Bissel Gardens

In a city as dynamic and densely populated as New York, finding a genuine escape where nature thrives and community flourishes can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. For residents of the Bronx, particularly in the Northeast section, Bissel Gardens is precisely that: a magnificent, sprawling oasis that has become a cornerstone of local life. Revered as the Northeast Bronx’s oldest and largest community garden, Bissel Gardens is far more than just a place to grow plants; it's a testament to the power of community, a haven of tranquility, and a vibrant hub for environmental stewardship and social connection. As one grateful visitor noted, stepping into Bissel Gardens makes you "feel like you're in a different part of the Bronx – tranquility, and it really exist."

The history of Bissel Gardens is a compelling narrative of community resilience and transformation. Established in 1994 by dedicated Wakefield residents, this impressive 2.5-acre green space was once an abandoned, unpaved road and dumping ground alongside the MTA 239th Street Yard and Maintenance Shop. Through a unique partnership with New York City, NYC Parks GreenThumb, and the MTA, local activists successfully negotiated for permission to reclaim and revitalize the land. This vision and dedication turned a neglected eyesore into a sprawling and flourishing green space that has served the community for over 25 years.

Today, Bissel Gardens encompasses a remarkable array of distinct areas, each serving a specific purpose: the "Growing For Others" Garden, individual Community Gardens, a Children's Garden, a Farmers’ Market Growing Area, an Environmental Education & Propagation Area, and a dedicated Farmers Market Site. This multi-faceted approach underscores its commitment to not only beautifying the neighborhood and creating safe outdoor spaces but also offering diverse opportunities for community gardening, growing food for donation, and providing fresh produce to local residents. Bissel Gardens embodies the spirit of urban greening, demonstrating how grassroots efforts can transform neglected urban spaces into invaluable assets that enhance well-being and foster a strong sense of collective pride.

Bissel Gardens is conveniently located in the Wakefield section of the Bronx, making it a prominent and accessible green space for residents of the Northeast Bronx and surrounding areas. Its address is 4525 Barnes Ave, Bronx, NY 10466, USA. This location places it along a public path and within a residential neighborhood, signifying its integration into the daily lives of local community members.

Given its address in the Bronx, Bissel Gardens benefits from the extensive public transportation network of New York City. The 2 and 5 subway lines, which serve much of the Bronx, would likely have stations within a reasonable bus ride or walk from the garden, connecting it to other parts of the Bronx and Manhattan. Numerous local MTA bus routes operate throughout the Wakefield area, with bus stops typically within a short walking distance of the garden. This widespread bus access ensures that a significant portion of the local population can easily reach Bissel Gardens without requiring personal vehicles.

For those traveling by car, Barnes Avenue provides direct access, and the surrounding residential streets may offer street parking. Visitors should always be mindful of New York City's parking regulations. The garden's substantial 2.5-acre size and its unique position alongside the MTA train yard also contribute to its visibility and ease of access for local residents. Its role as a major community hub means it is well-known and frequented by those in the immediate vicinity, further solidifying its local accessibility.

• Community Gardening Plots: Bissel Gardens offers approximately 30 individual garden beds for community members to cultivate their own plants, allowing for personal expression in gardening and fostering diversity in plantings.

• "Growing For Others" Garden: A dedicated area focuses on growing food specifically for donation to local soup kitchens and shelters, actively addressing food insecurity in the community through the efforts of volunteers, including those from the Bronx Green Machine.

• Children's Garden: This section is devoted to young gardeners, offering environmental and educational programs designed to teach children about gardening, nature, and sustainability.

• Veteran's Garden: Launched in the Propagation Area, this garden encourages local veterans to participate in gardening, providing a therapeutic and engaging outdoor activity.

• Environmental Education & Propagation Area: This area grows native plants that attract butterflies and pollinators, supporting local biodiversity and helping gardeners establish their own butterfly gardens. It also provides opportunities for learning about environmental stewardship.

• Farmers' Market: The Market at Bissel Garden operates from July 1 through mid-November, providing neighborhood residents with access to fresh fruits and vegetables from New York State farmers. It also offers cooking demonstrations and accepts Health Bucks and EBT cards.

• Educational Vegetable Garden: This garden is designed to educate community gardeners and children by growing herbs and various vegetables in families, offering practical learning experiences.

• Workshops and Volunteer Days: The garden regularly hosts volunteer workdays and educational workshops on topics such as urban horticulture, organic vegetable gardening, soils, and pruning, open to community members.

• Event Space: As a significant community space, Bissel Gardens hosts various events, including memorial services, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations like Juneteenth.

• The Oldest and Largest Community Garden in the Northeast Bronx: At 2.5 acres and with over 25 years of history, Bissel Gardens holds a significant place in the community. Its sheer size and longevity make it a rare and valuable asset, offering more diverse activities and space than smaller urban gardens.

• A Tranquil Oasis: As attested by reviews, the garden provides a profound sense of "tranquility," offering a serene escape from the urban environment. This atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation, quiet contemplation, and enjoying nature within the city.

• Diverse Themed Gardens: The garden's layout into distinct areas—including "Growing For Others," a Children's Garden, a Veteran's Garden, a Butterfly Project area, and an Environmental Education & Propagation Area—showcases its comprehensive approach to community service and engagement, catering to various interests and demographics.

• Active Farmers' Market: The on-site Farmers' Market is a major highlight, not only providing fresh, local produce but also promoting healthy eating through cooking demonstrations and making fresh food accessible by accepting Health Bucks and EBT cards.

• Strong Community and Volunteer Ethos: The garden thrives on collaborative effort and volunteers, demonstrating how community ideas can come to fruition. This fosters a strong sense of collective efficacy and social responsibility among its members, making it a true community-led space.

• Unique Partnership with NYC Parks GreenThumb and MTA: The success of Bissel Gardens is rooted in its unique partnership, which allowed the transformation of abandoned land into a flourishing green space. This collaboration is a model for urban renewal and effective use of public and quasi-public land.

• Educational Programs and Workshops: Beyond just growing, Bissel Gardens serves as a learning hub, offering workshops on urban horticulture, sustainability, and environmental justice, catering to both adults and youth.

As a public community garden operating under the NYC Parks GreenThumb program, Bissel Gardens does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its inherent "offer" is the free and invaluable access it provides to green space, educational resources, and community engagement opportunities.

However, the garden frequently provides a wealth of benefits and opportunities that could be considered "special offers" for the community:

• Free Garden Plots: The primary benefit is the opportunity for local residents to apply for and maintain their own garden plots, providing a unique chance to grow fresh produce in an urban environment.

• Free Educational Workshops: Bissel Gardens, often in partnership with GreenThumb and organizations like the Bronx Green Machine, hosts free workshops on various gardening topics (e.g., organic gardening, composting, native plants), skill-sharing events, and environmental education programs for all ages.

• Access to Fresh, Affordable Produce: The on-site Farmers' Market provides locally sourced fruits and vegetables. The acceptance of Health Bucks and EBT cards makes fresh food more accessible and affordable for budget-conscious residents.

• Volunteer Opportunities: The garden actively encourages and welcomes volunteers for various tasks, offering a chance to learn new skills, contribute to community well-being, and meet neighbors. This is a "free offer" of personal growth and community involvement.

• Community Events: Bissel Gardens is a venue for numerous free community events, such as memorial dedications (e.g., for COVID-19 victims), Juneteenth celebrations, and other gatherings that foster social cohesion and local pride.

• Free Tree Giveaways: The garden often partners with organizations like the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) to host free tree giveaway events, allowing residents to take home native trees to plant in their own spaces.

To stay informed about these valuable opportunities, it's advisable to check the Bissel Gardens website (bisselgardens.wordpress.com), their social media channels, or the NYC Parks GreenThumb event calendar (nycgovparks.org/events/greenthumb) for upcoming workshops, markets, and volunteer days.

For those interested in connecting with Bissel Gardens, whether for general inquiries, to learn about membership, or to participate in events, here is the available contact information:

Address: 4525 Barnes Ave, Bronx, NY 10466, USA

Phone: (347) 375-4228

Mobile Phone: +1 347-375-4228

For additional information and updates on events, news, and volunteer opportunities, you can also visit their official website:

Website: bisselgardens.wordpress.com

The garden also maintains a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, which are excellent ways to stay connected and see what's happening within the garden throughout the seasons. Email contacts are also available on their site, which can be useful for direct communication with garden coordinators or for specific inquiries about programs like "Food for Others" or the Children's Garden. It’s always recommended to check their website or social media for the most current information regarding specific event dates, times, and any changes to garden access.

Bissel Gardens is exceptionally suitable for locals in the Bronx, particularly those in the Northeast section and Wakefield, embodying the true essence of community and green living in an urban environment. Its suitability stems from a multitude of factors that directly address the needs and aspirations of New York City residents.

Firstly, its status as the "Northeast Bronx’s oldest & largest community garden" immediately signifies its importance and capacity. At 2.5 acres, it provides a substantial amount of green space, which is a rare and invaluable commodity in the city. This generous size allows for diverse activities and distinct garden areas, from individual plots for personal cultivation to dedicated spaces for growing food for the less fortunate, a children's garden, and even a veterans' garden. This multi-purpose design ensures that a wide array of community members can find a personal connection and benefit from the garden.

Secondly, the "tranquility" and sense of being in "a different part of the Bronx" that visitors experience are crucial for urban well-being. In a bustling city, Bissel Gardens offers a vital respite, a place for quiet contemplation, relaxation, and a direct connection to nature. This serves as a mental and emotional escape, promoting peace and stress reduction for locals who may not have access to private outdoor space.

Furthermore, the garden's robust community focus, driven by local volunteers and partnerships with NYC Parks GreenThumb and the MTA, creates a strong sense of ownership and belonging. It's a place where neighbors can connect, learn from each other, and collectively contribute to the beautification and sustenance of their immediate environment. The farmers' market, accepting Health Bucks and EBT, directly supports local food access and affordability, a tangible benefit for residents. For those seeking healthy outdoor activity, opportunities to learn about gardening, or simply a friendly place to gather, Bissel Gardens provides a welcoming and enriching environment right in their backyard. It is a shining example of how a committed community can transform and sustain a vital green heart in the urban landscape.

Bissel Gardens

4525 Barnes Ave, Bronx, NY 10466, USA