A secret garden grows in Brooklyn

COBBLE HILL — The Secret Garden project began before Cobble Hill became synonymous with gentrification.

“Even with hypergentrification, where ultra-wealthy buyers turn multi-family buildings into mansions, some green space belongs to everyone,” said Julia Lichtblau, the caretaker for the garden. 

Once an empty junkyard lot, Christopher Adlington purchased the land in 1970. For 45 years, Adlington tended the garden that he built. Visitors were rarely allowed to enter his space.

In 2001, Lichtblau moved into the old church next door to Adlington’s garden. Despite their overlapping interest in gardening, it took almost 10 years for the two to become friends.

In 2015, Adlington passed away from cancer. His partner held onto the garden, but since he lacked the ability to tend the space, it became overgrown and unrecognizable. Lichtblau stopped by periodically to help but did not have the time to fully dedicate herself to the space.

Lichtblau decided that an extra pair of hands were necessary to keep the space pristine. She put a sign on the barbed fence, and a dozen volunteers came to help the following weekend. 

The weekly event not only survived the pandemic but thrived. Lichtblau notes it was one of the few social activities people could do during that time.

When Adlington’s partner passed away, he stated in his will that the garden go to the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust and remain a community space.

“Had Nat been persuaded to sell, or if his will hadn’t been explicit about his intention, a developer would unquestionably have been able to bulldoze the garden. All the protests in the world couldn’t have stopped them,” Lichtblau said. 

The Secret Garden established itself as a true community center for the ever-evolving Brooklyn neighborhood.

Saedi Hitner is one of the original group of volunteers who visits the garden often.

“There’s a core group of volunteers who come regularly. Julia calls them the stalwarts,” Hitner said. “You need to be able to count on people since this is a pretty big space. You need regular help to make it look nice.”

The Secret Garden holds events to raise money for upkeep. Recently, the garden held a jazz solstice event featuring musicians Reneé Manning and Ron Jackson. The event offered drinks, laughs and a few hours of music for attendees who donated $25.

Volunteers are welcome at the garden on Fridays from 5-7 p.m. and Sundays from 11-1 p.m. at 251 DeGraw street.