The Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Tuesday said the Greenest Block in Brooklyn in 2025 is Eastern Parkway, between Franklin and Bedford Avenues in Crown Heights.
The gardening competition focuses on public greening and ecological stewardship, and emphasizes block-wide gardening, making the contest as much about civic participation as it is about beautification.
The winning block is gardened and maintained by the Crown Heights Keepers block association. It is the first-ever residential winner predominantly composed of apartment buildings, BBG said.
The group made great use of colorful benches, free communal herb gardens and educational labeling throughout the block, BBG said. The judges observed the way in which this highly public, heavily trafficked block invited visitors to linger and engage with the plantings around them and learn something new in the process.
“Winning the Greenest Block in Brooklyn is a significant honor for our community since our block consists mostly of rental apartments," Kara Lesondak, founder of Crown Heights Keepers said in a statement. "We’re so happy the block is beautiful, but the true gift is how people stop to talk when you’re gardening—including some residents who have been here for more than 60 years. This summer there has been an amazing collective effort with greening, painting, personalizing the seating areas, and even a huge mural."
In addition to neighborhood pride and bragging rights, winners receive cash prizes and winner-recognition certificates that can be displayed on the block.
"Congratulations to Eastern Parkway between Franklin and Bedford Avenues in Crown Heights for winning the 2025 title—your effort and community spirit truly capture the spirit of this contest," said Adrian Benepe, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Submissions to this year's contest came from Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bedford-Stuyvesant, East New York, Flatlands, Downtown Brooklyn and Park Slope. The contest also includes categories such as Best Street Tree Bed, Rookie of the Year, Greenest Storefront, Best Windowbox and more.
For the full list of winners and photos, click here.
