A Place to Grow
The Portsmouth Community Garden’s mission is to create a community space where individuals and local organizations can grow food in a peaceful, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Our Goals
Create a garden that fosters community.
Offer a peaceful, safe space for community members of different backgrounds.
Honor diverse viewpoints and develop respect through the unifying act of gardening together.
Donate surplus produce to Portsmouth community members in need via partnerships with local organizations.
Establish an inviting, well-maintained, organic, and accessible garden.
Share knowledge among new and seasoned gardeners via our website and in-person.
Garden History
Founded in 2021
We are looking forward to our fourth year at the garden!
Tricia Donohue, Board of Directors President and Chief Gardener founded the Portsmouth Community Garden. An avid gardener and owner of her own garden design and maintenance business in Portsmouth, Tricia wanted space to grow more vegetables than her small yard in Portsmouth allowed. Tricia gathered a group of community-minded locals, some with gardening experience and some without, which became the garden’s Steering Committee.
The Committee worked with the City of Portsmouth and many local individuals, companies, and organizations to plan and launch a community garden. The Portsmouth Community Garden opened in Spring of 2022 with 35 beds. The garden grew by 35 beds in 2023 to accommodate all gardeners on the waitlist. Progress in 2023 also included a beautiful new shed, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. “Community Beds” are set aside to support efforts to fight food insecurity in the region in partnership with Gather Food Pantry. These beds are tended by our member volunteers.
Location
427-531 NH-33
Portsmouth, NH 03801
The City of Portsmouth designated the ride-share parking lot on route 33 for the community garden space. This unused, open space with parking, sun exposure, and flat topography is perfectly suited for gardening space. In addition, it is a major gateway corridor location with excellent visibility and, importantly, is bike and walking path accessible.
Board of Directors
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Tricia Donohue
Chair
Owner/Operator Tricia Donohue Garden Design and Maintenance, LLC (15 years)
Portsmouth resident, 28 years
Passionate about launching the Portsmouth Community Garden
Enjoys reading, knitting and gardening
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Beth Hartnett
Communications Lead
Financial services professional, currently with Bank of America, Program Manager and Strategic Communications – Merchant Services
Portsmouth resident, 24 years
Board of Directors experience
Enjoys cycling, gardening, winter sports and family fun
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Donata Random
Treasurer
Accountant and Business Consultant for small businesses
Originally from Europe, Portsmouth resident for 24 years
Southern NH University (MBA)
Board of Directors experience
Loves the outdoors – cycling, running, skiing and of course, gardening
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Jennifer Cotrupi
Vice Chair
Enjoys early mornings, skiing, gardening, woodworking, rowing, cycling, my 3 girls and anything that gets me outside
Office Manager and Bookkeeper for family business, The Law office of Andrew F. Cotrupi
Portsmouth Resident, 32 years
Board of Directors Experience
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Sheri Nadeau
Secretary
Finance Trade Analyst, Lindt & Sprungli
Portsmouth resident, 30 years
University of Southern Maine, BS
Board of Directors experience
Enjoys cycling, sewing, gardening, family and learning new things
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Samantha Flynn
Volunteer Coordinator
Program Leader
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Ari Ragonese
Social media Coordinator
Program Leader