In the heart of Harlem, residents Richard James (“Mr. Richard”) and James Mouzone (“Mr. Jimmy”) are the dedicated leads of a vibrant community garden.
They can be found there almost daily, engaging with fellow residents and friends of the garden.
“When the garden was first established, people were hesitant and didn’t fully see its benefit. Some thought it was just for older folks. So, I had to show them—it’s for everybody; it’s a community garden,” explains Mr. Richard.
Once an underutilized space, this garden—now spanning 10,000 square feet—has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the Tenant Association, a collective of resident gardeners, and supportive partners like GrowNYC.
GrowNYC provided staff, volunteers, and materials including 10 garden beds, benches, tools, and plants. Together with residents, they designed and built this thriving green space.
“A lot of people now come into the garden to sit, talk, learn, and discover what we’re growing together. When we started, it was an experiment. Next year, we’ll expand, offering more of what residents love—cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, herbs, spinach, carrots, and more,” shares Mr. Jimmy.
With 70 years of agriculture experience, including 40 years as a Master Groundsman at NYCHA, Mr. Jimmy ensures the garden thrives.
Why It Matters
The Gardens At NYCHA program empowers residents, fostering community and providing autonomy to grow beloved foods.
“The garden inspires me. It gives me purpose to feed my community. It keeps me busy and engaged. We sit, talk, and decide what to grow. People come by, curious about the vegetables or flowers. It’s about learning together. To me, it’s about restoring and revitalizing our neighborhood,” adds Mr. Jimmy.
Related: Support our friends GrowNYC here to keep them feeding the community.
“This year, I met many new people and learned so much. Looking out at the garden from my window reminds me of my mother and her houseplants. This garden helped me connect with my community, be more social, and improve my life. I’m excited for the future and what the next growing season will bring,” reflects Mr. Richard, with anticipation for the garden’s ongoing growth.
Photo credit: 1-2) GrowNYC.
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