Gardens with Growing Power!

The garden adds grace to the block, and brings color and life that everyone appreciates. It lightens the atmosphere. No one dumps in front.  People like to sit by it, even when the gate is closed, because it's cooler, and there are birds and squirrels to watch. It's often used for parties, which is nice to have on the block, too.  This is a Manhattan Land Trust Garden

This is an "edible food forest" - a unique food growing spot! Lots of experience and produce come from this site! It's epic! See more about the resources shared at bronxriver.org/about/foodway (photo is from this website). Lots to learn from here - so inspiring!! 

There are two farms here, which share an acre lot and grow thousands of pounds of food in farm-style rows, run weekly farm stands, and provide local families, restaurants and food pantries with fresh produce. Run by volunteers, more people are always welcome! See the website for more info - https://www.edgemerefarm.org/ (photo from the website). Food scraps are composted into rich soil here, too, so yours are needed for this very beneficial practice!

The storm water recycling system needs to be finished, then this large garden can provide greater security to the surrounding neighborhood from heavy rain events. El Jardin is one of the only permeable areas. 

It's the 44th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at El Jardin del Paraiso at 710 E 5th St. in Manhattan, hosted by the NYC Parks GreenThumb division! Join GreenThumb community gardeners in celebrating the start of fall with workshops, live entertainment, healthy cooking, and more! Rain date is Sunday, September 29th.

Heat shelter! This garden is a cooling resource for the community, find out more here

This is a spectacular botanical garden, but its future might be uncertain due to development. Neighbor to the continually expanding NYU, the garden has already forestalled their advance. It would be great to make this a permanent garden (also true for the Historic Forest next to it, with its native species and deep shadows reflecting Lenape-hoking and the rich diversity of nature before the Dutch, English and other settlers arrived in 1609). A beloved place of value to all generations, La Guardia welcomes all. 

Having a bench close to the gate has invited many people to come in and relax. There is a playground on the far side and i think the garden helps people feel more familiar, even if they don't come in. It's a bit of a mystery garden, in part because it's L-shaped and you can't see one side from the other. We are taking care of the new trees on the corner, and this will help air quality, etc. 

I'm not a member but I am welcome to join the weekly potluck, which is a wonderful tradition! So many people are fed by this prolific garden. It's kind to all, including many recent newcomers seeking refuge from the shelter system. I especially like the family-oriented design and policies, and have heard that school groups have plots there too. With fruit trees planted across the street and rows and rows and rows of veggies, this garden has it all! 

Safety is supported by knowledge and our chickens.  There is a great webpage about the chickens here!

Westbrook Memorial Garden is a community garden and ecological green space in Crown Heights; home to a prolific pollinator garden and a honeybee hive that is looked after by a resident beekeeper. The garden maintains composting and organic gardening practices, and has raised garden beds with members planting vegetables, herbs, and flowers.