Comments on: On Linden Street, Ashes Give Way to Artichokes

By: Jimmy Legs

Jimmy Legs — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:58:38 +0000

I think people don’t have a clear notion of what a shoestring operation this is (and I say that as a compliment). i can understand how the rains have been wreaking havoc on both farms and the Linden garden, too bad about the opening. i’ll swing by next week to see what’s happening.

By: Silvia

Silvia — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:45:25 +0000

I think what’s happened to that lot is really great. However, as far as the farmer’s market and opening day celebrations… big hype for nothing! I understand that a couple of the farms backed out and will hopefully be there next time, but what about all the children’s activities advertised? We went there and it seemed the people there hadn’t even heard of any activities being planned. And did the band ever play? Not when we were there. The garden is very cute, but has a small, very dirty pond that is basically a hole in the ground and very kid unfriendly. Are there plans for activities in the future? It was very disappointing – nothing fun to do and nothing to buy other than bread and apples/apple juice/cider/jam. I hope Maria Hernandez will be better, or at least not build up expectations and not deliver.

By: Sophia

Sophia — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:43:52 +0000

I am so glad that this little gem is getting covered and hope the farmers market really grows in the future. i went over there today with my ten month old, so excited to get some fruits and veggies, and it was kind of sad. thre red jacket orchard people were there and when i asked them for strawberries (i know they had them at the mccaren park market) he said that they didn’t bring them, but will next time. they were testing us out first!!! i was so pissed, like i have to audition for the same opportuinities to feed my son the things they bring to other neighborhoods??? another woman asked for cherries and got the same reply. i basically explained to him that it’s his loss and the folks here are…wait for it…cherry and strawberry eaters…scary bushwick produce monsters…

that garden and the community around it deserves more. it was understandable why i suppose, but there were more people there to “make sure the community knows what a farmers market is” than people selling things. guess what? cut the garbage of treating the people here like they are precious or dumb and just get some vendors that are professional and are willing to take a risk. you have an attractive market, you will attract shoppers. maybe not overnight, but i think they can get used to the idea without a demo.

xo,

sophia

By: Sean-Mike

Sean-Mike — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:41:05 +0000

Hey there Mr. Wack -
Unfortunately the market did not have the big opening we planned, as two of our farms bowed out for this week (just last night – eek!) as heavy rains have pushed back their crops this year. They will be there next week – and I think we’re expecting another baked goods booth, too.

By: John Dereszewski

John Dereszewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:36:02 +0000

Thanks Diego for, as usual, a wonderful article.

The “secret garden” first came to Community Board 4′s attention in the late 1970′s, when the city proposed to auction off this huge interior lot to the highest bidder. In strongly opposing this unrestricted action, the Board, working very closely with Mrs. Hansley, was able to forstall this action. Instead, the Broadway Merchants, in the person of the late Pat Adipietro, a heroic advocate for both the merchants and residents of this neighborhood during this extremely trying time, came forward to sponsor the lot on behalf of the community. And so, Mrs. Hansley’s Linden St. Block Association has, since that time, performed the wonderful task of maintaining a terrific community garden at the corner and developing the Secret Garden. Now with Sean-Michael Fleming’s wonderful assistance, one of Bushwick’s true hidden treasures will soon really realize its true glory.

As one who was involved at the very beginning in my District Manager role, I could not be happier to witness these terrific new developments.

Best wishes on a wonderful endeavor!

By: bushwickitywack

bushwickitywack — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:04:39 +0000

If you live around the corner and happen to be walking by, sure. Otherwise, not worth it. There’s more of a “farmer’s market” at the fruit and veggie stand on the corner of Himrod and Knickerbocker.