Between the Streets: Community Gardens

New York City's community gardens provide a tiny oasis among the city's concrete canyons, stoops and blacktop, filling a much-needed spot in places where parks don't exist.

Community gardens began when land that was spoken for by the city—often land that had been abandoned—was granted to community groups on a year-by-year lease basis. The gardens were created to reclaim public space as well as to produce food. From the 1970s through today, community groups have found themselves pitted against the city's intent to auction the land to developers. A settlement negotiated in 2002 by Elliot Spitzer, then Attorney General, gave the gardeners significant legal rights. Years of hard work combined with generous gifts and grants—songstress Bette Midler has been a leading contributor—have made it possible for some garden spaces to be transferred to the Parks Department and therefore safe from the threat of auction.

Each garden has its own personality, mirroring the neighborhood and the individuals dedicated to its creation and upkeep, offering colorful art, rock gardens and grottoes, and carefully-designed gathering places. Some, like the iconic Green Thumb garden at Sixth Street and Avenue B, regularly hold community events and performances. A handful of programs pair corporate sponsorship with the talents of innovative, respected designers. A few of these unique spots include the Herb Garden and the Family Garden in East Harlem, The Target Community Garden in Brooklyn, and the Toyota Childrens' Learning Garden planned for the East Village.

The gardens are more than a place to focus on lovingly-tended greenery. They're a great idea for a romantic afternoon, a picnic lunch, or just to spend a few quiet hours reading or having a nap.

To find a garden near you:
http://www.oasisnyc.net/gardens/resources.htm