The Infant Jesus Garden was founded by the Missionaries of Charity, who operate the convent next door to the site. This beautifully manicured, 2,000-square-foot garden is a peaceful oasis for the surrounding neighborhood, which is situated in an area where residents suffer from asthma rates more than double the citywide average. This vital green space features a meandering grass path bordered by stones and shade trees. Garden plantings focus primarily on ornamental flowers and shrubs, which are tended by a garden group organized by the Missionaries of Charity.

To improve the garden, in 2007 New York Restoration Project (NYRP) removed trash, restored street beds and planted a variety of perennial plants at the garden’s entrance. In addition, to help ensure the garden continues to serve as an active green space and engages local residents for years to come, NYRP staff and horticulture crews work with community members to provide ongoing maintenance, building assistance and plant material for the garden – including wood for raised planting beds, gardening tools, compost and vegetable seedlings.

The garden is located in the Ocean Hill section of Brooklyn and is set amidst a neighborhood composed primarily of Hispanic residents and one- and two-family homes, interspersed with transportation and parking infrastructure.