Staten Island’s hidden garden: A senior’s labor of love brightens Canterbury House

Staten Island’s Hidden Garden: A Senior’s Labor of Love Brightens Canterbury House

Bill O'Connor’s self-funded garden provides a tranquil space for residents to gather and socialize. The grounds around Canterbury House in Rosebank have become much greener thanks to his dedication throughout the year weeding, mulching, and planting.

O’Connor’s passion for gardening began as a child growing up in the South Bronx, where he nurtured a single sumac weed in a junkyard. Gardening now acts as therapy for him, helping manage health challenges associated with aging.

Garden Origins and Development

His gardening journey at Canterbury House started after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when he moved into the senior housing facility operated by St. John’s Episcopal Church. Reflecting on his beginnings, O’Connor said:

“I really lucked out with the garden because I missed my garden, so I asked the priest of St. John’s Episcopal Church at the time if I could start one. He said, ‘Bill, you can do it, but you’ve got to make it look nice because this is the first thing you see when you come up to the building.’”

By 2014, he had transformed a barren patch of rocks into the vibrant garden it is today.

Personal Commitment and Support

The garden is O’Connor’s personal project, funded entirely from his own resources.
He also uses gift cards for special occasions given by his family to purchase supplies.
Materials like dirt and fertilizer are bought from stores such as Home Depot.

His work has greatly enhanced the environment around Canterbury House, offering residents a beautiful, peaceful place to enjoy.

Author’s summary: Bill O’Connor’s passion and personal investment have transformed Canterbury House’s grounds into a vibrant garden, creating a welcoming and therapeutic space for its senior residents.

SILive.com — 2025-11-04