A Garden Between the Buildings

Text 1: A Garden Between the Buildings

Two years ago, the empty land behind our apartment buildings in Brooklyn was full of old tires and broken bottles. Nobody went there, and parents did not let their children play there. Then Mrs. Ruth Levi, a retired teacher from the third floor, had an idea. She knocked on every door and asked her neighbors a simple question: "Do you want to grow something together?"

At first, only six people came to the first meeting. They spent three weekends cleaning the land. A local shop gave them soil and seeds for free. Slowly, more neighbors joined. Today the garden has forty members, from a five-year-old girl to an eighty-year-old man.

Every family has a small piece of land. Some grow tomatoes and cucumbers, and others grow herbs like mint and basil. There is also a shared area with fruit trees. The fruit and vegetables from this area go to families who need help.

"The vegetables are great, but they are not the most important thing," says Mrs. Levi. "Before the garden, I knew only two neighbors. Now I know almost everyone. People who never said hello now drink coffee together in the garden."

The garden is open every day from seven in the morning until sunset, and new members are always welcome.

Text 2: Green Hands: A Gardening Workshop for Beginners

Have you always wanted to grow your own vegetables but didn't know how to start? Come to our free workshop at the Neighborhood Garden! No experience needed – just bring your curiosity.

When: Friday, 9:00–11:30 in the morning. Where: the garden behind Building 12, next to the playground.

What will you learn? Our two experienced gardeners will show you how to prepare the soil for planting and which vegetables are easy for beginners. You will also learn how much water plants need in the hot summer months and how to turn kitchen waste into compost, a natural food for the soil.

Who can join? Everyone aged 10 and up. Children under 14 must come with an adult.

What should you bring? Please bring a hat, a bottle of water and comfortable shoes. Don't worry about gloves and tools – we will give them to you at the garden.

A small gift: at the end of the workshop, every participant will take home a small pot with a basil plant.

There are only 25 places, so please register by Wednesday. To register, visit the garden any evening and leave your name and phone number with one of our members. See you on Friday!