Staten Island’s Hidden Garden: A Senior’s Labor of Love
The grounds around Canterbury House in Rosebank have become noticeably greener, thanks to Bill O’Connor, a resident who has devoted the past year to weeding, mulching, and planting. His long-standing passion for gardening began in his childhood in the South Bronx, where he cared for a sumac weed growing amid a junkyard.
For O’Connor, gardening offers therapeutic benefits, helping him cope with the health challenges associated with aging.
Creating a Community Space
In 2012, after Hurricane Sandy, O’Connor moved into Canterbury House, an income-restricted senior housing facility run by St. John’s Episcopal Church. Missing his garden, he asked the church priest for permission to start one.
“I really lucked out with the garden because I missed my garden, so I asked the priest of St. John’s Episcopal Church at the time if I could start one,” said the 84-year-old. “He said, ‘Bill, you can do it, but you’ve got to make it look nice because this is the first thing you see when you come up to the building.’”
Transforming the Space
By 2014, O’Connor had turned a dull rocky patch into the vibrant garden it is today, working mostly on his own. This garden is a deeply personal project, with all costs covered by O’Connor himself and occasional gift cards from family members.
Garden Maintenance and Supplies
- O’Connor buys soil, fertilizer, and other gardening materials from stores such as Home Depot.
- The garden offers a peaceful area for residents to gather and socialize.
Bill O’Connor’s dedication has transformed a barren space into a community haven, showing how personal passion can enhance shared environments.