Let’s Green Red Hook Together!
Current Greening Activities
Winter Seed Ball Planting
Sullivan Street Community Garden Meetings
Past Projects
Handmade in Red Hook · Shared at Local Businesses
These seed balls were handmade this winter and let to freeze, using native flower seeds and clay, meant to rest through the cold, then bloom naturally in spring. The clay helps the seeds stay in place in our small urban green spaces - so they don’t get washed away in the rain!
They were distributed at pick up spots at some long-time neighborhood staples and newer businesses, because greening Red Hook works best when we do it together!
Each location has a limited batch
Please take one pack (5 seed balls) so others can join in too.
February 2025 pick -up spot partners were:
• The Black Flamingo
• Red Hook Pickle Ball Club
• Jamieri Cafe
Support the places that support the neighborhood!
Sullivan Street Community Garden
A shared neighborhood garden cared for by neighbors, volunteers, and local partners.
If you love plants, being outside, or just want to help something grow even if you don’t have a garden of your own, we’d love to meet you.
Monthly
5–6 PM
109 Sullivan Street
Come listen, share ideas, and help shape the spring season.
🌱 Sullivan Street Community Garden – Meet-Up 🌱
(church basement, enter through the garden gate) to help plan Spring 2026 garden projects, meet fellow gardeners, and share ideas.
All neighbors welcome — no gardening experience needed!
Sign up: https://forms.gle/35DVLZ8XxSQxeWpX8
Stay in touch (WhatsApp): https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZlieaUINuBDmK1vWxYC0O
Winter Update from Chelsea Pier Gardens
When to Water in Winter?
We asked the team at Chelsea Garden Center. Here’s the know-how from Kat Brandel!
“Only water on warm days above 40°F, when the ground isn’t frozen. Water slowly and thoroughly in the middle of the day so it has time to soak in before nightfall.
Watering is usually needed once a month or less in winter, though container plants may need more frequent attention. Evergreens and new plantings need the most consistent watering. Always check soil moisture first to avoid root rot. And remember: disconnect and drain hoses to prevent freezing!”
Winter Update from Laurie Blumenfeld Design
Dead or Dormant?
Unless you are a perennial pro, you might not know which plants die over the winter…and which just look dead!
The dead part can be cut back - but the roots underground will put up new growth in the spring - so don’t throw them out!
We asked Laurie Blumenfeld of Laurie Blumenfeld Design, a Red Hook interior designer and garden designer (and the woman behind the Red Hook planting and maintenance guide we put together last year!
You can check out the planting guide for common perennials around the neighborhood. It’s easy to search the web for images of what things look like in winter if you’re not sure.
In general, if you’re not sure about annual/perennial, best to wait until spring and see if you notice new green coming up or not!
When is the best time to cut them back? Early spring [End of March] or Late fall [End of November]
Cut grasses down to @6” and feed them fertilizer.
Other plants from our guide can also be cut back in early spring/late fall, depending on the plant species; 4”-6”. Add fertilizer.
Start watering regularly in Mid April.
Tree Bed Volunteer Days with Councilmember Alexa Avilés
The Echo Project →
Partnering for that Gardening Glow in Red Hook!
Starting Summer 2025 - Fall 2025 we began partnering with District 38 and other orgs to bring a series of volunteer greening days to Red Hook!
Each one focused on different blocks and involved learning about tree bed care, weeding / mulching, and planting plants and bulbs!
Don’t miss the next one! Follow us on Instagram or use this form to join our volunteer email list below!
Get In Touch
If you're interested in volunteering in Red Hook, complete the form and we’ll keep you in the loop.
Separately, you can also subscribe to our Neighbor Newsletter below!