Hello, all. I had the best time in the city with my husband. It was only 24 hours, but we packed a lot in. Lunch, shoe shopping – we both needed better, more supportive shoes and I knew that Harry’s, up on Broadway around 83rd, is the best place to find them. Then we walked over to Central Park and sat there people watching. It was such a lovely day and there were so many people out there enjoying the sunshine.
Then back home for a bit and then to my now-favorite place. The Community Garden. If you remember, I mentioned that Don had signed up to get a key to the garden. It’s only accessible to the residents of two streets; 47th and 48th. I suppose that means between 9th and 10th, but I’m not sure about that.
Anyway, it’s pure heaven.
You unlock the gate and, suddenly, you are somewhere else in the midst of the noise and traffic in Midtown. It’s simply beautiful. This used to be an empty lot in the seventies, full of drug users and drug paraphernalia. It was transformed by volunteers and is nurtured by local residents who garden there, some of whom have individual plots or allotments within the garden.
Behind that gate are the individual plots maintained by local residents. I imagine there’s a waiting list to get a plot. I so wanted to get behind that fence, but you have to be accompanied by one of the plotholders, so I had to be content to peek through the fence.
The plots are very creative, some of them decorated by the individual gardener, some more utilitarian. I will get back there. I will.
While we were there on Monday and on Tuesday, several gardeners came and worked on their plots.
Back to the main garden.
Bee boxes.
We sat there, late in the day on Monday, for over an hour. It’s so extraordinarily peaceful. We watched little sparrows take dirt baths, which was fascinating. There are two videos up on my Instagram feed that you might like; the sparrows and a view of the garden from yesterday morning. Yes, we made sure to go back one more time before I had to leave.
Don only found out about the garden because he stopped to talk to a man who was planting flowers on a nearby playground. That led to a talk about gardening and the Community Garden and the man told him that during the upcoming weekend, volunteers would be giving keys to local residents. So Don got a letter from his company manager stating that he was a resident and he got a key. He knew he would love it and, bless him, he was pretty darned sure I would love it so much that it would make me like being in the city this spring and summer. He was right.
I took a lot of photos and I’ll take more someday soon with my big girl camera (these were on my phone.) I also really observed and have taken away several ideas for my gardens.
I can’t say enough about the garden. Living life in NYC is hectic and noisy and for residents to have the opportunity for respite, peace, and to dig and plant and nurture is a little miracle.
Happy Wednesday.
Oh what a lovely oasis of beauty and calm! I love visiting gardens that are new to me. Each new to me garden is like a secret garden.
This is really like a secret garden, Carolyn Marie!
I followed along on IG with your lovely photos of the garden and I’m so in love. I need some peace desperately and so I’m going to search out a place that I can go and find that. We have a Botanical Gardens here in Athens and I’m going to go there soon. Heading off for my root canal. I know it will be fine, just not looking forward to it at all. Hugs!
Yes, go to the Botanical Gardens. Sit, breathe in, breath out. Sorry about the root canal. It’s not that they’re so painful, they just seem to take a long time!
My heart lives in a garden in a big city by the ocean! (NYC , SF, ??) How I loved your shots of this one! We’re on our way in the morning. NY, here we come!
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Safe trip, Shanna!
Oh that’s a lovely garden…so serene. I would imagine that the people that get to go there are so thankful…and the people that get to garden there, must be ecstatic! Looking forward to more pics.
I visited two garden centers yesterday, got some flowers, and potted up some pots. This is the earliest I can remember doing this…but the weather has been so nice, warm…no threat of frost in the foreseeable future. I figure I have enough sheets to cover the pots up, should the weather turn colder. It’s rainy here today…I can rest up, and attack again tomorrow. Enjoy your day! ;)
We have rain coming tomorrow, so I did a lot today. Too much, but what else is new?
Isn’t it wonderful that a garden can flourish in the midst of a big city? More so, that people understand how important and wonderful time spent with flowers and bushes along with the insects and birds is soul renewing. Just beautiful!
We worked out in the yard yesterday. It was a lovely day. Today we have some nice rain. Certainly enough to keep me busy in the house. I am so happy you had such a nice time in the city! A 24 hour respite is always a good thing, indeed! Have a good Wednesday.
It was a good break for me. And for Don!
What a beautifull space. Your pictures were awesome. It looks like the weather was great too.
It was beautiful. Today is a bit warmer and more humid. Yesterday was perfect.
What a glorious garden and in the middle of New York City! Although I haven’t been to NYC in almost 30 years, I remember the hustle and bustle and loved every minute of it! This garden would be so peaceful just to sit and enjoy all the sounds of nature. So glad Don and you are able to enjoy it, Claudia!
It is incredibly peaceful. And the sound of the birds almost blocks out the sound of horns and traffic!
Hurray for people who have the vision to start and maintain a garden almost anywhere. I’m glad Don discovered it and that you will have many more chances to enjoy it.
It’s so important for balance and peace of mind and creativity. It’s the neatest place!
Glad you had such a great time with Don in the city. Such a beautiful garden. I love when urban centres take time to create an oasis for the residents!
X Chy
I do, too, Chy!
that’s why i fell in love with London. seemingly at the end of every street was a garden or green space. they know the importance of providing what any garden brings to weary humans.
a cooling oasis in the midst of all the hectic living.
i’m so glad you and Don can enjoy it as your own!
and even if it’s fenced it’s still enjoyed by all those who walk by it or near it and just know that it’s THERE! xo
Well, it’s not a park, it’s a working garden so it needs to be protected and fenced. But I couldn’t help but think of the people who live in apartment that back on to the garden. What a wonderful view they have!
That is a wonderful place and it certainly makes living in Hell’s Kitchen a pleasure
I lived on 45th between 8th & 9th for 8 years in the late 80s & early 90s and at that time, we were also allowed keys to the garden. I spent many lovely days there reading and sunning when I didn’t have free-lance work. It’s a treasure!
Don thinks it’s only the two blocks, but you know, I bet it’s more because it is the Clinton Community Garden and Clinton is more than just two blocks. I’m going to research that, Cara. Glad to know you enjoyed it during your time in the city.
It’s terrific that so many cities are taking the initiative to transform these empty lots for more productive – and beautiful – purposes. Taking something Useless, and making it Useful. Kudos to Whoever first had this wizard of an idea! The people need the gardens & so do the cities – not just the greenery, the flowers & vegetables etc – but all that air-cleaning power. Cities especially need it all that. Beautiful photos too. Hope you get back many more times to enjoy more of the garden. Must be a genuine green respite for Don! Peace. 🌼
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
I’m not sure who had the idea, but Bette Midler was very active in transforming empty lots into urban gardens a couple of decades back/
The garden is wonderful, such a nice way to bring a neighborhood together. Thanks for sharing.
Yes. I’m sure there are friendships that have blossomed because of time spent there.
I can’t quite explain it but looking at your photos of this lovely community garden actually put tears in my eyes. I’ve heard of these in NYC as well as London. I believe Bette Midler was also involved in city clean-up and bringing greenspace to blight in NYC. I try to imagine, never having been to NYC or even spent much time in large cities although I was born smack-dab in the middle of Los Angeles, what it would be like to walk a sidewalk with wall-to-wall people and how claustrophobic it might feel, or even be able to hear anything over traffic/street noise. In my own SoCalif northern county now, where I’ve lived for so long, when I’m in its larger cities or towns, I can’t wait to head toward my path home at the base of the foothills (roads which only the locals know) and get off the freeways or multi-lane avenues. Small-town girl at heart; raised in a small town…yet also sorta mesmerized by big-city offerings.
Especially because Don is surrounded in his work with ‘noise’ although it’s a beautiful and joyous noise of the musical, this garden must be such a respite, a rest for the ears and soul; probably much better, of course, than the even-more populated Central Park by far.
This was meant to be, for both of you. It’s your special place now, among so many special places, as you get to enjoy this phase of your life with Don living in NYC for as long as it lasts. I just feel like things keep getting better and better for both of you at this time in your life even though, from what you’ve told us over time, your life together has always been pretty darn good. Loved this post; happy for you guys. Your photos are a real treat, Claudia.
Yes, Midler was very involved at one time. I’m not sure if she is now, but she was definitely a driving force.
There’s so much noise in the city – it’s a constant. And then Don’s surrounded by people in the show and in the audience and after the show, so this garden will be such a welcome respite for him. I like it better than Central Park, though the park is lovely.
How peaceful and lovely the garden is to see. It must have been a little bit of heaven to sit in the garden. This is such a lovely idea for the city dwellers. Thank you for sharing.
Marilyn
You’re very welcome, Marilyn!
What a wonderful place for you and Don to enjoy!
It is, Nancy!
Catching up with your posts. I am in Love with the community garden – what a magical place! A true refuge in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. Your gardens are looking beautiful as always. It’s killing me not to buy any flowers until the end of the month, but they will die in pots if I’m not home to water them.
Yes, so you have to wait, although I know it must be hard!
I watched the lovely video you took with all the beautiful sounds of happy birds … whenever you panned over to the fence & I saw how close the busy city street was I couldn’t believe it! I only heard a single car horn over those glorious birds.
I’d want to be in that beautiful space early every morning with a cuppa …. I want to see the personal plots behind the other fence too. How big is this garden lot area with the bee hives? I’d love to do bees, but the time required is overwhelming & hubby isn’t on board YET either. It’s not about the honey for me, but saving our pollinators.
I love this gorgeous space and a big hug to you for sharing it with us. What are some of the ideas your contemplating for your own gardens?
The beehives are tucked in a corner of the garden. Not big.
I saw how many plants were jammed in together throughout the garden and realized I leave too much space between plants. I need to plant more! And I loved the stone edging. I have stones on the borders of my garden as well, but I loved the way they were positioned. Also, lots of handmade arches and elements throughout the gardens. I’m inspired!