Coming from a burden to provide fresh food and more green space for the community, the Ingersoll Garden of Eden has grown into a beautiful place of belonging for the residents of the Ingersoll Houses in Fort Greene.

In 2009, a group of six women of color from the residence, with the support of MARP [Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project], approached NYCHA about fixing up an underused part of the development. 

With few green thumbs among them but with a lot of hard work, and a strong desire to serve and involve other residents, the space has been transformed into a vibrant community garden producing flowers and vegetables harvested by the residents for the residents.

The garden and the gardeners display the beautiful diversity of the community as African-American, Bangladeshi and Chinese residents young and old work together to plant and harvest a wide array of produce representing each of their cultures.

Growing in interest every year, there is now a waitlist for garden plots. The desire of the founders is to see the next generation expand and build upon their labors in the midst of a changing neighborhood with an influx of newcomers. In September 2018 the garden was recognized by borough president Eric Adams for its service and inspiration to the community