Mary Crosson's Green Thumb: Transforming Hempstead Lots into a Thriving Community Garden
A Story of Resilience and Growth
In the heart of Hempstead, a quiet revolution is taking place, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Mary Crosson. In February 2016, Mary approached Mayor Wayne Hall with a vision that would not only transform an underutilized lot but also become a beacon of hope and community engagement. Mary, a resident of Hempstead since 1995, had grown weary of seeing her neighborhood's potential go to waste. She witnessed the neglect of empty lots, where garbage was often thrown over the fence, and she knew there had to be a better way.
A Vision Takes Root
Her idea was simple yet powerful: to create a community garden. She proposed turning one of these lots into a vibrant space where residents could come together, grow fresh produce, and foster a sense of community. Mayor Hall, impressed by her enthusiasm, agreed to allocate a plot in Kennedy Memorial Park for this purpose. The garden would be dedicated to Ligia Estrada, the original caretaker, who tragically passed away in 2011, and Mary would take on the role of tending to it.
A Journey of Growth and Learning
Mary's journey to becoming a gardener began long before she could walk. As the daughter of South Carolina sharecroppers, she learned the art of growing things from an early age. She plowed fields, worked from sunrise to sunset, and understood the hard work that went into cultivating crops. Sharecropping, a practice where tenants farm land in exchange for a share of the harvest, was her family's way of survival. Despite the challenges, Mary's family ensured every crop was harvested, and they made do with what they had.
Leaving the Farm, Finding New Opportunities
At 17, Mary married Bobby Bethea, and they moved to Queens as part of the Great Migration, a period when many Black Americans relocated to cities for better opportunities. Mary, who read at a sixth-grade level, saw marriage as a path to upward mobility. She worked as a home health aide and later at Sands Point Nursing Home, always finding time to nurture plants in her home and backyard.
A Passion for Teaching and Growing
Mary's passion for gardening and teaching blossomed when she started the Hempstead Community Garden. She and her volunteers grow a wide variety of crops, from spinach and corn to apples and flowers. The garden has become a resource and source of pride for the community, with about 4,000 pounds of fresh produce donated each year. Mary's green thumb and the volunteers' dedication have transformed the garden into a thriving oasis.
Inspiring Others to Grow
Mary's impact extends beyond the garden. She has taught her team so much about gardening that they now conduct workshops and classes for the community, especially children. The garden has become a place for leadership opportunities, where young adults can instruct younger children. Mary loves showing the garden to others, especially children, as she notices many have never been exposed to the process of growing and harvesting crops. She wants them to understand where their food comes from and the joy of growing it themselves.
A Community's Paradise
The garden has become a sanctuary for volunteers, offering serenity in a chaotic world. It's a place where they can pull weeds, sit under a tree, and appreciate nature. For Jerline Harris, a retired nurse, the garden is a 'paradise for those who don't have a paradise.' It's a place where they can find peace and beauty, and where the produce is always available for free.
A Legacy of Growth and Giving
Mary Crosson's story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of community. Her garden has become a symbol of hope, where people from all walks of life come together to nurture something special. As she continues to teach and inspire, Mary's legacy will live on, one seed at a time.
