GreenThumb May Calendar

May 2, 2015

7 min read

Green Thumb events are great ways for gardeners to learn about a topic related to community gardens. As a Green Thumb garden, West 104th Street Community Garden is eligible for certain benefits and free supplies. We are seeking volunteers who can commit to attending events. Attendance at certain Green Thumb may count toward the garden workday or makeup requirement. Contact us for details or to volunteer.

For details visit GreenThumb at http://www.greenthumbnyc.org.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Le Petit Versailles Garden: May Day Beltaine!
12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the Le Petit Versailles Garden opening for the spring, with a may pole, dancing, and costumes.
Location: La Petit Versailles, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 2, 2015

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb, and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: GreenThumb Compound, Queens
Cost: Free

Bronx Green Up Workshop: Building a Community Garden
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us in building the Rivers Run Community Garden, a new garden located along the Hutchinson River.
Location: Rivers Run Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
GreenThumb and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) are teaming up to bring you free trees as part of the Million TreesNYC initiative!
Location: GreenThumb Compound, Queens
Cost: Free

Resident Green Committee Summit
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Resident Green Committees and interested guests are invited to join the NYCHA Gardening and Sustainability Unit at their inaugural Resident Green Committee Summit.
Location: Williamsburg Community Center, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

East New York Gardens: Spring Open House
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Build your garden’s membership or go to your local community garden and find out how to get involved.
Location: Clara’s Garden (in ), Brooklyn, Floral Vineyard (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Powell Street Garden Fruit Tree Giveaway
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Please come to the garden for a free fruit tree, while supplies last.
Location: Powell Street Livonia Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

First Quincy Garden: Spring Kickoff & 14th Anniversary

12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Please join the First Quincy GreenThumb garden for a spring kickoff event.
Location: First Quincy St. Block Association (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Synergi Urban Farm: Urban Rebuilding Initiative, Growing Season Kick-Off
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Urban Rebuilding Initiative will kick off the 2015 season of growing and giving with their first food and tree giveaway/plant sale.
Location: Synergi Urban Farm (in ), Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
GreenThumb and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) are teaming up to bring you free trees as part of the Million TreesNYC initiative!
Location: Diamante Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Monday, May 4, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Friday, May 8, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 9, 2015

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: Melrose New Generation Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Red Hook Community Farm: Open Bin NYC
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the NYC Compost Project hosted by Brooklyn Botanic Garden at Red Hook Community Farm and enjoy the day by building a windrow, sifting compost, applying compost to street trees and learning about community greening initiatives from GreenBridge, Added Value, and Green City Force.
Location: Red Hook Community Farm, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Bronx Food & Farms Trolley Tour: The Bronx Blooms
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Kick off the growing season by sowing seeds in a community garden.
Location: Melrose New Generation Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Tickets are $30 by cash or check made payable to La Familia Verde.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Ten Neighbors Community Garden Cleanup Day
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us to clean up the debris in the garden.
Location: Ten Neighbors Community Garden, Brooklyn

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Soil Health
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Want to learn how to keep your plants growing strong this season?
Location: La Perla Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, May 14, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Teaching in the Garden
4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Navigate the fun, but often challenging world of teaching kids in the garden.
Location: Joe Holzka Community Garden (in ), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 16, 2015

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: Hattie Carthan Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Butterfly Project NYC: Native Plant Share
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn more about the connections between native plants and pollinators and how to encourage them in urban landscapes.
Location: Grove Hill Learning Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: Hattie Carthan Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Powell Street Garden: Free Book Fair
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Please come to the garden for a free book fair while supplies last.
Location: Powell Street Livonia Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Worm Composting
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
We will construct a multi-bin worm composting system and learn the basics of vermiculture, including how to care for your system and worms, what to put in and leave out and how to harvest worm castings.
Location: Vinegar Hill community Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 23, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Beneficial Insects
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Want to attract native bees, butterflies and other pollinators? Come and learn how to do so with wonderfully smelling, showy flowering plants.
Location: Tranquility Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Compost
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Get ready for hands-on learning! Construct a three-bin compost sifter and learn the basics of composting garden and food waste to make the soil in your garden burst with healthy fruits and vegetables.
Location: Risse Street Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Events

31st Annual GreenThumb GrowTogether

March 1, 2015

by garden

1 min read

Saturday, March 21, 2015
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

You are invited on March 21st to join thousands of community gardeners and greening professionals from all over New York City for a day of learning, sharing, networking and greening inspiration at the 31st Annual GreenThumb GrowTogether! Please pass this information out to the rest of your garden group and anyone else who might be interested. This year’s conference features favorite workshops from past years, as well as exciting new ones, including many hands on workshops for youth gardeners.

Pre-register online at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/959258

Pre-register before March 13th to guarantee breakfast, lunch, workshop attendance and a t-shirt. If you do not pre-register, you are not guaranteed lunch or a t-shirt.

Location
Hostos Community College
450 Grand Concourse, Bronx
Directions to this location

Cost
$5 = breakfast + workshops + lunch + t-shirt $7 day of registration = (breakfast + workshops) Kids 12 and under are free *If you do not pre-register, you are not guaranteed lunch or a t-shirt.
Contact Number
(212) 788-8070

Contact Email
greenthumbinfo@parks.nyc.gov

Events

From Our Partners: Are You Concerned About Safety?

February 19, 2015

by garden

1 min read

DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY?

Then come share them at the next general meeting of the NWCPMBA. All are welcome.

Guest Speaker: Captain Marlon Larin of the 24th Precinct

General Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Meeting Time: 7 pm.

Meeting Location:
Schneider Apartments
11 West 102nd St.

Captain Larin will address:

The latest CompStat data
Recent policing initiatives
Enforcement and the new 25 mph speed limit
Your questions!

Light, but very good refreshments will be served.

Events

Workshop: 97 Street Transformation

February 14, 2015

by garden

1 min read

Friends of Stryker Park, an Upper West Side community group, is sponsoring a workshop, Monday, March 2, 2015, 6:30 – 8:30PM at the American Youth Hostel, 891 Amsterdam Ave. @103rd St.

We see a great opportunity to transform the north side of West 97th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. It’s currently a block-long barren expanse of concrete, unloved and poorly maintained.

A collaborative planning workshop is a forum where community members will have an opportunity to voice their needs and desires, and provide input on how to make this space more usable, safe and beautiful for the entire community.

The workshop is free and open to all members of the community. Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-stryker-park-community-workshop-registration-15687347278?aff=eac2

Due to space limitations, walk-ins are not permitted.

Events

Support Open Space

February 7, 2015

by garden

1 min read

Sustainability Series

WHEN: Join Us on Wed. Feb 11 at 6:30 – Networking – 7 PM program

WE NEED OUR OPEN SPACES – New York City policies allow the sale of community gardens and other open spaces. How can we protect open spaces and City Parks?

SPEAKERS:
Tupper Thomas – New Yorkers for Parks

Aziz Dehkan – NYC Coalition of Community Gardens

Paula Segal – 596 Acres – NYC Community Land Access Advocate

Meg Fellerath, Board President Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

WHERE: Seafarers & international House – 123 E. 15th Street, corner Irving Pl. Manhattan
Subways: Union Square Sta. 4/5/ L/N/Q/R

$6 Suggested donation – $ 3 students

Rally for Community Gardens Tue. Feb 10 at 9 AM at City Hall
17 community gardens are slated for destruction

GreenThumb Grant Opportunities

January 28, 2015

by garden

2 min read

GreenThumb Farmer’s Market Grant Program

The Farmer’s Market Grant Program micro-grants ($2,000-$5,000) will be awarded to registered GreenThumb community garden groups for the development and/or establishment of farmer’s markets within marginalized neighborhoods, where healthy food is scarce or inaccessible. Grants will be awarded for the purpose of increasing healthy food options and supporting regional farmers and NYC community gardeners. The program will also serve to build the capacity of community gardeners as entrepreneurs, develop connections between community gardeners and regional farmers, and increase the sustainability of community gardens in NYC.
DEADLINE: Proposals are due Monday, February 16, 2015 by 5:00pm.

Partnership for Parks Capacity Fund Grant

Partnerships for Parks’ Capacity Fund makes grants to community groups working in NYC parks to strengthen their outreach, membership, and program-planning capacity. We award small grants of up to $5,000. The Capacity Fund grant is funded in part by the Parks Equity Initiative of the New York City Council under the leadership of Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito.
DEADLINE: Application due by, February 1, 2015 by 6:00pm.

2015 Grants from Citizens Committee for NYC

Through our Neighborhood Grants, Citizens Committee awards micro-grants of up to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school improvement projects throughout the city. We prioritize groups based in low income neighborhoods and Title I public schools. We support projects that address issues that communities identify as important to them – anything from community gardens to tenant organizing.
DEADLINE: Application due by, January 26, 2015

City Parks Foundation 2015 Youth Apprenticeship Program

Interested 15-18 year old students may apply for a free afterschool program that includes hands-on science learning and training in: horticulture and gardening, career development, public speaking skills, community advocacy, and media arts.
DEADLINE: Application due by, January 23, 2015 by 5:00pm.
Participating gardens include:
Grove Hill Learning Garden, Bronx, NY- Eagle Ave bet. E 156th/158th Street- Meet on Tuesdays 3:30-6pm
Umoja Learning Garden, Brooklyn, NY- Broadway at Putnam Avenue- Meet on Wednesdays 3:30-6pm
Liberty Learning Garden, Queens, NY- 173rd St. near 106th Ave.- Meet on Thursdays 3:30-6pm

News

DNA Info Reports: De Blasio’s Affordable Housing Plan Dould Destroy 15 Community Gardens

January 16, 2015

by garden

1 min read

MANHATTAN — At least 15 community gardens on city-owned property could be bulldozed to make way for new buildings under the de Blasio administration’s affordable housing plan, community advocates said. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development published a list this week of city-owned sites that housing developers can apply to build on, shocking those who tend to and enjoy the green spaces.

Rules Referendum Results

January 8, 2015

by garden

2 min read

In the spring of 2014 two amendments to the garden rules were proposed. These were revised and again presented for review at the last garden meeting on November 16, 2014. Because these are changes to our governing rules, conducted a formal vote and asked that all gardeners participate. An email was sent to all current garden members in December and those without email were polled via phone.

The results of the referendum are as follows:

1. Currently our Children/Minors policy reads as follows: All children under 16 must be accompanied by adults while in the garden. Parents are responsible for the actions in the garden of all minors under 18.

Proposed addition: Children will not be permitted in garden areas where power tools are in use.

Approved.

2. Currently our Committee Membership policy reads as follows: As a member/gardener, you must participate actively in two garden committees in addition to working in your own bed. A brief description outlines the primary duties of each committee.

Proposed addition: Each committee may have a chair or chairs elected by the committee’s members on an annual basis. Where no volunteer chair exists, the steering committee may appoint one from within the committee by May 1st of the current year.

Approved.

The updated language has been incorporated into our Membership Application and garden rules documents. If you have not had a chance to complete the Membership Application or renewal for the 2015 garden season, please do so soon. Garden applications and renewals are due by February 15.

Green Thumb January Events Announced

January 8, 2015

by garden

3 min read

Green Thumb events are great ways for gardeners to learn about a topic related to community gardens. As a Green Thumb garden, West 104th Street Community Garden is eligible for certain benefits and free supplies. We are seeking volunteers who can commit to attending events. Attendance at certain Green Thumb may count toward the garden workday or makeup requirement. Contact us for details or to volunteer.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Permaculture

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Interested in permaculture, companion planting, spiral gardens and the like, but…
Location: Old Stone House (in J.J. Byrne Playground), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Grow to Learn Meet-Up: Garden Classroom Mangement

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Ever been curious about how other teachers maintain classroom order when outdoors in the…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Grant Writing and Garden Design Workshop

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Is your school planning to apply for the Grow to Learn Mini-Grant this fall?…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

GreenThumb Garden Registration & License Renewal

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
All GreenThumb gardens under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and…
Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Group Structure and By-Laws 101

6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Is your garden group in need of structure and more organization? This workshop will help…
Location: Citizens Committee for New York City, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Expansion Grants

4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Please note: These workshops are intended for schools that have already received one…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Cooking with Kids

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Join chefs from School Food’s Garden to Cafe Program as they discuss tips, tools, and…
Location: New Settlement Community Center, Bronx
Cost: Free

Saturday, January 24, 2015

GreenThumb Garden Registration & License Renewal

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
All GreenThumb gardens under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and…
Location: GrowNYC Conference Room, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Grant Writing and Garden Design Workshop

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Is your school planning to apply for the Grow to Learn Mini-Grant this fall?…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Saturday, January 31, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Garden Accounting Basics

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn how to effectively keep track of your community garden expenses, with an introduction…
Location: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Uncategorized

Nov 19: GreenThumb Listening Skills Workshop

November 16, 2014

by garden

1 min read

GreenThumb Workshop: Essential Listening Skills

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

This 2.5-hour training will deepen participants’ listening skills and enhance their ability to problem-solve effectively. Through group discussion, individual reflection, and hands-on exercises, participants will have the opportunity to identify their strengths and weaknesses as listeners and learn concrete techniques to strategically enhance their listening and demonstrate understanding for others. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between effective listening and the ability to problem-solve. This workshop is given in partnership with the New York Peace Institute.

* Please bring a photo ID to enter the building.

Location

GrowNYC Greening Library

49 Chambers Street, Manhattan
Directions to this location

Location Details:
2nd Floor, Room 212

Cost

Free

Contact Number

(212) 788-8070

Contact Email

greenthumbinfo@parks.nyc.gov