The Pocket Meadow Garden

About

I grew up in Ridgewood. When I was 12, I wanted to make some money and so I printed up business cards that I distributed to our neighbors.

A doctor and his wife across the street hired me to help them every week with their landscaping, and from those early days, I came to appreciate the importance of surrounding yourself in nature whenever you can. I loved working in the dirt and seeing the fruits of my labor.

My wife, Nina, and I bought our home in 1996, and over time together expanded the gardens and outdoor areas, creating different views and living areas. It is our sanctuary.

After completing a pool project, we had a piece of property by the street that we did not want to plant with grass seed or trees but rather, make it a native wildflower meadow and an ecosystem unto itself.

There are days when birds and smaller animals are rummaging through the underbrush, and every year in the spring, so far, the same box turtle shows up and spends 1-2 days before moving on. As each year has passed, the meadow has become more robust and has come to knit itself together, as Nature always does.

This garden's estimated size is 1/2 acre.

This Garden Host reports the following Terrain Notes about the garden: This garden is easily walkable. The street-side entrance is uphill, on a path of bluestone stepping stones. Handicap access is possible from the lawn, which transitions into a mulch path.

2026 Open Day Date: Saturday, June 27

Open Day Hours: 10am–4pm