ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Longview has announced the opening of its long-anticipated community garden, a project that began taking shape in the summer of 2024.

Planning efforts included conversations with key community members, followed by fundraising initiatives that have raised $13,000 to date. Contributions included materials, labor, expertise, and financial support from residents, families, board members, and local businesses.

Located on South Hill overlooking Cayuga Lake, Longview offers independent living patio homes and apartments, assisted and enhanced assisted living, a social adult day program, and a Head Start Pre-K classroom. The new garden provides an accessible space for all members of the Longview community to contribute, enjoy, and nurture for years to come.

Support for the garden came from a number of donors and partners, including:

  • Whitmore Fence Company

  • Agway Ithaca

  • Triad Foundation

  • Cayuga Compost

  • Gridley Hollow Saw Mill

  • Cayuga Landscape

  • B 27 Earthworks

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension

The garden will be maintained through a collaborative partnership between Longview residents, staff, and Ithaca College students. The initiative also supports multi-generational and experiential learning. Future plans include a second garden space for residents to grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs, along with an orchard.

“Having an accessible garden means that I can—not only have fun getting my hands in the soil, but that I can pick some homegrown veggies enjoying that just picked flavor of garden-fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. It is also a way I can be involved in nature and the produce I eat,” said Julia Bentley Macdonald, a Longview resident.

“Kim Owen has graciously invited me into the Longview community while I await a Patio Home residence. Speaking with her one day, I said that leaving behind my beautiful gardens was the hardest part. I asked if there ever would be a time when gardens came to Longview and she said she had those plans. Suddenly, a potential new chapter in my life became a reality and I eagerly await joining in,” said Phyllis Smith-Hansen, a future Longview resident.

A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held to officially mark the opening of the garden and recognize the many supporters who helped bring the project to life in time for the 2025 growing season.

For more information, contact Kim Owen, Director of Marketing and Sales, at kowen@longviewithaca.org or 607-342-4239.