Staten Island’s Hidden Garden
A Senior’s Labor of Love Brightens Canterbury House
Bill O'Connor's self-funded garden offers a peaceful space for Canterbury House residents to gather and socialize. The grounds surrounding the senior housing facility in Rosebank have become notably greener thanks to his dedication throughout the year.
O'Connor’s passion for gardening started in childhood in the South Bronx, where he cared for the only green plant in a junkyard—a sumac weed. For him, gardening now acts as a therapeutic outlet, helping to cope with health challenges that come with 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.’”
After moving into Canterbury House, an income-restricted senior housing managed by St. John’s Episcopal Church, following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, O'Connor transformed a barren patch of rocks into a vibrant garden by 2014.
The garden remains a personal project. O’Connor finances all materials, including soil and fertilizer, with his own money and occasional gift cards from family. He sources supplies from stores like Home Depot.
Author's summary: Bill O'Connor's dedication to gardening has transformed Canterbury House's outdoor space into a green haven, providing serenity and community for fellow seniors.