Stone Avenue Branch Learning Garden

Bro0klyn, NY

Collaborating with the Horticultural Society to transform long-derelict outdoor spaces into dynamic and welcoming community learning environments

The Stone Avenue Learning Garden transformed an under-utilized lot into a community space. The garden’s quilt-like arrangement of planter beds was inspired by a quilt from the underground railroad on display inside the library. In support of the garden serving as a diverse and vibrant community space, the garden beds are built to varying heights enable people of different ages and abilities to work together. A small shade structure allows for reading aloud and other activities. Use of salvaged bricks and donated plants allowed the garden to be realized within a minimal budget of $25,000.

Completion Date

2007

Collaborators

Queens Public Library

Horticultural Society NY

HSNY GreenTeam

Recognition

Urban Omnibus, “Turning Lemons into Learning Gardens,” 2009

Wall Street Journal, “Library Branches in Full Flower,” Ada Louise Huxtable, 2008