This garden provides for a nice little walk along the western coast of the island. I was en route…read moreto buy groceries, and I was pleased to find this place by chance. There gardens are currently going through renovation. But even still, this did not take away the peace and beauty of the place. One walking path runs on an incline, connecting Riverside Drive and 12th Avenue. Another path runs parallel to 12th Ave and the Hudson River Greenway. The photos speak for themselves. If you're looking for a nice walk in NYC, this is definitely one of many places to check out.

A trip uptown usually involves running down 137th to a gargantuan apartment building, making my way…read moreupstairs and entering a comfortable home where I'll watch Jeopardy and eat AMAZING Puerto Rican cooking. Heavenly pasteles, chicken, ribs, tostones, the most flavorful rice and beans you'll ever taste. Crisp salads with creamy avocado, eggplant parmigian... I think for a little while, man, this lady (my boyfriend's grandmother) knows how to cook! My face tingles with warmth after every bite. And then I remember. ALL OF THESE VEGETABLES COME FROM THE COMMUNITY GARDEN. This review MAY seem a little biased, but let's just look at the facts. Jenny Benitez is a sprightly, vivacious and mischievous woman who along with volunteers and her husband, has done a HUGE amount of work on the Northern side of Riverside Park. You can watch a video all about her and her efforts here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHGQxkdhf5Q Anyway. She has devoted SO much time to this park and garden. Her huge, huge heart has been poured into it...it's amazing how much of a difference one person can make, let alone all the volunteers! The garden is the image of perfection. It's nestled in the park, right next to the train tracks. Any vegetable you could imagine probably rests here, lying on the soil or beneath the ground, ready to be plucked up and utilized either in the home or for a summer cookout! There's a peach tree, grape vines, flowers everywhere. It's a sight to see, really. And tucked away enough that it feels almost like a secret. Being a part of the community garden (having a plot) is not as easy as you might think. Because there is still so much work to be done for Riverside Park, and there is a constant need for upkeep, you may have a plot of your own ONLY if you volunteer for a year. It's a system that helps keep the park beautiful, and gives you an opportunity to forget, for a little while, the limiting factors of living in a skyscraper on a grid. Please, please, please...if you are in the area you absolutely MUST visit this spot! It's incredibly special and fantastically inspiring.

The gated community gardens are between residential buildings along 116th Street. The residents…read moreplant gardens, have picnics and enjoy the space. The corporations that opened in the community were instrumental in furnishing the spaces. The COSTCO/Target Mall is at the end of the street. For the first time today as I passed a garden was unlocked. Men were enjoying the weather sitting at a picnic table. They did not mind me entering to take photos. I was drawn to the graffiti wall art along the back wall. It was evident planting is in process. The flowers are in bloom. They have grills to cook outside. Tables and chairs for picnics. This project looks very well organized. Other than one sign being defaced, the property is being well cared for. A nice addition to the community. I've walked by these gardens many times over the past few years. I finally got to take a real look inside!

Nice little garden that you can tell was clearly one of those corporate community goodwill kinda…read morethings that hasn't aged well.

The Target East Harlem Community Garden is a welcoming green space in upper Manhattan. It's the…read moresecond New York Restoration Project (NYRP) community garden revitalization made possible with the support of Target. The garden's renovation was envisioned by nationally acclaimed designer and television host Sean Conway. Conway also designed the Target Community Garden in Brooklyn and the Target Bronx Community Garden. In collaboration with NYRP and local residents, Conway and NYRP implemented a garden design that is visually distinctive and highly utilitarian. All NYRP community gardens hold a minimum of 20 open hours per week. Check the bulletin board at the garden for times and details. While you're in the neighborhood enjoy your shopping day at Target and other local small businesses in the neighborhood.

SWS Oasis was hosting a Back To School Drive and a BBQ Bash today! I came here with my good friend…read moreto donate our school supplies for the community kids. It was raining cats and dogs on and off but finally, the sun came out for the rest of the afternoon. This was such an adorable community garden in the heart of The Bronx where people are growing fresh herbs and vegetables. There was a chicken just wandering around the garden from her coop. I touched one of the eggs that she lay and it was still warm. I never have eaten really fresh eggs before maybe one day hehe I feel like a kid again swinging from that giant swing. Note: Rub fresh basil on your skin to keep the mosquitoes away! SWS Oasis were barbecuing delicious hamburgers, sausages, hotdogs, and etc on the grill. If you're around the area, pop your head in and check it out!

Love this little oasis in the heart of the Bronx. I've been there numerous times and always enjoyed…read moremyself. The two lovely people in charge of this garden Ramon and Rosie are always welcoming. There was an open bbq a couple weeks back to begin the new season. There is a little area for children with a couple of slides and chairs. Bikes and scooters also. There is also a tree swing which is a nice touch. This garden is open to the public but also available to rent for private events.