Landscape Gardening: A Journey Through Hard Work

Eve Brooks, a gardener at Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn, reflects on her journey from unemployment to a fulfilling career in horticulture after participating in a Parks Department job training program. Now, at 64, she enjoys her work tending to the park's greenery and engaging with the community, emphasizing the joy she finds in her job. Meanwhile, an article explores ancient agricultural practices, highlighting the benefits of cover crops for soil health and nutrient retention, with modern adaptations suggested for home gardeners. Another narrative recounts the author's experiences as a young groundskeeper at the J. Seward Johnson estate, where he learned the intricacies of maintaining beautiful landscapes and gained responsibility over time. Additionally, a metaphorical reflection compares the fragility of gardens to the challenges faced by churches, emphasizing the need for care and attention in both realms. Together, these stories celebrate gardening as a source of personal growth, community engagement, and deeper life lessons.