. We would love to have you here. 

What We Stand For 

OUR VISION: A sustainable future for all where environmental and social responsibility drive individual and institutional actions. 

OUR MISSION: Building community through gardening, education, and environmental stewardship. 

OUR VALUES:

  • Inclusive: We believe it is essential that all people participate in solving the environmental challenges we face. 

  • Passionate: We are passionate about making a meaningful impact on people and the planet. 

  • Empowering: We seek to inspire people, businesses, and communities with experiences, knowledge and tools that enable them to take action. 

  • Responsible: We act in a manner that respects and protects the well-being of people and the environment, including our staff, our volunteers, and the places we work. 

  • Innovative: Through the application of our experience and knowledge, we embrace and drive change. 

What’s next?

We would love for you to explore our explore our grounds! You’ll find hours, directions, and contact information here. We also send out a twice-monthly email newsletter, The Civic Gardener, which is the best way to stay up to date with what’s happening at the CGC.

More things you can do: