Staten Island’s hidden garden: A senior’s labor of love brightens Canterbury House

Staten Island’s Hidden Garden: A Senior’s Labor of Love Brightens Canterbury House

The grounds around Canterbury House in Rosebank have become noticeably greener thanks to Bill O’Connor, a resident who has dedicated the year to weeding, mulching, and planting. His self-funded garden offers a peaceful space for residents to gather and socialize.

Bill O’Connor’s Gardening Journey

O’Connor’s passion for gardening began in childhood in the South Bronx, where he cared for a lone sumac weed in a junkyard. Now 84, he finds gardening therapeutic, helping him cope with health challenges related to aging.

Starting the Garden

His gardening project began in 2012 after moving into Canterbury House, an income-restricted senior housing run by St. John’s Episcopal Church, following Hurricane Sandy.

“I really lucked out with the garden because I missed my garden, so I asked the priest of St. John’s Episcopal Church at the time if I could start one,” O’Connor said. “He said, ‘Bill, you can do it, but you’ve got to make it look nice because this is the first thing you see when you come up to the building.’”

By 2014, he transformed a barren rocky patch into the vibrant garden seen today.

Maintaining the Garden

This garden is a personal passion project. O’Connor covers all costs himself, often using gift cards from family on special occasions. He buys supplies like dirt and fertilizer from stores such as Home Depot.

The garden not only beautifies the space but also provides a welcoming area for community interaction.

“The garden is a peaceful spot for residents to gather and socialize,” the report notes.

Author’s summary: Bill O’Connor’s dedication transforms Canterbury House’s grounds into a vibrant community garden, blending personal therapy with shared joy for residents.

SILive.com — 2025-11-04