Beneath the city’s clamor lies a verdant secret: the East Fourth Street Garden. It is an oasis that has blossomed from the unlikeliest of circumstances. The East Fourth Street Garden wasn’t always a garden. This land was once cleared for the F subway line in the 1930s. Transit builders changed their minds. The subway line went underground leaving this space vacant.
In 1979, local residents saw potential. They formed the East Fourth Street Garden Association. In 1981, the garden was officially incorporated. The East Fourth Street Garden became a central gathering place for the community.
The East Fourth Street Garden has funded its operations through various means. Dues collection, flea markets, and awards have all helped. The Mollie Parnis Dress Up Your Neighborhood Awards were a highlight.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development surrendered the land to Parks in 1998. This safeguarded the East Fourth Street Garden as a green space. The community developers still administer it.
Look closely at the sidewalk. You can see the subway grates. Every few minutes, you can hear and feel the subway rumbling beneath the East Fourth Street Garden.
The East Fourth Street Garden has individual plots in the center. There are about 26 plots. The plots have untreated, exterior-grade boards as edges. These edges help define the space. They keep plants from spilling onto the paths. They also prevent people from trampling the plants.
Common areas wrap around the garden. These areas are on the south, west, and north sides. The north side has mature trees. There are even some old apple trees. A shady path leads to the compost area and pond.
The East Fourth Street Garden encourages composting. Signs distinguish finished compost from that still in process. Clear signs detail what can and cannot go into the compost. Salvaging building materials is another sustainable practice. It keeps costs down and reduces waste.
The East Fourth Street Garden does not have a free water source. The water bill is about $400 a year. They collect and store rainwater to save money.
The East Fourth Street Garden hosts various events. There are flea markets, music classes, and birding events. They even host mediumship communications. The East Fourth Street Garden aims to connect the community to nature. It provides a natural escape.
The East Fourth Street Garden also hosts the Kensington/Windsor Terrace CSA. This CSA is supplied by the Garden of Eve farm. Members of the CSA are happy with the garden as a distribution site.
The East Fourth Street Garden is open to the public from April through October. It is open three days a week. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The East Fourth Street Garden is more than just a garden. It is a testament to community effort. It is a space where nature and urban life intertwine. A place where the sounds of the city fade into the background. Come visit the East Fourth Street Garden. Experience the beauty and tranquility for yourself.