Daffodil Planting Will Survive

GCA in the City’s Interactive Programs Instruct and Inspire: See Fall Schedule here.

September 03, 2025

By: Lisa Dell’Osso

In 2023, GCA in the City hosted an event where 35 young New Yorkers braved December weather and planted hundreds of daffodils at Elizabeth Street Garden NYC.  The garden in lower Manhattan was slated for demolition to make way for senior housing. Fortunately, in Spring 2025, the imperiled garden was preserved thanks to community advocates--and perhaps the daffodils’ beautiful blooms and visually restorative power.
 
Did the planting of the bulbs inspire community leaders to search out another location for affordable elder housing to preserve this inter-city green space which attracts over 200,000 visitors annually? Probably not.
 
But the preservation of the Elizabeth Street Garden aligns with GCA’s mission and the planting event made a physical difference in the garden and an inspiring experience for the young New Yorkers who planted bulbs that day.
 
GCA in the City is a connection to the future, a means to empower the next generation to continue GCA’s legacy: Garden, Create, Advocate.  The hands-on event underscored that advocacy and creativity are at the heart of many urban gardens. 
 
Here is GCA in the City’s Fall schedule: 
September 16th Alize Carrere Lecture and Q&A GCA Headquarters   NYC

September 25 The California Academy of Science with Dr. Durrell Kapan “The Return of the Magical Silvery Blue Butterfly”  SF

September 25 The Rose Greenway Conservancy Lecture and Garden Tour   Boston

October 11 Peralta Hacienda Civic Project Oakland Ca   SF

October 28  Inaugural Event, Nashville

November 5 “Mystery Box Challenge” Floral Design Headquarters   NYC

December 11 GCA in the City Holiday Open House Headquarters   Open to All GCAITC Cities
 
Any Metro-area, non-member interested in these events in either NYC, DC, SF, Boston, or Nashville, can register here.