For 30 years, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest has highlighted how collective gardening efforts can strengthen neighborhoods and transform streetscapes. To mark the anniversary, the garden launched Block by Block, an exhibition and program series celebrating residents, organizers and community groups who turn stoops and sidewalks into shared green spaces.
On view through Oct. 25, Block by Block features five recreated Brooklyn stoops and sidewalk gardens designed by past Greenest Block winners. Installed along a pathway from Magnolia Plaza to Oak Circle, each installation reflects the planting styles and design choices of participating blocks.
An outdoor photography exhibition by Zachary Schulman presents portraits and first-person stories of community greening participants.
"The Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest has created a legacy of partnership, collaboration and friendship throughout Brooklyn," said Sonal Bhatt, vice president of education and interpretation said in a statement. "It embodies BBG’s long history of engaging our community in gardening and environmental education and how the garden is in turn enriched by the plant knowledge of our neighbors. As the country’s foremost urban botanic garden, we are deeply inspired by how Greenest Block in Brooklyn gardeners showcase their many horticultural talents to build beautiful, safe and healthier communities, block by block."
The garden will host a Block Party on July 30, with free admission all day. DJ sets begin at 4:00pm, followed by live music at 7:00pm, along with games, food and activities inspired by 1990s-era New York City block parties.
The Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest launched in 1995 in partnership with the Brooklyn borough president’s office and community organizations. The 2026 contest is currently underway, with winners set to be announced Aug. 4.
