The Surprise Valley Community Garden has been one of the most unique stops on our August tour series. On the edge of East Boise near Barber Park, the garden has been balancing beauty with challenge all season long.

Tour leader Lindsay Lee, garden manager, shared that wildlife pressure — especially deer and rabbits — has been a defining feature here. Nearly every gardener has built fencing around their plots, turning the space into a patchwork of small enclosures. Each one has been fun to observe, showing a different approach to growing.

The garden has had 43 plots rented this year, serving more than 100 people when households are counted. For many, this has been the only place they could grow, since members live in apartments, townhouses, or cul-de-sacs with little or no yard. Some gardeners first tried container gardening before moving into this community.

🌱 Shared Harvests
Members tend their own plots, but they have also shared in crops grown by the managing group — onions, potatoes, and corn. Raspberries and strawberries have been open for everyone to enjoy, especially children who love snacking straight from the garden.

Last season, one member organized pantry donations — over 500 pounds of produce were delivered across the valley. With that volunteer moved away, there hasn’t been capacity for large-scale deliveries this year, though Lindsay noted the sharing spirit has stayed strong.

💐 Flowers that Fund the Garden
When the garden was first revitalized, there was no funding to draw from. Lindsay began growing cut flowers as a way to sustain operations — through classes, you-pick days, and Sunday sales. This flower garden has been the garden’s only income beyond membership fees, and it continues to cover essentials like irrigation upgrades, porta-potties, and waste hauling. Treasurer Gayle Johnson has carefully stewarded resources to make sure the garden is prepared for the “big surprises” that always come up.

🌾 Caring for the Land
Because the site had once been left fallow, the weed seed bank has been deep. While bindweed and thistle show up, overall the garden has been kept in good health thanks to steady care. The irrigation system, more than 20 years old, has been in the process of replacement this season — the result of years of careful planning.

✨ A Welcoming Space
The garden has been welcoming a steady stream of visitors. Neighbors wander through on walks, joggers pause to admire the flowers, and couples stroll on weekends. Families with young children, retirees, first-time gardeners, and experienced growers all share the space.

Reflecting on the season, Lindsay remarked: “Sometimes all I see are the weeds. But then I notice the flowers, the pollinators, the harvests, and the people — and it feels worth it.”

She also shared that participating in tours like this one, organized through TVCGCoop, has been a way for garden managers and gardeners alike to feel seen and appreciated — a reminder that the work they’re doing matters.

🌸 Support the Garden
Surprise Valley flowers have been available for Sunday sales and you-pick opportunities. Every bouquet has helped sustain the garden, keeping this East Boise community strong for the seasons to come.

Follow @surprisevalleygarden on Instagram for updates on flower sales and events.