With support from the Boston Food Forest Coalition, the Ellington Street community turned a neglected city lot into a food forest. By growing food, fruit trees, and berry vines, and by creating a community gathering space, Ellington’s community food forest has strengthened the connection between people, food, and land since 2017.

The Ellington space is a combination of perennial plantings and raised beds, some gardened by residents and others designated for communal use. The area is also used for celebrations, workshops, workdays and barbecues.

Soon after the food forest’s inception, the Ellington stewardship team unveiled a stunning mosaic of a heart centered tree created by Zahirah Truth. It speaks to the heart connection and rootedness of the garden, the connection of all involved, and the strength of community. It is a place of peace where anyone is welcome to connect with nature, to relax in the gazebo, to have a picnic while their children play in the sandbox, and to grow their own food as well as food for others.