For many years, this space was used by an active group of neighborhood gardeners to raise vegetables and herbs, such as heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil and oregano. However, the site eventually became largely untended and fell into a state of disrepair. Then, in 2007, the garden was beautifully restored with generous support from Target. Nationally acclaimed garden designer and horticulturist Sean Conway partnered with New York Restoration Project (NYRP), local community groups – including the Bedford Garden Group and Block Association – and neighborhood residents to create the garden's stylish and innovative design.

As a result of these combined efforts, the Target Community Garden – Brooklyn once again bursts with flowering bulbs and fruit trees each spring and features vegetable and ornamental planting beds. The garden’s most prominent feature – a paved patio with comfortable seating, protective awning and steel arbor, all located at the back of the garden – is designed to function both as a gathering and performance space, perfect for NYRP Movie Nights and Fitness Fridays, and is reached by bleacher-style steps constructed from stucco. Other garden highlights include crushed-gravel paths and a rainwater collection system with a wooden water tower. In addition, a recycled brownstone slab – found on-site – has been used to create a bench inspired by the neighborhood’s historic architecture. In the front, four gates and two flowering pagoda trees provide a beautiful and open welcome to neighborhood residents and intrigued visitors.

The Target Community Garden – Brooklyn is another important and progressive step forward for this rapidly revitalizing section of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Located between two row houses in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood, this versatile, 4,000-square-foot space provides areas where neighbors can relax, have barbeques and hold community events – as well as a lawn where children can play. With eight public schools in close proximity, the garden is also ideal for environmental education and community programs, and a large local gardening group is taking a renewed interest in the space as a result of its new amenities.