Formerly known as the Jim Mackey Garden, this open space was founded in 1987 by Mackey and his family, who used to live directly behind the property. This well-used, 5,994-square-foot garden features a variety of large, ornamental trees – including a cherry and two peach trees – a lawn, raspberry bushes, flower borders and shrubs. Each year, community members grow a variety of herbs and vegetables – ranging from eggplant and asparagus to basil and parsley – in raised planting beds located at the rear of the garden. The site is enclosed by a fence and serves not only as a backyard extension for many surrounding homes, but also as a public meeting space for all in the community to enjoy.

To help ensure the garden continues to serve as an active green space and engages local residents for years to come, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) staff and horticulture crews work with community members to remove trash and provide ongoing maintenance, building assistance and plant material for the garden – including wood for raised planting beds, gardening tools, compost and vegetable seedlings. In addition, each year NYRP partners with the garden’s community liaison to host herbal workshops, which teach local community members about the many medicinal and culinary uses associated with growing herbs.

Located in the Eastchester section of the Bronx, this small, narrow garden sits amidst a neighborhood comprised primarily of single-family homes.