Interesting Community Gardens on the Upper West Side

Upper West Siders are fortunate to enjoy a generous amount of green space. Located in between the world-famous Central Park and its counterpart, Riverside Park, there’s always somewhere to repair to, whether to read, relax, or catch up with a friend. But what about the community gardens nestled in the middle of a block or on a street corner? New Yorkers swear by their favorite community garden for specific reasons. But where exactly are the Upper West Side community gardens, and what do they have to offer? Gardens listed run south to north. If you have a few hours to take in more than one, you’ll get a good feel for some of the more interesting community gardens the Upper West Side has to offer.

Septuagesimo Uno – W. 71st St. (between Amsterdam & West End)

Septuagesimo Uno is a pocket park nestled between two brownstones on West 71st Street in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. At just 0.04 acres (160 square meters), it’s often referred to as one of New York City’s smallest parks. The park’s name, Latin for “seventy-first,” reflects its location and was given by Parks Commissioner Henry Stern in 2000 to replace its original, less appealing name, “71st Street Plot”. Created in the late 1960s as part of Mayor John V. Lindsay’s Vest Pocket Park campaign, Septuagesimo Uno offers a tranquil place in an otherwise hectic city. The park features several benches surrounded by well-maintained gardens, providing a shady respite for locals and visitors alike. Despite its diminutive size, this hidden gem packs a big punch, offering a serene escape from the urban commotion of Broadway and Riverside Park nearby.

West 87th Street Park & Garden – 55 W. 87th St. (between Columbus & Central Park West)

A valuable part of its Upper West Side neighborhood for over 25 years, and neatly adjacent to Central Park West, this spacious community garden is a go-to for neighbors and visitors alike. Originally established by community members, the park emphasizes the importance of urban gardening and sustainability. It provides a space for various community activities, including gardening workshops and seasonal events, fostering a sense of community among its users. The garden is designed to be a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a favorite spot for those looking to unwind amidst nature. The garden is open seven days a week, typically from 9 a.m. to dusk.

West Side Community Garden – 123 W. 89th St. (between Amsterdam & Columbus)

The West Side Community Garden is a privately owned garden funded by donations and grants. It has offered a tranquil space for New Yorkers since 1976. Run by volunteers, it is generally open from dawn to dusk. Although the garden is open and free to the public, annual membership is available at the very reasonable price of $15. Members have the opportunity to get on the waiting list for a flower or vegetable plot. They may also volunteer on one of the garden committees. This beautiful and spacious garden is replete with sitting nooks and crannies. It hosts community events throughout the year, ranging from Shakespearean performances, to musical events. The West Side Community Garden may perhaps be best known for its Annual Tulip Festival, where each April, you will find over 15,000 tulips in bloom!

Lotus Garden – 250 W. 97th St. (between Broadway & West End)

The Lotus Garden is neatly located on the roof of a garage on 97th Street between Broadway and West End. This community garden spans 7,000 square feet and features a delightful mix of flowers, trees, and two tranquil Koi ponds, creating a peaceful oasis for visitors. Open to the public every Sunday from April to November, the garden invites guests to relax in its charming atmosphere, perfect for reading, picnicking, or simply enjoying nature. Originally established in 1983 through the efforts of local volunteers, Lotus Garden has become a spot for both residents and visitors seeking a moment of tranquility. Membership options are available for those wishing to access the garden during the week, with proceeds supporting its maintenance and community activities.

W. 104th St. Community Garden – 8 W. 104 St. (between Manhattan & Central Park West)

The West 104th Street Community Garden was recognized as an official New York City Park over 25 years ago, in order to protect this lot from commercial development. Divided into two gardens, the East Garden offers a beautiful shady gazebo and an open space for meetings and performances. Open to the public on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM, the garden is a hub for community engagement, offering a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Managed by Green Thumb, the garden emphasizes environmental stewardship and provides a platform for urban gardening education. These include festivals, flea markets, musical events, and the occasional potluck. The West Garden has a communal garden beds and a space to barbecue. An energetic group of volunteers and neighbors maintain this beautiful space.

La Perla Community Garden – 76 W. 105th St. (between Manhattan Ave. & Columbus)

Founded in 1992, this garden features 20 vegetable plots, a variety of flowers, and fruit trees, including fig and peach trees, all maintained by dedicated volunteers. Accessible to all, La Perla is designed to be inclusive, boasting wheelchair-friendly pathways and a stage that hosts various events, including musical performances and art gatherings. The garden also incorporates sustainable practices, such as a 1,000-gallon rainwater tank and composting facilities for its members. La Perla serves as more than just a green space; it fosters community connections, offering a serene environment for residents to relax, socialize, and engage with nature. 

Mobilization for Change Community Garden – 955 Columbus (between 106th & 107th St.)

This aptly-named community garden at the corner of Columbus and 107th Street feels like a living, breathing, working, and welcoming space. Along with some unique seating areas, and all sorts of plants, shrubs, flowers and foliage, this natural setting has individual garden lots, tranquil walkways, and colorfully painted children’s seating areas. This community garden harvests storm water via a system that captures 2,000 gallons of storm water run-off annually. A pantry, book exchange and monthly and weekly community events (e.g. Garden Open Mic on Tuesdays), round out the offerings at this special community space.

W. 111th Street People’s Garden – NW Corner of Amsterdam & 111th St.

Across the street from the soaring St. John the Divine Cathedral, the world’s sixth largest church, and a hop, step and a jump from the much loved Hungarian Pastry Shop, is the West 111th Street People’s Garden. This green space serves as yet another oasis in a city area that oftentimes teems with students, neighborhood workers, residents and tourists. Open to the public from sunrise to sunset, the garden features a diverse array of plants, flowers, and fruit trees. Visitors can enjoy shaded seating under silver maple and sycamore trees, with six wooden benches perfect for relaxation or socializing. The garden also serves as an educational hub, hosting events for local schools to engage students with nature and gardening. Volunteers gather every Saturday to maintain the space, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming environment for all.