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 at Canterbury House

The grounds around Canterbury House in Rosebank have become notably greener thanks to Bill O’Connor, a resident who has dedicated his time this year to weeding, mulching, and planting. His self-funded garden provides a serene space for residents to gather and socialize.

Gardening as Therapy

O’Connor’s passion for gardening started during his childhood in the South Bronx, where he nurtured the only green plant in a junkyard—a sumac weed. Now 84, he uses gardening as a therapeutic activity to cope with health challenges associated with aging.

The Beginning of the Garden

In 2012, after moving into Canterbury House, an income-restricted senior housing facility managed by St. John’s Episcopal Church, O’Connor approached the church’s priest to start a garden. He recalls:

“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, O’Connor had transformed a barren rocky patch into a thriving garden.

Personal Dedication and Funding

Bill O’Connor funds the garden entirely on his own, purchasing soil, fertilizer, and supplies from stores like Home Depot. He also uses gift cards from family on special occasions to help cover expenses.

Author’s Summary

Bill O’Connor’s garden at Canterbury House is a testament to personal dedication, providing beauty and community healing through his lifelong love of gardening.

SILive.com — 2025-11-04