Boerum Hill Plant Sale Benefits Longstanding Community Garden

In the 1970s, the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Hoyt Street was just an empty pit, filled with trash, broken bottles and other big city detritus.

"It was a rotted vacant lot," said longtime Boerum Hill resident and one of the original Hoyt Street Garden founders, Margaret Cusack. "It was disgusting."

The lot, owned by the the church next day, , was given to the neighborhood group to take care of.

Since then, the garden has blossomed -- literally. There are flowers, benches and trees. To help pay for the maintenance of the garden, . On Saturday and Sunday this weekend, head to 110 Hoyt St. and pick up some plants. There will be colorful flowers, geraniums, impatiens, some shrubs and herbs.

"In the 70s, we had more of a pioneer spirit, [the garden] had a more volunteer aspect," said Cusack.

The group now pays a gardener to maintain the area, sweep the sidewalk and help with general upkeep. With extra funds, grants are given to local community groups that work to beautify the neighborhood.

The first plant sale was held in 1985, and continues today with the help of Boerum Hill Association President Howard Kolins and residents Danna Mitchell and Michael Dubick among others, said Cusack.

Support Boerum Hill and the Hoyt Street Garden by buying some plants this weekend!