The arrival of garden season has welcomed in a wave of wonderful developments in the gardens nurtured by the dedicated gardeners at AHRC NYC.
Brooklyn and Queens Successes
At AHRC NYC Middle/High School’s garden, growth flourished with remarkable daily progressions. Students took pleasure in spending time amidst the greenery, tending to their thriving plants. This year, they cultivated an impressive array of produce: four varieties of tomatoes, two types of lettuce, eggplants, cucumbers, green and red cabbages, broccoli, multiple kinds of hot and spicy peppers, jalapeño peppers, sweet banana peppers, callaloo, kale, squash, and spinach. Additionally, their herb collection, both in the garden and on classroom windowsills, includes basil, oregano, peppermint, and sweet mint.
A new green space was created at Joseph T. Weingold Day Services location in Elmhurst, transforming a parking lot into a small oasis. Volunteers from WPP, alongside community members and Weigold and Cyril Weinberg Day Services staff, collaborated to install five garden beds and three large concrete panels, planting over 60 different vegetables and flowers. This event was enhanced by volunteers wearing T-shirts featuring a design by Nadila Masri, an artist supported at ArTech.
At Far Rockaway Day Services, the garden continues to expand with the addition of new beds and the enthusiastic participation of community volunteers. Numerous events are scheduled throughout the season. By inviting volunteers from HSBC, Far Rockaway locals contributed to this flourishing urban sanctuary.
Bronx Bloomers
The gardens at Mayflower Day Services have been tended by the gardeners who nurture their plants, use the space for relaxation, and as a hub for community gatherings. The raised beds have been graciously donated and constructed by the New York Restoration Project (NYRP).
The transformation of former parking lots into vibrant community gardens marks a remarkable trend in urban revitalization. Beginning last year, Dorothy and Michael Styler Day Services initiated this movement by converting their parking area into a garden, with this initiative expanding this year. Volunteers from HSBC, along with local gardening volunteers and gardeners at Styler and Howie Stone Day Services, have played an important role in this endeavor, adding six new garden beds and planting over 70 vegetable and flower seedlings. This expansion has fostered a sense of community, allowing volunteers to connect, enjoy shared activities, and contribute to the beautification of their environment.
These garden spaces provide exceptional opportunities for cultivating skills in various aspects of horticulture. They also provide opportunities to not only enhance the physical spaces but also strengthen community bonds by fostering friendships and shared values. Through such initiatives, volunteers contribute to creating welcoming and sustainable urban environments, demonstrating the power of collective effort in making meaningful changes.
We extend our gratitude to our generous donors and partners, HSBC, WPP and NYRP. Their contributions have made the development of these gardens possible.
