Gravel to Green

Hunters Point: it really isn't very green, even though the name suggests otherwise. Those trees on the hill leading down to the Newtown Creek have all but vanished with the industrialization of the area. That all started before the turn of the 20th Century, back when industries were proud to spew black smoke into the air - a hallmark of economic prosperity. Now, besides the ragweed in vacant lots - and of course - the large cottonwood tree on 51st Street, there's little green. That's just what inspired me for the second time: a not-so-secret garden, boasting tens of chrysanthemum plants, against neatly made paths of white stone. It was in October when I noticed it. Usually I had my mind on other things, driving to a destination. But now, there was nothing to do but stop when the color caught my eye. My luck, two ladies were in the garden, strolling, chatting, pointing to the plants. Out of the car, camera in hand, I got near the chain link fence that was draped with mornin...

When I first saw the beautiful tree growing on 51st Avenue near 24th Street in August of 2009, I was amazed. I sensed it had to be 75 years or more. It towered over the cinderblock buildings nearby. And, it seemed to rival the distant Empire State Building, seen in over the haze at the end of 51st Ave, where it meets the Long Island Railroad track, with the entrance to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel right behind. I thought, among all these gray and brick buildings, this is really a huge tree! What must this tree have experienced? Several days later I began to investigate the tree. I stopped the car, and got out. It seemed so very healthy, so green, so happy. I estimated the height to be about 70 feet. It was near a one-story structure, entered through a court yard on Borden Avenue. Protected by a chain-link fence that surrounded the back of the building, the tree seemed safe. Vines grew up around it and onto the building next to it. I reached up and grabbed a nice leaf, took it home and - ...