9 Secret Gardens Of The Side Streets

Presenting the unknown gardens of Manhattan...Stop and smell the roses people!

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1. 6 B/C Botanical Garden - 624 East 6th Street

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Tucked between the buildings of 6th Street, we were delighted to find the charming vine-covered treehouse, a stone seating area, beautiful flowers, and an attractive brick pathway with a covered archway.

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2. 9th Street Community Garden - 144 Avenue C

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A lush acre garden, this green space has a large weeping willow and colorful lilies, delphiniums, and hydrangeas that release sweet fragrances into the surrounding air as well as a goldfish pond with turtles.

3. La Plaza Cultural de Armando Perez - 632 East 9th Street

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This outdoor theater and community garden has a stone stage, a covered sand pit, shady benches, a wooden gazebo, and a wildlife habitat.

4. Kenkeleba Sculpture Garden - 212 East 3rd Street

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We were surprised when we landed in front of this sculpture garden after meandering through a foliage filled pathway from 2nd street – large African sculptures and bricolage captivated our attention as we wound our way through.

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5. Albert's Garden - 16 East 2nd Street

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On a weekend in early April, we found several dedicated people hard at work sprucing up Albert’s Garden, which was transformed from a basketball court into a community-gathering place in the early 70’s.

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6. Creative Little Garden - 530 East 6th Street

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Without a doubt, one of our favorite gardens, this "self contained eco-system" has been offering a serene environment for neighborhood locals since 1982.

7. Green Oasis Community Garden - 372 East 8th Street

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In 1987, the movie Batteries Not Included was filmed across the street and the garden was used as a staging area. Community people used the money that they had been given to purchase the gazebo that stands here today.

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8. El Jardin del Paraiso - 311 East 4th Street

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In El Jardin del Paraiso, a great big willow tree shades this space, highlighted by an octagonal tree house that encircles its trunk.

9. Miracle Garden - 194 East 3rd Street

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What a welcome change we experienced when we walked down a brick path and were taken into a peaceful setting away from the busy streets of Manhattan. Established in 1983, this well-maintained garden welcomes anyone passing by.