Very nice little community garden off Flatbush Ave and not too far from the Barclays Center. Lush…read moreand full of greenery, trees, flowers, and multiple plants there are walkways and benches to sit at and take it all in. A respite from the concrete jungle that surrounds it.

i always get a sense of impending doom when i'm surrounded by the reckless encroachment produced by…read morethe machiavellian builders developers and worshippers of the almighty dollar. when i emerged from the cinder block shadows i was soothed by this lovely little oasis. A COMMUNITY GARDEN! now that's my kind of community! this place has roots and a story of struggles, struggles that will continue alas, like the struggles of han's brinkers family in holland to keep the water from the land. this garden is like little hans brinker who kept his finger in the dike and kept the enemy water at bay, this garden keeps a little slice of earth, orange trumpet vines trumpet a small victory and butterfly bushes invite those stained glass creatures of the sky to alight upon lavender fronds. the tattered, soiled, inspiring teddy bear lives on.

I should warn you that I belong to this community garden, so I'm completely biased. I think it's…read moretotally wonderful and my life in New York wouldn't be complete without it. I love the people and the flowers and the fishpond. I come here to see fireflies in August. I water people's plots when they're on vacation. I make ice cream with children whose parents I know by sight. I attend bi-monthly meetings and vote on what color to paint the gazebo (they chose this salmon color instead of Haystack Yellow--teaching me that democracy doesn't always work to the best advantage). Anyhow, it's always open on the weekends, and many evenings you can come in as well if a member is pottering about. A very nice place to sit still for a while, or email me and ask to host a party or to join the garden. I'd be into it.

Piece of Heaven! My girlfriend and I are members of the Green Oasis Community. We do some gardening…read moreand buy fruits and vegetables from the farm there every weekend. It's a nice quiet place for reading a book. There is also a fish pound and a kids' corner for a family outing.

Located in a section near the McCarren Park running track its a circular fenced in garden area…read morelocated near the main entrance which is dedicated to Tom Stofka. He worked with NYC Parks for over 25 years, serving as Director of Brooklyn Forestry. He was the guardian of the borough's trees and worked tirelessly to take care of them. I've passed by this dedication many times when I run in the park and it really needs to be taken care of better.

Founded May 2006 and already pretty downtrodden... On May…read more10, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe was joined by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Chairman of Community Board 1 Vincent Abate, and members of Tom Stofka's family, including his parents Stephen and Melba Stofka, and his wife Marta Hollister, to cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the art running track, synthetic turf field, and entrance garden in McCarren Park. "Today's dedication of Tom Stofka Garden at McCarren Park is a fitting memorial to a beloved colleague," said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Tom loved his job and his warm personality was infectious to all who knew him. By dedicating a new garden and a new synthetic turf field, we are providing the community with improved spaces for recreation and passive enjoyment. Although we miss Tom, this dedication will help ensure that his lively presence is remembered." McCarren Park is the beneficiary of several new improvements. Thanks to a generous allocation of nearly $1.8 million from Mayor Bloomberg, Borough President Markowitz, Council Member David Yassky, and a grant from ING Bank, Parks revitalized the northeastern portion of the Park for recreation and passive reflection. This project included conversion of the dilapidated track infield with the same synthetic turf that is used in the NFL. The field was lined for adult and youth soccer and football, and a new surface was installed on the running track. The work also included reconstruction of the Driggs Avenue entrance of the Park with decorative steel entrance posts, new asphalt paths, benches and garden areas. The garden is filled with flowering azaleas, rhododendrons, skimmias, viburnums, hydrangeas, Kwanzan cherry trees, and a weeping beech tree. Tom Stofka worked with Parks for over 25 years, serving as Director of Brooklyn Forestry. He was the guardian of the borough's trees. On his watch, the first street tree census was completed, the backlog of dead tree removals was eliminated, modern information management systems were introduced, and the Asian Long-horned Beetle was discovered and vigorously fought. Thanks to his immense love for his job and his warm personality, Tom is remembered by all who knew him as an unparalleled professional and a wonderful human being.

Did you know, Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey, has the largest single collection in the…read moreUnited States, with about 5,300 trees in 18 varieties. April is the time to go as they are in their peak bloom season. You will be rewarded with beautiful and scenic walking trails and picnic lunches under cherry blossoms. The park runs its annual Cherry Blossom Festival as well as multiple events such as the Cherry Blossom Bike Race Challenge, and the Cherry Blossom 10K run that happened last Sunday, April 12th. The weather was excellent, and there was plenty of community pride as everyone showed up. You can also be a spectator, should you choose to, if you don't want to partake in the run. Family Day will be taking place on April 18th. For those who wish to take in the scenery only, the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center renovation has been completed since last Fall of 2023. Inside, there are comfortable bathrooms, an artificial but exceptional-looking year-round cherry blossom tree in full bloom, and a souvenir center where you can purchase sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc. Proceeds benefit Branch Brook Park Alliance in care of the park, according to the Branch Brook Park's website. The entire Welcome Center has a modern and open feel throughout the building as it has plenty of natural lighting and high vaulted ceilings. As you enter, to your immediate right, you will find the gallery space with historical displays and a mural depicting the vast collection of cherry blossoms and their history. If you are ever in the area, this is absolutely worth a visit and yes, it is completely free.

THE GOOD -----------------…read more+ Large, scenic park with LOTS and lots and lots of cherry blossoms (more than in Washington D.C.!) for viewing during Cherry Blossom season. + On specific days, during the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, there are special events - such as Family Day, Bloomfest - which include the presence of food trucks and activities (bounce castles, music) for kids. + Trails are easily walkable by people of all ages. + There is a clean, large playground, basketball courts towards the southeast end of the park. + A majority of the park encompasses a lake and a pond, which makes the walking very serene. + Parking is allowed inside of the park along the roads, so feel free to drive into it instead of parking outside of the park. THE NOT SO GOOD ----------------------------- - On those verrrrry popular days to visit (e.g., weekends during the Cherry Blossom Festival), parking can be chaotic inside of the park, so come early in the morning and bring your patience. MIXED THOUGHTS ---------------------------- = Nada. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS -------------------------------------- = Nada.

Just north of West Thames Park, is the fenced-in area called Liberty Community Garden. I believe…read morecompost was brought over from Seattle, mixed with the soil of New York City planted with the flowers brought in tribute to the September 11 WTC attack. A beautiful site to see in a probably the quietest neighborhood of New York City, Battery Park City.

cool artwork. They have a nice café inside. I know the café run by a different company, but it…read moremakes you want to stick around and enjoy the incredible art. I know that it has a lot of community events too, so that is very impressive. Go. It's worth it.

Enjoyed our visit of this very small space. Suggest visiting when you have a particular interest in…read morewhat is currently on, due to the size. Would certainly visit again depending on the exhibit.

What a novel and cute idea. A community garden, especially in New York where space and greenery can…read morebe very limited. It was closed whilst I was there. But I could sneak a peak through the railings. Apparently I found out that Clinton Community Garden is a teaching garden.

Hell's Kitchen has a quaint communal garden which is limited access to the public on weekends only…read more During the week it is accessible with a key to residents in this neighborhood. Clinton Community Garden is a teaching garden and enables all to hone the importance of growing vegetables, plants and bloom flowers. There are benches for resting and lots of green. Very well maintained. Clinton Community Garden is a great example of a unification of a community and building bridges in working toward a common goal of a healthier environment and healthy living.

SWS Oasis was hosting a Back To School Drive and a BBQ Bash today! I came here with my good friend…read moreto donate our school supplies for the community kids. It was raining cats and dogs on and off but finally, the sun came out for the rest of the afternoon. This was such an adorable community garden in the heart of The Bronx where people are growing fresh herbs and vegetables. There was a chicken just wandering around the garden from her coop. I touched one of the eggs that she lay and it was still warm. I never have eaten really fresh eggs before maybe one day hehe I feel like a kid again swinging from that giant swing. Note: Rub fresh basil on your skin to keep the mosquitoes away! SWS Oasis were barbecuing delicious hamburgers, sausages, hotdogs, and etc on the grill. If you're around the area, pop your head in and check it out!

Love this little oasis in the heart of the Bronx. I've been there numerous times and always enjoyed…read moremyself. The two lovely people in charge of this garden Ramon and Rosie are always welcoming. There was an open bbq a couple weeks back to begin the new season. There is a little area for children with a couple of slides and chairs. Bikes and scooters also. There is also a tree swing which is a nice touch. This garden is open to the public but also available to rent for private events.