NYC's forgotten fruit orchard history revived in gardens, public spaces across the boroughs

""They're pretty tasty. And especially now that like the growing season is kind of extending," said Brian Henderson, a community gardener."

""Mostly fruit was grown in Brooklyn in like the 1700s for cider making. It was hard to find clean water so everybody was drinking cider," said artist Sam Van Aken."

""The Open Orchard is 102 multi grafted trees that cover the history of fruit growing in New York City. So from pre-European contact to the early 20th century," said Van Aken, who created the living heirloom display."

""The reason it's the 'Open Orchard' is it's based on the Lenape philosophy that nobody owns a tree. So everyone is welcome to come pick the fruit, which is why we're always short on fruit," he said."

Fruit trees and edible plantings persist throughout New York City in private yards, community gardens, parks, and historical cemeteries. Community gardens like Java Community Garden in Greenpoint host maturing paw paw trees and productive fig trees. Many city orchards and plantings recall Brooklyn's agricultural past, including 1700s cider production and later commercial fruit growing. An Open Orchard on Governor's Island contains 102 multi-grafted trees representing varieties from pre-European contact through the early 20th century and promotes open harvesting based on a Lenape philosophy that trees belong to everyone. Public interest and informal foraging reflect ongoing appreciation of urban fruit resources.

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