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

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.

A Lifelong Passion for Gardening

Growing up in the South Bronx, O’Connor cared for the only green plant in a junkyard—a sumac weed. Today, gardening is more than a hobby; it serves as therapeutic support for managing the challenges of aging.

From Barren Rocks to a Vibrant Garden

O’Connor moved into Canterbury House, an income-restricted senior housing managed by St. John’s Episcopal Church, in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. Missing his garden, he asked the church priest for permission to start one. The priest agreed, emphasizing the garden's importance as a first impression of the building:

“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, O’Connor had transformed what was once a barren rocky area into a lively garden.

A Self-Funded Personal Project

O’Connor finances the garden himself, spending his own money and occasional gift cards from family. He buys soil, fertilizer, and supplies from stores like Home Depot to keep the garden thriving.

The garden provides a peaceful space for residents to gather and socialize, brightening the community around Canterbury House.

Author’s summary: Bill O’Connor’s devoted care and self-funded efforts have turned a neglected area at Canterbury House into a vibrant garden, enriching the lives of local seniors.

SILive.com — 2025-11-04