A Garden Grows in Nyack

Diversity is one of Nyack's hallmarks—but not just social diversity.

In between the village's brick and asphalt buildings and storefronts—on Franklin Street between Depew and Hudson Avenues—Nyack offers a welcome escape from urban sprawl: the Nyack Community Garden.

Established in 1983 through a donation from the Robert Martin Company, the plot originally served 30 gardeners. Today, that number has grown to over 60 gardeners, each growing a unique combination of vegetables and flowers.

When the garden first took root, the Robert Martin Company (with the help of the Community Housing Management Corporation) provided the land and subsidized the operating expenses. Now, each gardener receives a 150-foot plot of land—a large enough swath to grow vegetables for personal and charitable means. Gardeners are able to eat their wares with enough left over to donate to soup kitchens (a popular practice).

And what else of the subsidized operating expenses? The garden is enclosed by a protective fence, contains an extremely well-stocked shed brimming with tools, hoses and other garden necessities and has a water supply to irrigate the crops.

As most Nyackers know, friendly competition is a major part of the garden, too. There are annual contests held each summer, judged by local dignitaries, to determine the best in several categories. Gardeners can win a gold, silver or bronze for the following: Best Vegetable Garden, Best Vegetable & Flower Garden, Best Maintained Garden and the Grand Prize for the Best All-Around Garden. The awards are presented at the annual pot-luck dinner held each fall.

As the membership of the garden has grown, so has its impact and place in the heart of Nyack's community. In the year 2000, there was an attempt to convert the garden's land into a youth center—a sentiment that quickly found opposition. Community gardeners, local merchants and village residents banded together and petitioned the local government to save the garden and find a more appropriate site for the center.

"Over 100 people attended the village meeting to protest the plan," recalled then-board member Dianne Macpherson. "And the garden was saved thanks to a great many dedicated people."

But this wasn't the only time the garden's existence was threatened—every year presents new challenges. From severe droughts and extended periods of rain to broken pipes and hungry pests, the garden has a myriad of obstacles. But a healthy sense of community helps strengthen the garden and move forward.

If you're interested in more information or how to become a part of Nyack's community garden, don't hesitate to email nyackcommunitygarden@gmail.com.