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 past year to weeding, mulching, and planting.
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 growing in a junkyard. Today, gardening serves as a therapeutic outlet for him, helping manage the health challenges of aging.
“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,” said the 84-year-old. “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.’”
Transforming a Barren Space
After moving into Canterbury House, an income-restricted senior housing facility operated by St. John’s Episcopal Church, following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, O’Connor took on the challenge of creating a garden. By 2014, he had transformed a rocky, empty area into the lively garden visible today.
Personal Investment and Support
- O’Connor funds all garden expenses himself.
- He also uses special occasion gift cards from his family to buy supplies.
- His purchases include dirt, fertilizer, and materials from stores like Home Depot.
This garden has become a peaceful space where residents can gather and socialize, reflecting O’Connor’s dedication and care.
Author’s Summary: Bill O’Connor’s self-funded garden at Canterbury House is a personal sanctuary that enriches the community while offering him therapy and purpose in his later years.