Morning Glory

The Morning Glory Community Garden, nestled at 1219 Hoe Avenue in the Crotona Park East neighborhood of the South Bronx, NY 10459, is far more than a simple garden; it's a dynamic and thriving "Scenic Spot" that embodies community resilience, sustainable urban agriculture, and a profound commitment to food sovereignty. Established in 2014 as part of the "Gardens for Healthy Communities Program" within the Mayor's Obesity Task Force Initiative, this volunteer-led urban farm has become a cherished "hidden treasure" for local users, offering a wealth of services and a vibrant environment. You can reach the garden at (212) 602-5300 or +1 212-602-5300.

The environment of Morning Glory Community Garden is a verdant and productive oasis carved out of an urban landscape. Spanning approximately 10,286 square feet, this urban farm and community garden is meticulously maintained and designed to maximize food production and foster a welcoming atmosphere. It features raised beds of different heights, which are crucial for urban gardening due to potential soil contaminants, ensuring that produce is grown safely. The garden also boasts practical amenities such as a "Casita" (a small house or shed) and a "Shade Structure," providing shelter and utility. An advanced aerated static pile compost system is in place, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and waste reduction. Furthermore, the garden is equipped with rainwater harvesting systems off the roofs of its structures and a full solar system that powers its irrigation, highlighting its dedication to eco-sustainability and self-sufficiency. Beyond vegetables and herbs, the garden cultivates perennial fruits including pears, cherries, peaches, figs, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, adding to its biodiversity and long-term yield. The overall environment is one of active growth, community engagement, and a deep connection to nature in the heart of the city.

As a "Scenic Spot" that provides both an experience and tangible goods, Morning Glory Community Garden offers an impressive array of services and features to the Bronx community:

• Organic Food Production and Distribution: At its core, Morning Glory is an urban farm that intensively grows food using organic practices. Its most impactful service is the "harvest box program." Since 2016, and notably since 2020, these biweekly deliveries of organic produce – a variety of greens, herbs, vegetables, and fruits based on seasonal availability – have been offered for free to any Bronx resident. This directly addresses food insecurity and provides access to fresh, nutritious food.

• Community Hub and Events: The garden serves as a vibrant space for adults and children to gather, learn, celebrate, and play. It regularly hosts a diverse range of community events, including:

  • Baby Meetups: As highlighted by a customer review, the garden hosts events like "Danny, a mother and gardener, hosting the baby meetup," offering a valuable resource for parents with young children. These meetups provide a supportive environment for socialization and informal learning.

  • Workshops: The garden frequently offers free workshops on topics such as planting, natural dyeing, herbal remedies, and fruit tree pruning, often in partnership with organizations like the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Bronx Green-Up. These hands-on sessions provide practical skills and environmental education.

  • Story Hours and Clothing Swaps: These events further underscore the garden's role as a versatile community anchor, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual aid.

• Educational Opportunities: Children, in particular, benefit from structured activities where they "learn how to sow, cultivate, and harvest plants." This direct engagement with the food cycle provides invaluable educational experiences that promote healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship.

• Volunteer-Led Operation: The garden is 100% volunteer-run, emphasizing its grassroots nature and community-driven mission. This fosters a strong sense of ownership and collaboration among residents who contribute to its upkeep and growth.

• Composting and Sustainability: The advanced composting system not only enriches the garden's soil but also serves as a model for sustainable waste management, demonstrating practical environmental conservation within an urban setting.

• Garden Beds for Members: For active garden members, raised beds are available, along with plants and technical support, empowering individuals to grow their own food.

Morning Glory Community Garden's promotional efforts are deeply rooted in its community impact and its status as a recognized leader in urban agriculture. It is supported by NYC Parks' GreenThumb program, the nation's largest urban gardening program, which provides resources and licenses to community gardens. The garden also collaborates with significant partners like GrowNYC, the New York Botanical Garden, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, leveraging these partnerships to expand its reach and offerings.

The garden has received significant recognition for its work, including the "Urban Agriculture Award" by NYC Parks GreenThumb in 2021, and inclusion in "The Bronx Foodways Oral History Project" in 2022. It was also featured in The New York Times in 2023, in an article titled "Vital Places of Refuge in the Bronx, Community Gardens Gain Recognition." Such media attention further promotes its value as a model for community development and food justice.

For local users, the garden is promoted as a "hidden treasure" and a welcoming space where "gardeners are incredibly hospitable" and managers like Cayla and Azam are "the kindest people." This emphasis on the warm and supportive community environment is a powerful draw. The fact that many activities are "enjoyable, cost-free" makes it highly accessible to all residents, regardless of income. The garden's ongoing success and its role in increasing food production and distribution in the South Bronx make it a shining example of how a community can take control of its food system and create vital green spaces. Its mission to increase food production and distribution, create a safe place for families to grow and learn, and its active role in the Bronx Community Food Hubs initiative underscore its profound importance as a "Scenic Spot" that nurtures both plants and people in the urban landscape.

Morning Glory

1219 Hoe Ave, Bronx, NY 10459, USA