Our Goals

  • Create a garden that fosters community for both gardeners and the city.
  • 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.

Our Garden

The Portsmouth Community Garden was founded by Board of Directors President and Chief Gardener Tricia Donohue in 2021. 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 started working with the City of Portsmouth and many local individuals, companies, and organizations to build a community garden. The 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 through Gather Food Pantry. These beds are tended by our member volunteers. We are looking forward to our third year at the garden!

Location

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.

How can you get involved?

Board of Directors

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

Tamara Henderson

Vice Chair

  • Recently retired Unum executive with experience at USDA
  • Portsmouth resident, recent arrival – 2020
  • Board of Directors experience
  • NH Master Gardener program
  • Community garden participant (UK “allotment”)
  • Enjoys gardening, golfing, hiking and yoga

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

Chris Robillard

Treasurer 

  • Aircraft Maintenance Controller at Planesense, Accounting Clerk for the town of New Castle and former U.S. Marine 
  • Portsmouth resident, 8 years
  • Board of Directors experience 
  • Passionate about locally grown food and environmental and sustainability initiatives
  • Enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family

Jennifer Cotrupi 

Volunteer Coordinator

  • 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

Advisors

Toni Pollak

Gardening Advisor 

  • Retired Commissioner of Boston’s Parks and Recreation and career in environmental and historic preservation
  • Portsmouth resident, ~2 years
  • 30+ year experience with Charlestown, MA Community Garden – fundraising, maintenance/improvements and governance
  • Enjoys antiques, gardening, food security, history, architecture