Angela Maull has found a satisfying purpose in the simplest manner: planting a garden. She revived East Harlem’s Diversity Edible Farm Garden in July 2023, and now the kale, collard greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other vegetables growing there have put fresh food within the community’s reach.
Located at 1673 Madison Avenue, near East 111th Street, the garden features several individual plots and has a place for food distribution, cultural exchange, and neighborhood gatherings.
The DEFG grew from an older garden, the Chenchita’s Group Garden, which used to be located at 1691 Madison Avenue. Maull describes today’s DEFG as its replacement following building developments in the area. “This is the garden that was replaced from the building there. The big, tall building,” Maull told the AmNews while pointing to the high buildings surrounding the garden.
East Harlem’s gardens are part of a long tradition — residents have traditionally turned neglected plots of land into gardens and sheds. NYC Parks traces the modern community garden movement to the 1970s, when abandoned lots marked neighborhoods including East Harlem. GreenThumb began in 1978. Hunter College’s NYC Food Policy Center describes neighborhood gardens as places for food growing, outdoor learning, and community connection.
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NYC Parks lists the 3,000-square-foot DEFG site as city-owned and supported by GreenThumb. Maull said she took part in restoring DEFG because it helps her celebrate the memory of her daughter. DEFG members maintain their own plant beds: returning gardeners have assigned plots and pay for them, helping purchase supplies rather than waiting for outside assistance.
“So everybody pays for their bed. We buy all of the supplies we need. That’s why it looks so beautiful in here because we’re not waiting for parks or anyone else to actually buy stuff for us.”
Food access extends beyond the growers. Maull said the garden has a partnership with the East Harlem Community Partnership and monthly pantries involving the community board. Asked whether pantry visitors have to live nearby, she answered: “No, anyone can come from anywhere and just sign up for it.”
Alongside the fruit and herbs listed by Just Food, the DEFG garden offers opportunities for people to participate in growing food and connecting with people who tend it.
