More Gardens, Please

There’s an old Anna Wintour interview in which the famed Vogue editor was asked what she preferred: oceans or mountains?

With a slight smile, she responded, “neither. Gardens.”

I saw that video months ago and remember feeling puzzled. The ultimate tastemaker had chosen what seemed like such a random answer. Oceans and mountains are open, expansive nature – how could a garden possibly compete? What makes gardens so great? 

Well, this past weekend, I finally understood. I spent Sunday morning reading in Elizabeth St Garden in New York City. It’s a proper garden, with hedges, reading alcoves, eroded stone structures, and endearingly overgrown foliage. Nestled in Nolita between Elizabeth St and Mott St, it’s a surprisingly quiet oasis within the normally deafening NYC. Spending three hours there felt like 30 minutes. I loved it. 

That the garden was full but not crowded makes me think it’s a hidden gem within the city. That would certainly square with my experience: Sunday was the first time I’ve been to a garden in any city I’ve lived in (Boston, Philly, DC, and NYC). None of my friends have ever suggested we hang out in a garden together – indicative that they probably aren’t spending much time in gardens, either. If they’re anything like me, but have spent time in gardens, they’d probably talk about it a lot more. Case in point: my experience at Elizabeth St Garden was so enjoyable that I’ve asked at least five people this week if they’ve been to the garden (and now I’m even writing about it). 

All of this to say: I now wish cities had more gardens. They’re pleasant pockets of greenery, often quieter and cozier than parks. Gardens seem like they could become important third spaces. I certainly felt more relaxed after a morning in the garden.