James Cronin Park, Cambridge, MA 02139, US

The city's nine community gardens mean Somervillians who long to garden don't have to go without homegrown tomatoes and other garden delights–even if most of us have postage-stamp-sized yards (or perhaps just a stoop). Volunteer garden coordinators manage each garden. They assign personal garden plots to interested green thumbs and organize bulk compost purchases. Gardeners pay a small fee (usually under $25 per year) and then can plant whatever they like in their plot be it flowers, herbs or vegetables. All gardeners share upkeep of the garden pathways and compost bins, but plots are private: if you grow it, only you (and the occasional raccoon) pick it. Every city resident is eligible for a plot, but wait lists can be lengthy. The gardens are managed by the city's Conservation Commission and overseen by a citywide garden coordinator. To sign up for any garden, contact the coordinator at the number above. Individuals and businesses with land available for a new garden should contact the coordinator as well.