STATEN ISLAND, NY – The Lenni-Lenape, who once lived off the lands of the area, have thrived despite scorching summers, freezing temperatures and occasional hurricanes. And modern Staten Islanders can do it too with a little help from the Parks Department.
Aly Stoffo, aka the Glam Gardener, will host a free series through the Staten Island-based New York Department of Parks Greenthumb Grows Community Garden on Sunday, October 2 from 2-5 p.m. It takes place at the Hill Street Garden at 50 Hill St., Stapleton.
Aly Stoffo is the Glam Gardener NYC, an expert in foraging in nature. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)(Staten Island Advance/Pamela Si
Stoffo explained, “I received a Staten Island Arts grant to organize this free community event which will feature five workshops on gardening, nature, art and sustainability. We run a beekeeping demonstration, botanical tincture, foraging tour, gardening tour, yoga and mindfulness, and a divination workshop using leaf tea based on an ancient art.”
She encouraged, “This event invites all ages and walks of life.”
The afternoon breaks down into five segments. Guests can attend one, all, or some, but RSVP is required through glamgardenernyc.com. The sessions are as follows:
2:15 to 3 p.m. — Visit of the garden and picking
3 to 4 p.m. — Fortune telling in the tea leaves
4 to 4:30 p.m. — Honey making and beekeeping demonstration
4:45-5:30 p.m. — Dying Botanical Fabric with Flowers and Plants
5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Gentle yoga and conscious movement with Be Yoga
Stoffo says, “This event is a celebration of community and all things green, a skill-sharing event where you can learn a thing or two, and a chance for you to sample some local produce.
Pamela Silvestri is editor-in-chief of Advance Food. She can be reached at [email protected].