Founded by urban farmer and renown community garden activist, Karen Washington, the Garden of Happiness was transformed from an abandoned lot back in 1985. Members from Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. grow for their families and for market, while heritage chickens roam in the back coop.

In 1998, at a time when gardens were being bulldozed or sold off for development, coalition-building became an organizing strategy, and the Garden of Happiness became one of five gardens to comprise La Familia Verde Garden Coalition. The gardens contribute what they grow to a seasonal farmer’s market at Crotona Park, while the garden continues to be a respite for the community to enjoy and grow. Fore more information, please visit: http://www.lafamiliaverde.org