Once upon a time…the Village Green had a hidden treasure behind the brick wall on the west, something like The Secret Garden.
It was full of roses, red ones and pink ones and yellow and white ones. It was a really glorious testament to what dedicated gardeners can create.
Then, sadly, it fell into decline and became a forgotten weedy patch with not much to recommend it – until a few years ago when dedicated volunteer gardeners quietly began to rescue it.
Old, broken bushes had to be pulled out, and even the remaining stock had to be drastically pruned. The garden needed – and received – skilled, ruthless surgery.
The rose garden still needs lots of work, but it is filling out beautifully. Its full glory will be restored, but roses take time.
They don’t flourish overnight. At this point in time what is needed the most is: roses! .
If anyone reading this wants to help recreate our formerly spectacular rose garden, please consider donating a rose bush (or two?, or three?) to the Great Neck Park District.
This unique garden is one of the very special amenities we could enjoy, but money is tight and restoration of this garden is simply not a budgetary priority.
We were lucky enough to have attracted the help of what I call a rose angel a particularly gifted volunteer who got the ball rolling a year or so ago, and his dedication and expertise attracted like-minded workers.
The garden is really on its way to recovery, but there’s still a long way to go. There are still too many blank spots, too many bare areas waiting for their rose bushes.
The garden needs many more roses. It is very much a work in progress.
If you want to help restoring the rose garden, please call the park district and let them know. The number for the main office is 482-0181. And whether or not you can help supply the bushes, please try to visit the garden to see what is happening there. The rose season will be happening quite soon; try not to miss it.
Elizabeth Allen
Great Neck
