Eddie Souza Community Garden

Everett N. "Eddie" Souza Park is located at 2380 Monroe Street, Santa Clara. This beautiful 2 acre park on the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail features playgrounds, picnic/barbecue areas, an open grass area, a native plant/pollinator community garden, off leash dog area and a restroom. The Community Garden portion features many demonstration areas and rented raised beds individuals and groups to grown their own organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. 

Visit Everett N. Eddie Souza Park & Community Garden

We have demonstration areas that will inspire the gardener and environmental steward in you. You are invited to tour the garden on your own or ask city staff to show you around. Some garden attractions are:

• Home composting demo area
• Cold frame/Green House boxes
• Honey bee and Native bee housing demo
• CA Native and drought tolerant demo bed
• Mini fruit tree orchard
• Nine citrus trees from around the world
• Annual flower, bulb and herb garden demo bed
• Children's bed for visiting children to touch and taste

Second Sunday Garden Share

Every second Sunday, Mar. - Nov., 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., the "Eddie" Souza Community Garden opens its gates to all novice and experienced gardeners everywhere in a cultural garden exchange.

Each month we will highlight a topic to discuss, however all topics (and plants) are on the table! We hope you can bring seeds, seedlings, recipes, garden food, plant cuttings, or even questions to exchange with your neighbors. No one will be turned away for coming empty handed.

 This event is free and family friendly. Second Sunday Garden Share Flyer!

Apply for a Garden Bed at Eddie Souza

Join the wait list! All garden beds are currently occupied, however you may be placed in the wait list. There is no fee to wait list. 

Santa Clara residents living half a mile away, receive CalFresh benefits, are Senior Citizens, or have children in school will receive priority if garden beds become available. Not sure if you live within one-half mile of the Community Garden? See list of qualifying addresses.

• Application (All Garden Beds Currently Occupied)
• Becoming a Garden Member FAQ's
• Garden Member Agreement

New Community Garden at Copper Place

The City of Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department is opening a new community garden at 3450 Copper Place. This new garden will feature 24 raised garden beds, fruit trees, storage shed and a small outdoor seating area. The garden will host classes for members and the community that cover a variety of topics, such as, fruit tree pruning, container gardening and composting.

Apply for a Garden Bed

Santa Clara residents living within the Community Facilities District (CFD), receive CalFresh benefits, are Senior Citizens, or have children in school will receive priority if garden beds become available. Not sure if you live within the Community Facilities District? View the general CFD eligibility map.

• Application Now Open!
• Garden Member Agreement

General Application Timeline

• Application opens Nov. 20 at 8 a.m. - Dec. 31
• Lottery selection begins Jan. 1 - Jan. 10
• Member onboarding and garden access in February 2025

Member Eligibility & Priority Categories

Each of the priority categories will be weighted in the order listed per application.

1. City of Santa Clara Residents living within the Community Facilities District (CFD). View the general CFD eligibility map.
2. City of Santa Clara Residents who receive Cal Fresh (WICC, SNAP) benefits.
3. City of Santa Clara Residents with children in the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD). boundaries and Residents aged 55 and up.
4. All other City of Santa Clara Residents over 18.

Annual Fees

The City will charge an annual membership fee to defray the costs of water, maintenance, and administration of the Community Garden Program. Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Mid-year rentals will be prorated accordingly (full deposit required). Membership fees may increase after each program year. 

Annual Use Fees
Bed size (approximate)	Individual (3Hx4Wx8L) Raised Bed	ADA or 55+ (Bed Size TBD)
Deposit (refundable)	$50	$50
CFD Participation fee (March 1 – Feb 29)	$55	$55
Resident Participation Fee (March 1 – Feb 29)	$80	$55
Non-resident Participation Fee (March 1 – Feb 29)	$360	$360

Additional Information

1. One household, group or organization cannot rent more than one garden bed.
2. Two households or more may share one bed upon request.
3. Garden Membership is for one-year term, with the option to renew for 3 subsequent years. Memberships can be renewed for a maximum of three (3) years. After the three-year term limit, eligible participants can submit a new application for the waiting list.
4. If the number of applicants exceeds the available number of garden beds, a “waitlist” will be established. Garden Members whose 3-year term limit has expired may submit a new application to be placed on the waitlist.
5. Review the Garden Member Agreement for more information. 

Garden Events and Classes

• See the Parks & Recreation Events Calendar
• Master Gardeners Calendar of Classes
• South Bay Green Gardeners Calendar of Classes

Volunteer Opportunities 

Do you have an interest in gardening? Fill out the volunteer application and select "Community Garden" as your preferred assignment!