A NEGLECTED LANDSCAPE (the site in 1941)

By the early 1990s, the northern end of Shore Road Park was overgrown, eroded, and strewn with debris, with invasive species overtaking native plants. It was within this grim tableau that inspiration sparked a handful of local residents to transform it into something meaningful for the community.

RECLAIMING THE LAND

What was once a neglected space began to change when a small group of dog walkers and local residents—including Joan Regan, Laurel Deitz, and landscape designer James Johnson—stepped in to clear the land and plant the first seeds of what would become Narrows Botanical Gardens.

FROM CLEANUP TO VISION

As cleanup gave way to intention, the space was formally established as North Shore Road Park. Snow fencing protected early native plantings, a chain-link fence defined boundaries, and the first gardens took shape. With a grant from Jackson & Perkins, Regan and Linda Dahl started planning the Hybrid Tea Rose Garden.

DESIGNING THE GARDENS

Master gardener Richard Haugland joined the effort. Johnson used Parks Department blueprints to shape a garden balancing beauty, ecology, and public access. The Native Plant Garden was planted, a tree pit adoption program launched, and a former sandbox transformed into the Lily Pond.

INFRASTRUCTURE & GROWTH

As the gardens expanded, essential infrastructure was put in place, including a permanent water system to support long-term planting and maintenance. With funding from Community Board 10, fencing was completed, pathways were resurfaced, and three gates were installed. The Moon Garden was created.

A GARDEN WITH A NAME

The Old Rose Garden was completed, cultural programming expanded, and signature events like the Harvest Festival and Halloween Canine Contest began. Reflecting its growing identity, North Shore Road Park was officially renamed Narrows Botanical Gardens.

EXPANDING THE LANDSCAPE

A wave of new gardens followed, including the Alpine Garden, Fragrant Pathway, Hosta Hillside, Stone Seat Garden, Sidewalk Arboretum, and major reconstruction of the Lily Pond hillside and stone walls. These additions layered structure, texture, and seasonal interest throughout the site.

A PLACE OF REFLECTION

The Zen Garden was launched and later rededicated as a 9/11 Memorial Garden, offering a quiet space for reflection and remembrance for first responders and community members.

ECOLOGY & EDUCATION

Responding to rising environmental awareness, NBG launched its Apiary Program to support pollination and educate the public about bee population decline. In 2009, NBG achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, strengthening its ability to sustain and grow its mission.

BUILDING THE FUTURE

A greenhouse enabled year-round plant cultivation, while new features—including the Great Lawn, Cactus Garden, Tree Allée entrance, Wildflower Meadow, Weeping Tree Grove, and farm elements—expanded both programming and visitor experience.

ART, EDUCATION & WILDLIFE

New initiatives took shape with the Unicorn Garden and Wildlife Sanctuary, reinforcing NBG’s role in learning, creativity, and habitat restoration. During this period, the Artist in Residence Program launched and bird rescue partnerships were formalized.

PANDEMIC YEARS

The gardens remain open as a safe outdoor refuge through the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of public green space. Native wildflowers were reintroduced across a large section of the gardens through the Rewilding Forest initiative, restoring habitat and supporting pollinators and birds.

STEWARDSHIP AT SCALE

The current decade has seen expanded conservation, education, and outreach. NBG became home to the largest turtle rescue and rehabilitation program in NYC, launched the 1×1 Native Plant Rewilding initiative, expanded arts programming, and introduced garden sponsorships with local organizations.

30 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP

NBG continues to thrive as one of New York City’s largest and longest-running all-volunteer botanical gardens — a living testament to what a community can create and care for together.