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 mission is building community through gardening, education and environmental stewardship. Learn more about what we stand for here.
What’s next?
We would love for you to explore our grounds or visit our gift shop! You’ll find hours, directions and contact information here. We also send out a monthly email newsletter, The Civic Gardener, which is the best way to stay up to date with what’s happening at the CGC. Or you can:
Learn more about our programs, our Green Learning Station, or our Hauck Botanic Garden home
Check out our calendar and find something that interests you
Listen to our executive director, Karen Kahle, on Jennifer Jewell’s podcast, Cultivating Space
Read the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter (Fall 2024) or our 2023 Annual Report
Learn about the CGC’s history