apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The garden is in front of a grocery store, in an area that would be a parking lot if it were the suburbs. Once you step inside the garden engulfs you, and one can quickly forget the city - no easy feat. Vegetables are a rare sight now, with most people choosing to plant flowers. Around the paths there are signs of the many hands that work together - a small birdbath, a potted plant waiting to be planted, a little metal turtle. One person was tending his vegetable plot (the last remaining), another had just finished planting butterfly bushes, and yet another was busy taking photos of his roses while his dogs enjoyed the shade.

Everyone was watchful, yet friendly, and quick to talk about their gardening. Sarah Jones, who is the garden chairperson, stopped watering her plot to welcome me and talk about the history of their garden. Plants, and the efforts of those who plant them, can be easily trod upon. By taking time to talk with visitors and opening their garden to all they are helping the garden live on, be understood, and become a vital part of their community. That is quite a task to accomplish in an area where NYU could swallow you up in a heartbeat.

matt at apartment therapy dot com