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An introduction to the gardens' history, organization, and mission. 
New Growth from the Rubble The New York City neighborhood known as the East Village experienced massive arson and destruction during the 1960s and 1970s. The area had been compared to Dresden, Germany after World War II. Rubble from bulldozed buildings lay in mounds, and garbage accumulated. Cars were abandoned. Rats were rampant. Drug use reached epidemic proportions. Drugs and crime made the neighborhood unsafe, but few areas were worse than the neighborhood east of Avenue B.
Normand Valle moved to East Seventh Street between Avenues C and D. From his window, he looked down upon one of these blighted lots, and decided to do something about it. In 1981, Valle, an ex-Marine, and a friend, Reynaldo Arenas, began to undo the mess one brick and one piece of garbage at a time. Thus were Green Oasis and Gilbert's Sculpture Gardens born. From the beginning, the sister gardens' mission has been to provide a safe, green haven for all people, but especially for the children who lived in that inhospitable environment. Mr. Arenas was particularly interested in the theatre, so theatrical events abounded. Plays for children were written and performed. The first generation of Nuyorican poets read poetry; music was performed; the well-known Butterfly Release ceremony was held here during the all-garden pageant The Rites of Spring until its unfortunate demise in 2006. We know that this bountiful space can, and has, changed lives. Though neither Mr. Valle nor Mr. Arenas is still living, their vision prospers, and their gift, given to countless neighborhood residents and visitors, continues to give. Two Gardens Grow Through the work of hundreds of volunteers, we have created two community gardens where there was nothing but rot, miraculous places where people of all ages and colors, flowers, birds, bees, trees, fish, and insects grow and prosper. Visitors from around the world marvel at the gardens’ striking beauty; they boast many trees, including apple, peach, and cherry trees; a grape arbor; a koi pond; a grassy stage; picnic areas; a children’s garden and play area. In 2007, our beehives were rebuilt and are a cause for celebration; a children’s playhouse is under construction. An extensive composting facility allows members and interested neighbors to reprocess garden cuttings and food scraps. A magnificently redesigned Gilbert's Sculpture Garden is flourishing. And the Green Oasis gazebo, donated by Amblin Productions after the 1987 sci-fi comedy *batteries not included was filmed in the garden, is a beloved neighborhood landmark. 
School groups often tend plots; they visit regularly as a part of their curriculum. One year, children from P.S. 64 grew plants native to their cultures, and ended the growing season by cooking their favorite dishes with their harvested plants. Other schools have analyzed the dirt. The Earth School collected mulberry leaves for silk worms they were growing. The United Cerebral Palsy League has brought children who tend raised planting beds.
The gardens have hosted after school and weekend workshops, including paper making, belly dancing, capoeira, music and rhythm, education about our koi pond, archery, shadow-puppet making, working with polymer clay, and photography, T-shirt and banner making among others. Children have modeled with clay, drawn pictures of the pond, made figures with sticks and beads and planted and grown many varieties of flowers and plants. These events are often run by volunteers. Continuing our Mission In order for the gardens to continue our mission and better serve the community, members have raised funds from such donors as Starbucks Foundation, the Carey Trust, the City Parks Foundation, and neighborhood businesses in order to sustain the programming, physical condition, and safety of the gardens. Green Oasis Community Garden/Gilbert's Sculpture Garden is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and is affiliated with NYC's Green Thumb as well as its Department of Parks. | Annual Events The gardens host several events: * film under the stars during the East The gardens host also parties, weddings, memorial services, and photo shoots. A donation is requested based upon the size and length of each event. | Membership In 2008, the gardens has a combined membership of approximately 66 volunteers, including a volunteer board of directors. Many kids are members too!
Please contact us for membership and donation information! |
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