For 43 years, Inner Sunset residents have managed White Crane Springs Community Garden, a farming collective of almost 80 members that grow vegetables and flowers on a lot near 7th Avenue and Lawton.

Managed by volunteers and yards away from urban farm school Garden For The Environment, White Crane Springs sits on less than half an acre that adjoins a clearing used seasonally to sell pumpkins and Christmas trees. Just south of that open space, the community garden is sited on a lush, tree-filled parcel owned by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission,  providing "a peaceful respite from city life," according to organizers.

For 25 dollars per year, members receive a raised planting bed that measures approximately 3 by 6 feet, as well as access to water, tools, compost and mulch. Members agree to use only organic practices, perform 12 hours of community service each year, participate in monthly work days and attend meetings.

According to member Andrea Jadwin, the Inner Sunset’s mix of sun and fog is particularly good for growing kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, mustard greens, strawberries, raspberries and assorted herbs.

Although plots are reserved for members, White Crane Springs Community Garden contains picnic tables and a redwood grove that are open to the public. Jadwin said the unlocked gate leads to occasional problems with trespassing and vandalism, but members believe the advantages of allowing free access outweigh the problems.

SF Recreation and Parks oversees 38 community gardens on city-owned land, but White Crane Springs is one of the most publicly accessible. According to a statement from Rec & Parks, the agency is “working on an agreement now” with SFPUC to determine who administers the property.

Stop by the garden if you're one of many in need of a respite from city life. To learn more about the garden and what it takes to become a member, email whitecranesprings {at} gmail {dot} com to contact garden organizers.