‘Their story is rooted in resilience. New York’s community parcels tell a triumphant tale: In the 1970s, “Green Guerillas” and activists like Hattie Carthan and Liz Christy sought to commit radical acts of gardening to address urban decay and fight for land preservation. Over many decades, our dynamic modern city is a far sight from its formerly dilapidated state, but these tiny oases are no less precious to today’s residents and admirers. “New York Secret Gardens is our homage to these hidden spaces that we New Yorkers treasure,” says Bond No.9 Founder Laurice Rahmé. Just like each neighborhood of the city, these hidden gems possess distinct personalities and erratic open hours, if you can find them. There’s the artsy, eclectic The Creative Little Garden in Alphabet City—one of many to be discovered in the East Village alone—and the mature, leafy Tudor City Greens tucked way back on Second Avenue. For a more meditative mood, contemplate St. Luke’s in the Fields Garden down a path on Barrow Street, or behold the trickling waterfall and stately ivy clad walls of Greenacre Park on E. 51 st . They are everywhere, simply waiting to be discovered.’ – Bond No. 9
