Our garden began as this tenement building at 530 East 6th St, it's the building in this circa 1940 photo with the stairway and the car parked in front. Through the 50's and early 60's several buildings on this block became abandoned. Some were renovated, some homesteaded and a few were totally demolished, including this one. In 1978 the land was marked for a community garden and in 1982 opened as the Creative Little Garden.

Under the leadership of Francoise Cachelin, the lot was leased to the Parks Department and Greenthumb. In the early 80's Francoise started the garden with help from the city. She was a staunch supporter of individual and community rights and was quite outspoken. Without her our garden would not be here today. Francoise passed away in 2003, but we continue to take inspiration from this former member of the French Resistance and spirited advocate for the rights of downtown residents.

Other individual members have come and gone and have had their hand in the garden. Around 2006 the garden was placed in peril as the 2 story structure next door was changed into a 6 story "luxury" rental. Scaffolding, workmen and debris caused problems to the garden and eventually a large portion of the garden slid into the basement during construction. 

The east wall of the garden was completely covered in ivy which also had to be removed. Following these setbacks the garden has seen a rejuvenation. New plantings, painting, water system, benches and a general cleanup have given the garden a new life and a new future. 

RENEWED

The Creative Little Garden is now an oasis of tranquility in New York's East Village once again. It's a "community backyard," maintained by volunteers from the surrounding neighborhood. There are no plots tended by individual gardeners, instead members collaborate on the landscaping of the whole park and operate according to our bylaws.

Since we are a city park, all NYC Park rules must be followed: 

* No fires, barbeques or alcohol

* Stay on paths (people & pets)

* Do not pick flowers or handle plants

* Leash your dog, if they poop, you MUST scoop

* No climbing on walls or handrails

* NO loud music, radios or running

* Take out ALL your garbage

* Gatherings of 5 or more require permission

The Creative Little Garden operates under the jurisdiction of the NYC Parks Department, through the Greenthumb program, and we get some help with maintenance and construction from the NYC Council On The Environment and other partners.  We're funded, however, solely by contributions and dues paid by the members. There is no paid staff, but we do have expenses! We're a Not-For-Profit, (501-c-3) so donations are tax-deductible