🎥 Watch the Video: Intro to VISTA Gardens
Before diving into this post, check out our Intro to VISTA Gardens YouTube video, created by Nicole Jagusztyn, VISTA’s Education Chair. Nicole’s passion for gardening and education shines as she guides new and prospective members through everything you need to know about joining our vibrant community garden. Watch it here!
Meet Nicole Jagusztyn: Education Chair and Community Advocate
Nicole Jagusztyn is more than a gardening enthusiast—she’s a key leader at VISTA Gardens, dedicated to helping members succeed. Through her role as Education Chair, Nicole has created resources like the Intro to VISTA Gardens video to make the transition into membership seamless and informative.
Her work ensures that every gardener, regardless of experience, feels supported and empowered to thrive.
From Water Treatment Facility to Thriving Community Hub
VISTA Gardens is a shining example of how a community can transform its surroundings into a beacon of sustainability and connection. Founded in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, VISTA Gardens was born out of a collaborative effort by the three Carrollwood Village Homeowner Associations and Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department. What was once an abandoned, overgrown water treatment facility has been reimagined as a 3.31-acre sustainable garden park that enriches the lives of members and the surrounding community.

This transformation was made possible through the support of Hillsborough County Commissioners and the unwavering dedication of Carrollwood Village residents. Every feature of the garden, from the pollinator-friendly wildflower beds to the solar-powered irrigation system, reflects countless volunteer hours and the true grit of those who believed in creating a space that fosters growth—both literally and figuratively.
When VISTA Gardens opened to members in Fall 2014, it started with just six plots and 10 members under the guidance of Whitwam Organics, a key community partner. Today, the garden boasts 60 raised cedar plots tended by 72 active members, all of whom embrace organic gardening practices. No herbicides or pesticides are used, ensuring that the vegetables, fruits, and flowers grown here are as natural as the friendships cultivated among members. Many share their harvests with each other, while others donate fresh produce to local food pantries, reflecting the community spirit that defines VISTA.
Powered by Nature and Community
VISTA operates entirely off the grid, using solar-powered pumps to draw water from a 230-foot-deep well. The water is gravity-fed through a 500-gallon storage tank to irrigate the gardens sustainably.
The garden’s composting program exemplifies its focus on reducing waste and enriching the soil. Kitchen scraps from members and local residents are transformed into nutrient-rich compost, and a partnership with a food pantry processes thousands of pounds of expired produce into fertile soil amendments.
At the heart of VISTA’s success is its all-volunteer workforce. Members contribute at least two hours per month to tasks ranging from maintaining common areas to managing garden committees. This shared effort ensures that every feature of the garden, from its trails to its seed house, continues to flourish.
Year-Round Gardening in Florida’s Unique Climate
Florida’s unique growing zones make gardening here a year-round adventure. Our gardening calendar runs from August to July, with planting primarily happening in the fall through spring. During the summer, members focus on soil preparation, cover crops, and planning for the next season. Nicole’s video and our newsletters are fantastic resources to help you navigate Florida’s growing cycles.
Your Role as a Member

Volunteer Contributions: Members dedicate at least two hours per month to communal tasks, from composting to joining one of our 15 committees.
Sustainable Practices: Use organic fertilizers, sanitize tools, conserve water, and bring kitchen scraps for composting.
Stewardship: Keep your plot weed-free, secure tools and gates, and support garden-wide initiatives.
Education, Collaboration, and Sustainability
VISTA Gardens isn’t just a place to grow food; it’s a hub for learning and connection. Members enjoy access to educational workshops on topics like nutrition, Florida birds, and organic gardening practices. Social events, such as potlucks and “Happy Hours,” foster friendships and a sense of belonging.
Special projects, often led by local educational and scouting groups, have added unique features like a pergola for the Little Free Library® and improvements to the pond area. These collaborations reflect VISTA’s commitment to community partnerships and ongoing innovation.
Beyond its practical features, VISTA Gardens is a place of tranquility and inspiration. Members can stroll along a 180-foot woodland trail, spot birds and pollinators supported by feeders and bee hives, or relax by the 2,000-gallon freshwater pond, which doubles as an educational site for sustainable aquatic ecosystems.
As a member, you’ll find yourself not only growing your own food but also connecting with others who share your passion for sustainability and self-reliance. Together, we’ve turned a forgotten piece of land into a vibrant, thriving hub where nature and community thrive hand in hand.
Join Us Today

If you haven’t yet, attend an in-person orientation to deepen your understanding of our resources and responsibilities. And don’t forget to check out Nicole Jagusztyn’s Intro to VISTA Gardens video for a warm welcome and detailed overview.
🌱 Learn more about VISTA Gardens or sign up for membership today!
We can’t wait to see what you’ll grow.
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