BELL HILL — The Secret Garden project began before Cobble Hill became synonymous with gentrification.
“Even with hyper-gentrification, where super-rich buyers are turning multi-family buildings into mansions, there is a little bit of green that belongs to everyone,” said Julia Lichtblau, the garden’s manager.
The church next to the Secret Garden, which Julia converted into a home. Photo by Hannah Epstein
Christopher Adlington purchased the site in 1970, once an empty junkyard. Adlington tended the garden he had created for 45 years. Visitors were rarely allowed into his space.
In 2001, Lichtblau moved into the old church next to Adlington’s garden. Despite their overlapping interests in gardening, it took almost 10 years for the two to become friends.
Julia and Saedi speak on a Sunday morning at the Secret Garden. Photo by Hannah Epstein
In 2015, Adlington died of cancer. His partner kept the garden, but because he was unable to tend to the space, it became overgrown and unrecognizable. Lichtblau came by occasionally to help, but did not have the time to devote himself entirely to the space.
Lichtblau decided that an extra pair of hands were needed to keep the area clean. She put a sign on the barbed wire fence and a dozen volunteers showed up the following weekend to help.
Flowers growing in the garden. Photo by Hannah Epstein
The weekly event not only survived the pandemic, but thrived. Lichtblau notes that it was one of the few social activities people could do during that time.
When Adlington’s partner died, he specified in his will that the garden would go to the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust and remain a community space.
Reneé Manning and Ron Jackson prepare for their concert at the Secret Garden. Photo by Hannah Epstein
“If Nat had been persuaded to sell, or if his will had not been explicit about his intentions, a developer could undoubtedly have bulldozed the garden. All the protests in the world would not have stopped them,” Lichtblau said.
The Secret Garden grew into a true community center for the ever-developing Brooklyn neighborhood.
A volunteer in the garden. Photo by Hannah Epstein
Saedi Hitner is one of the original volunteers who regularly visits the garden.
“There’s a core of volunteers who come in regularly. Julia calls them the steadfast people,” Hitner said. “You have to be able to count on people because this is a pretty big space. You need regular help to keep it looking nice.”
The Secret Garden holds events to raise money for upkeep. The garden recently held a jazz solstice event featuring musicians Reneé Manning and Ron Jackson. The event offered refreshments, laughter, and a few hours of music for attendees who donated $25.
Julia and a volunteer. Photo by Hannah Epstein
Volunteers are welcome in the garden on Fridays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 251 DeGraw Street.
