Gallacci Gardens
Olympia Farmers Market


The Market moved to its present location
in April 1996.  The vacant lot to the east
of the Market building was designated to
be a garden. The Thurston County
Master Gardener Program, through its
volunteers, was designated as the
management, designer and operator of
the gardens, in conjuctions with Market
vendors and management.  The Master
Gardeners also operate a free plant
clinic at the gardens on Market days.
The trees on the perimeter of the garden and plants in the stormwater basin were
contracted by the Market. The remainder of the gardens were developed over the years as
a joint effort of Master Gardener volunteers and Market plant vendors. The gardens provide
the public with a variety of displays they can enjoy and from which to learn about gardening
in this region.
A key concept was to establish a garden that requires limited and environmentally friendly
care and yet provide variety, inherent and unique. From the beginning, the gardens have
succeeded in this purpose.

Slide Show Gallacci Gardens
In 1999 the Market board designated the gardens as
Gallacci Gardens for the work, planning and development
done by Master Gardener Norman Gallacci in establishing
the gardens.
In 2000 a grant through the City of Olympia installed
solar power for the Plant Clinic building. This
provides necessary power for the building and solar
water features in the gardens.
In addition to providing customers/visitors a peaceful spot to rest while visiting the Market, the gardens also offer
ideas on how to construct/develop home gardens. The master Gardener volunteers also provide workers to
maintain the gardens and enhance the area. They also offer a free plant clinic advice for home gardeners during
most market hours. The gardens also have a composting area where visitors can see how home composting can
be done.