Founded in 1982, the Cooper Street Community Garden produces a variety of flowers, vegetables and herbs with the help of a group of dedicated gardeners of all different ages from the surrounding neighborhood.

This active group of local residents takes impeccable care of the garden’s raised planting beds – typically overflowing with seasonal produce. One of several gardens in the area, this site is particularly notable for its welcoming rose bush, remarkable Blue Star Juniper throughout and a gorgeous and unusual patch of purple hyacinth beans – all indicative of the diversity and quality of plants growing within. A small lawn and tool shed are situated at the back of the space, which is a site of frequent summer card games and barbeques, as well as several other communal activities participated in by the Cooper Street Garden’s many senior citizen members.

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.

Located in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, the 3,400-square-foot garden serves a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood whose residents are primarily of Hispanic and African-American descent.