This is the greatest community garden, I can't believe it was right around the corner and I always…read morewalked past admiring that giant tree without stopping in. Open for impromptu outdoor dinners and gatherings, a grill and seating for public use, individual gardening plots (with a lengthy waitlist I'm sure), free bugspray (and wow are there mosquitoes), summer movie nights, and best of all -- COMPOST! You can bring your compost by during open hours or sign up for a composting annual membership with a personal key so you can have access whenever. I'm impressed. This is the best of Brooklyn.

I love this garden. One of the sweetest places in the neighborhood. Open long hours and a great…read moreplace to drop your compost. It is beautiful and a really tranquil slice in busy NYC. You can come here to eat dinner, they have great community programs and a sweet koi pond.

Do not go to the Merrick Avenue walk in clinic for any plant issues you need information about…read more They have little knowledge of what the diseases are and will charge a fee to have the problem analyzed. In my case, they never called back as promised. It was a total waste of time and money. A much better solution is to go to a reliable plant nursery such as Hicks, where knowledgeable people help you for no charge.

When I moved from a private home to a 55+ active adult community 6 years ago, I gave up an award…read morewinning custom kitchen, a fenced in backyard where the dogs roamed free, and my privacy. However, what I missed most was having my own plot of land! Enter Cornell Cooperative Extension on Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. I paid 100 USD for a 10 by 4 ( approximate measure) raised bed that is all mine for the season! The original bed was a nightmare! The weeds and gnarly vines were a bitch to dig up but after good half day using a shovel and a hoe, we had a nice canvas to draw upon. I did my research and decided to do a square foot garden. We fertilized the ground, marked the grid, laid down the twine, and planted our seedlings and seeds. Truth be told, I was never really good at this gardening thing. But since I'm older and have more time to myself, I visit my plants nearly every day. Some days I weed, other days I water, and now a days, I pick my veggies with glee! Lettuces, arugula, radish, zucchini, edamame, green peppers, jalapeño peppers , herbs, cucumber, and lots of tomato. There are volunteers on site to answer my questions and I commune with the resident chickens and geese. (I think that's what they are, they have never corrected me) I adore my little plot of land!

This morning as my teenagers got ready for school, the news was on the television. They were…read morereporting that Selena Gomez was getting criticized for her Music Awards Performance. Comments were made that she was off-key. She defended her performance by explaining that this was her first performance in 2 years and she was nervous. She has Lupus and has struggled with anxiety. At the same time, I am running around the house trying to get to work and my get house together for Thanksgiving which I host every year. I want everything in place to give my family a nice holiday. On my way to work, I started thinking about what I am thankful for this year. I am always thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for their love and friendship as well as their health and happiness. This morning as I think about Selena Gomez and food shopping, I realize how grateful I am to be able to go work at Allaire Community Farm. If you haven't been to Allaire Community Farm, you have to go. Spend some time there, enjoy the animals, the garden and the peacefulness of the farm. I have had the privilege of spending my work day there. I don't work for the farm directly, but I get to do my work there. Their mission statement is "nurture through nature and helping people achieve their full potential..." They "support special needs children and adults, at-risk population, families battling cancer, veterans with PTSD and the local community..." When you go to the farm look around, pay close attention and you will see so much more. You will see Sean, JoAnn, and Allison wearing more hats than seems humanly possible. You will see that the farm relies on volunteers to run. Dedicated people who give their time for the farm to succeed and people who truly believe in the farm's mission. You will see contractors and businesses donate their time, money and services. You see school groups, recreation groups and therapeutic riding instructors working with people with special needs. You will see a place that expects you to come as you are and be who you are. There are no "special needs" on the farm. You are welcomed, accepted and supported to meet your potential despite your abilities, background or life choices. In a world where people are quick to criticize people struggling and appearance is valued, it is refreshing and humbling to see how the farm brings people together and best out in everyone. This is the type of place and the values, I want for my children. I got there by chance and very happy that I did. If you have some time, stop by to visit and see what I mean.

False advertising for organic and local produce. Most of the produce being offered is supplied by a…read morevendor and is conventional, not organic. Some produce observed was even marked from Canada, not local at all.

You ever took the time to stop and smell the roses? I know it sounds cliché, but have you really…read moretaken out the time? If you haven't you definitely should. There is something to be said about taking time out to appreciate nature and all it has to offer. This garden is a sight to see. This is one of the smaller gardens located in Southside Jamaica, Queens. Its a nice spot to enjoy the sun, take a break or even get some reading in. There's plenty of benches with shade, raised bed plots. Its a nice addition to the neighborhood we call, Southside Jamaica, Queens.

While Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson may give himself a bad rep for his gangsta lyrics he sure knows how…read moreto give back to the Community. In a partnership with actress and Environmentalist Bette Midler, founder of New York Restoration Project the Baisley Park Community Garden was transformed into a complete safe space for the people of the Southside Jamaica Community. Flanked by the Baisley Houses and the LIRR(Long Island Railroad) Fiddy's garden is a sight to behold. Fully equipped with large funnels which work as a rain capture system( and also provide shade) raised bed plots and an overall handsome layout the 1.5 acre garden hosts workshops, school visits and Community meetings, and is in its 2nd year of existence. I enjoy green activities(as evidenced by my name) and I found out that they were hosting the first of a 4-part "Managing Your Harvest" workshop through the Neighborhood Gardening Institute. The sight of vines and trellises running through the gates and the framed walkway reminded me of a vineyard. Not to sound corny but it made my eyes widen with hope, and mind swell with endless possibilities to see such an ambitious project developing across the street from another project, a housing project where the outside doesn't seem as pretty. Many times the outer boroughs are treated like forgotten ghettos, only flanking the "Big City" by association and proximity. The further you get from Manhattan the more you can see these amnesic qualities, and Southside Jamaica is one of those places. This garden is one example of the people taking climate change into their own hands, because while "50" may have sponsored it's resurgence the idea had to start from the first garden and it had to watered, and nurtured into fruition until it hit someone on the head that it's bed could be expanded. Complete with benches, shade and dozens of raised beds, fresh air, and good vibes the Curtis "50 Cent" Community Garden is a place that will continue to grow and be the push for advocacy that the community needs to build upon among other things. It is open everyday from 9-5, and hosts a number of workshops and events. http://www.nyrp.org/Parks_and_Gardens/Community_Gardens/Queens/Curtis_50_Cent_Jackson Peas and Blessings.

Bruce's Raynolds Garden is a little corner of paradise…read more Established in 1970, this community garden is a quite relaxed green space tucked inside Isham Park. It's beautifully maintained, and displays gorgeous plants and flowers. There are seating options, and you can find more info on Facebook.

My dog loves coming here and letting his hair down! He enjoys laying in the grass and just being…read moreable to be a dog. I like it here because it is quiet and I can get some reading done! It is usually empty when we come here. It is always very clean except for the bugs but, we are in a park and I cannot kick them out! This park is my little secret and my dogs favorite place to be when he is not at home. I will continue to bring my dog here!

Amongst the chaos of BK, you find this hidden gem, better known as "Woodbine Garden". A friend…read moreinvited me to join him for their yearly gathering of good food, community and all around great vibes. If you're looking for community, or simply a space to grow your own food, I highly recommend visiting your neighborhood community garden. Side bar: woodbine garden will be going through a makeover that'll be bringing in new / waist high garden beds.

There's a beautiful community garden with veggies and fruits growing on a hillside in Ridgewood…read moreQueens. The planted crops cover a large area of land surrounded by tall fences, but there's a bonus section. On the Onderdonk Ave side, there are a couple of raised beds outside the locked fence that neighbors are encouraged to sample. Currently there's some healthy looking kale growing tall and a bunch of green tomatoes peeking through leaves. It warms my heart to see things growing, that also serve to feed local needs. I saw a group lovingly tending to it as I came home a month ago, and have wondered how to get involved, but havent seen the crew again. Ill keep an eye out.

Came here for my Niece's birthday. It was wonderful. The decor is lovely and the staff is very…read morefriendly and attentive and gracious for dealing with a table of kids. The food came out on time and cooked to the correct temperature. I had the steak and it was very delicious. It's a nice place for groups and for dates. Would recommend.

See extensive written review from 10-25-2022 by Jill F. They…read moredid a spectacular job even beyond my expectation!