If you've ever paused to watch a bee, listen to the birds, or take in the beauty of the willow tree at the Maple Street Community Garden (MSCG), you'll understand why Manny L. has found something special here. A first-grade teacher, artist, and advocate for living in harmony with our planet, Manny believes that sometimes the best way to recharge is to simply step outside and pay attention.

Born in Far Rockaway and raised on Long Island, Manny moved to Prospect Lefferts Gardens in 2017 after attending Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. They joined MSCG in the spring of 2020 and have since found it to be much more than a green space. For Manny, the garden offers what they describe as “neurological rest”—a chance to connect to the rhythm of all life by watching bees, tasting herbs, or closing their eyes to listen to the birds. It's a place to touch into your own nature, recharge in a way that sleep alone can't provide, and feel more connected to their neighbors.

In fact, Manny first came to the garden in 2020 and helped to start the Arts + Events committee, an earlier reiteration of the current committee with a mission to “activate the garden with art to engage our community such as theatre, music or other events”. Together with fellow coordinators, Manny facilitated plant swaps, poetry and music events at the garden. Three years later, the garden inspired Manny to write for Voices of Lefferts, an oral history + journal project rooted in Flatbush and PLG. Sometimes, all it takes is a little time in a shared green space to discover a story worth telling.

Manny stands by the MSCG colorful gate sign, 2026.

Manny inspects the last of the season’s marigold blooms.

Life outside the garden keeps Manny busy: teaching first grade by day, pursuing a master's degree in education by night, and occasionally roller-skating across the boroughs. They're also passionate about live theater, movies, knitting, painting, sculpting with clay, singing, and dancing. Whether making art, creating music with others, or cycling and skating through unfamiliar neighborhoods in search of hidden treasures and fruit juices, Manny approaches life with curiosity and a creative spirit.

At the heart of it all is a deep belief in the possibility of humanity living in synergistic sustainability with the planet—a vision that feels right at home at our community garden.

Manny delights in a harvest of fresh summer raspberries in the garden, 2026.

And if Manny could be any creature in the garden? 🐞 A ladybug! As Manny puts it, they'd be a ladybug “eating all the juicy aphids in the garden! Helping the garden and being fabulous.” We can all appreciate a pollinator like that!

We're so glad Manny is part of our garden community, reminding us that caring for the planet can begin with slowing down, staying curious, and finding joy and creativity in the little details all around us.

Spotlight by Zhenia N.

If you’d like to join the Arts Committee, whether you are an artist, musician, poet, muralist, art teacher or you’re a creative person interested in helping with arts events, fill out this google form. You can also email Arts.MSCG@gmail.com.

Artist Spotlight: Manny L.