The Healing Gardens of New York 2006
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Produced by Alexandra M. Isles
Directed by Alexandra M. Isles
DVD, color, 55 min.
Upper level elementary - Adult
Environmental Studies, Gardening, Urban Studies, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 10/12/2006
Reviewed by Karen Straube, George Fox University, Newberg, ORThe Healing Gardens of New York shows the transformative power of gardens in people’s lives, through the act of gardening, and in enjoying the spaces that others have created. One neighborhood farm in the documentary serves as a social gathering place for the 100 families who cultivate the soil, and the crops are distributed throughout the community. In the middle of the road in Times Square is a garden on a tiny plot of land which would have died if not for the daily watering and attention of a man who, in turn, receives its restorative healing. Other gardens in this film include a large garden restored to its former glory, now providing a tranquil sanctuary for several communities; a garden at a correctional facility aiding in the rehabilitation of the inmates; and a labyrinth commissioned on the anniversary of 9-11, now serving as a space for contemplation. The New York City gardens shown in this documentary were chosen with care, each demonstrating the importance of access to nature in the midst of a busy city and busy lives.
The technical quality of this film is good. The pacing of the section devoted to the community garden is slow, but picks up after that. This documentary would likely be of interest to gardeners, urban planners, or mental health practitioners. It is recommended for public and academic libraries.