In 1985, this small-but-active 1,900-square-foot garden was established by neighborhood residents, who decided to utilize the space to grow seasonal vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, basil and parsley. In 2004, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) installed an iron picket fence to ensure the garden was protected, built a sidewalk and began actively recruiting new neighbors and community institutions to help plant and enjoy this green space. Then, in 2008, NYRP built picnic tables and benches and partnered with local gardeners to install raised planting beds. Additional garden features include a winding woodchip path bordered by flowers and perennials, such as a raspberry bush, several mature rose bushes and a beautiful Magnolia tree.

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 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.

The Madison Street Community Garden is located in the Bushwicksection of Brooklyn and is surrounded by a neighborhood that is largely of Hispanic descent. P.S. 299 – the Thomas W. Field School – is located two blocks away.