The Joseph Daniel Wilson Memorial Gardens

This magical place was founded by Joseph Daniel Wilson, an elderly Guyanese homeowner with a profound understanding of all natural things, a group of neighborhood teens, and Cindy Nibbelink, a writer and teacher. In 1985, Cindy and her husband, Haja Worley, established Project Harmony, a grassroots nonprofit that cleaned 50 vacant Harlem lots. I was fortunate to meet Cindy, quietly working in a small plot. She made me think of the extraordinary people who’ve dedicated themselves so we can enjoy this beauty.

219 W. 122nd Street, between Frederick Douglas & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards

projectharmonynyc.org

Mother Earth clay figurine hidden in the foliage

Tool shed decorated with dragonflies and lizards

Cindy Worley, one of the garden’s founders

Early spring in the garden