Midday at the Oasis

By on June 24, 2009 9:49 am in Brooklyn Heights

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From frequent commenter Karl Junkersfeld comes this BHB guest post via the BHB Inbox:

I’m sure you have seen this beautiful garden oasis on Poplar and Hicks but possibly many aren’t aware of its existence. It is open to the public for 10 hours per week on Monday and Wednesday 6:00PM to 8:30PM plus other hours like Saturday from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Not sure of hours on Thursday or Friday.

The lady in the picture, Cindy Goulder, and a small group of volunteers (many who are expert horticulturalist) work tiredly to make this garden a unique spot next to the concrete jungle. There are tons of different species of plants and a few trees to see. Fortunately, Mr. Robert Moses missed this spot which I was told was a garden area to one of the houses on Poplar. Thank goodness for little favors.

Felt guilty taking advantage of the beautiful spot, day in and day out, and not letting others be aware of its existence. There are benches to sit and read, eat or just meditate. Hope you can give this wonderful lady a shout out and show some pictures of her labor of love.

More photos after the jump.

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  • Neighborhood Observer

    I have only been in the garden once (in the dead of winter) and even then it was an oasis. Now, it is glorious from the outside…got to return to appreciate it fully from the inside. Thank you Cindy and other volunteers.

  • Cindy Goulder

    Thanks so much for your appreciation! There is something very special about this garden, always has been, something that can’t be put in words. It keeps surprising us with new wonders all the time.

    To clarify, the garden is open Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:00-8:30 pm, Friday evening 6:00-8:00 pm, Saturday noon to 3:00 pm, and any time a gardener is there to let you in. Anyone wanting to help tend the garden is asked to show up on a Saturday afternoon, or email us at poplargarden@gmail.com.

    Many hands have worked the garden over the years. The land is what was left of a private backyard after the BQE offramp was built across it. In the 70’s and 80’s, neighbors cleared out dead refrigerators and construction debris and at one time planted lawn grass. Then in July 1997, after a fallow period, Pete and Sue Eikenberry jumped the fence and began clearing weed trees and mugwort, revitalizing the soil, and planting ornamentals and vegetables. Many others have since joined them, including some that have moved away, each contributing something to the garden’s form and character – plants, compost, tools, benches, paving stones, etc., and expertise, but mostly time and hard work and, yes, love. There are fifteen gardeners this year.

    The garden is wonderful! Come enjoy it with us!