Phoenix Community Garden

Located in the heart of the Ocean Hill/Brownsville section of Brooklyn, at 16 Somers St, Brooklyn, NY 11233, the Phoenix Community Garden stands as a beacon of green space, community empowerment, and sustainable living. This expansive half-acre urban oasis transcends the definition of a mere garden; it is a vital "Scenic Spot" that provides a multitude of services and goods, deeply enriching the lives of local residents. It's a place where the community comes together to cultivate not just plants, but also connections, knowledge, and a healthier way of life.

The Phoenix Community Garden has transformed a formerly vacant lot into a pastoral, thriving landscape. Despite its urban setting, the garden offers a tranquil and serene environment, allowing visitors to escape the city's hustle and bustle. As described by visitors, it is "well kept and well organized," a testament to the dedication of its gardeners and volunteers. The garden is abundant with life, featuring a diverse array of cultivated plants. You'll find sections dedicated to growing a wide variety of fresh vegetables, which are harvested to feed the neighborhood, alongside an "array of beautiful flowers" that add vibrant color and appeal. The garden's design incorporates practical and aesthetic elements, such as a large gazebo made from recycled materials from a former Manhattan hotel, providing a central gathering space. There's also a red tin shed and a significant 2,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system, demonstrating the garden's commitment to sustainable practices. This system, one of the largest in New York City, efficiently collects rainwater from an adjacent building's roof, providing a crucial water source for the extensive plantings and minimizing reliance on municipal water.

As a dynamic "Scenic Spot," Phoenix Community Garden offers a comprehensive range of services and features that extend far beyond simply being a beautiful green space. Its mission is to promote a unified community through education, advocacy, and the fostering of healthy living, food justice, and nutrition in an open and safe environment. Key services and features include:

• Fresh Food Production and Sales: One of the garden's primary functions is to grow and provide fresh, healthy food for the local community. The garden cultivates nearly 2,000 pounds of diverse produce annually, including beans, corn, collards, bitter melon, tomatoes, zucchini, herbs, and callaloo (a Caribbean favorite). This bounty is sold directly to the community, offering a vital source of nutritious food in an area identified as experiencing "food apartheid," where access to fresh produce can be limited. The garden provides a seasonal "Fresh Food Box" program, allowing residents to subscribe or make single purchases of fresh produce, ensuring consistent access to high-quality, locally grown food.
• Individual Garden Plot Rentals: A unique feature of the Phoenix Community Garden is the opportunity for individuals to "rent your own small plot of land to grow food or flowers." This empowers community members to actively participate in food cultivation, learn gardening techniques, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It fosters a personal connection to the land and promotes self-sufficiency in food production.
• Workshops and Educational Programs: The garden is a hub for learning and skill-building. It hosts a variety of informative workshops throughout the season, catering to diverse interests. Past attendees have enjoyed activities like "Soap-making workshop," indicating a broader scope of practical and creative offerings. These workshops provide hands-on learning experiences, shared by "many informed gardeners quite willing to share with you their growing techniques." This educational aspect aligns with the garden's mission to promote healthy living and nutrition.
• Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities: The Phoenix Community Garden is open to all members of the community and thrives on volunteer efforts. NYC Parks GreenThumb supports this garden, and volunteer work times are regularly scheduled, typically on Thursdays (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.), Saturdays (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), and the 2nd/4th Sunday (3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) during the open season (April 1 to October 31). These workdays involve various tasks such as weeding, planting, trimming, and maintenance, providing opportunities for residents to "get their hands dirty" and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts. The garden actively fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility.
• Youth and Adult Education and Advocacy: The garden's mission explicitly includes promoting education and advocacy for food justice and nutrition for both youth and adults. This suggests programs and initiatives aimed at empowering community members with knowledge about healthy eating, sustainable food systems, and local food issues.

For those looking to engage with this exceptional "Scenic Spot" and contribute to its thriving community, here's how to connect:

• Visit the Garden: The Phoenix Community Garden welcomes visitors during its open hours, typically from April 1 to October 31. This is a chance to simply enjoy the serene environment, admire the beautiful flowers and productive vegetable plots, and experience a vibrant community space. Current open hours are Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Thursday: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Purchase Fresh Produce: Support local food systems and nourish your family by purchasing fresh vegetables and food grown directly in the garden. Information on Farm Stand hours for 2025 will be announced, and residents can also inquire about the Fresh Food Box subscriptions. For inquiries about produce sales, you can contact the garden via phone at (347) 384-6017.
• Rent a Garden Plot: If you're interested in cultivating your own produce or flowers, inquire about renting a small plot of land within the garden. This is a unique opportunity to become a direct participant in urban agriculture.
• Attend Workshops: Keep an eye on the garden's calendar for upcoming workshops and events. From soap-making to gardening techniques, these workshops offer valuable learning experiences and a chance to engage with the community. Check their Google Group or social media for announcements.
• Volunteer Your Time: The garden is an all-volunteer effort and always welcomes new hands. If you "Wanna get your hands dirty?", volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute, learn new skills, and meet like-minded individuals. Information on how to volunteer and join their Google Group for updates can be found on their website.
• Connect and Stay Updated: To receive regular updates on the garden, farm bags, events, and volunteer opportunities, join the Phoenix Community Garden's Google Group. You can also connect with them via email at phoenixgardenbk@gmail.com or by phone at (347) 384-6017.

The Phoenix Community Garden at 16 Somers St is more than just a beautiful location; it is a vital community asset fostering healthy living, food justice, and a vibrant local culture. By visiting, purchasing produce, volunteering, or participating in their workshops, local users can actively engage with and benefit from this thriving Brooklyn gem.

Phoenix Community Garden

16 Somers St, Brooklyn, NY 11233, USA