A community garden grows in Baldwin

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The aroma of red wine and savory finger foods blended with the smell of earthy greenery as members of the Baldwin community kicked off the first day of the summer, wining and dining at a Baldwin Community Garden party held by the Baldwin Civic Association to celebrate their community garden’s third anniversary.

Guests mingled and ate in the peaceful atmosphere, listening to Americana and swing music by the Wolf Cats Band and the harmonic sounds of the fiddle, while admiring the ornaments that embellish garden. It is a whimsical place, with painted art, a vibrant mural and a wheelbarrow adorned with colorful Aztec god’s-eye decorations.

“Everything in the garden has a story of its own, through beauty, art, community and meditation,” said Rita Cavanagh, a member of the Baldwin Civic Association and one of the garden’s creators. “Tonight we’ve got music, food and drinks, and we’re partying to celebrate the garden’s origin and its purpose as a place where everyone in the community is welcome to attend events or spend some quiet time.”

 The garden was conceived three years ago when members of the Baldwin Civic association received a five-year lease from Nassau County to turn a plot of greenery into a sculpture park with benches. The garden was brought to life as members of the community filled it with recycled materials and donated artwork, and worked together to plant and grow the flowers and shrubbery. Now many Baldwinites attend events, including concerts, there.

“Instead of people fighting with one another, the garden creates an openness that moves people to work together,” said Steven Greenfield, vice president of the Baldwin Civic Association, as he took a drink from the refreshment table.

“The garden is like a Zen space, with trees and food, where I can meet new people and find out what’s going on in the community,” said Millie Rodriguez, a Baldwin resident for 22 years. “The garden is a cute, little space to get away and bring my kids.”

To keep growing the garden, community members continue to spend long hours building installations with sentimental value for all to enjoy.