Seeds of Kindness:
How The Garden Took Root
Art by: Ling Chen www.lingchen.art
Angelo Sigalis, Judy’s mail carrier for more than twenty years, commiserated with a neighbor about Judy’s passing. He shared how Judy offered him cold drinks in summer and cocoa in winter and had gone out of her way to help his family. Angelo rallied a neighbor to honor Judy’s memory in a meaningful way and the result, this garden, shows how seeds of kindness and connection grow…
Design Planting
and Stewardship
The garden design features ornamental trees, native and pollinator plantings, seating and art. Planning will always be guided by goals of sustainability and resource stewardship.
Garden Location
Watchung Park is a pocket park, a small but central artery for commuters, students, toddlers, seniors, walkers, wanderers, and shoppers. Located between Park Street and Midland Avenue and bordered by Watchung Avenue, the park lies parallel to Watchung Plaza and Watchung Plaza Park.
Watchung Park and Watchung Plaza Park are both part of Watchung Plaza Historic District. The Montclair Railroad was chartered in 1868 to provide a direct link to New York City, and the parks as well as the Plaza’s commercial buildings were developed in the early 20th century.
This historic and geographic relationship between the two parks will inform our perspective as we establish the garden.
It is fitting that the garden is not only near Judy’s home for six decades but right by her favorite 4th of July Parade viewing spot!