This article was also written in part by Samantha Sokol

If you thought gardening was purely a white-fence suburban hobby, think again. These gardens scattered through Manhattan feature a diverse range of plants and flowers — one of them even has a pond! Check them out here.

1. Liz Christy Garden, Lower East Side

Located on Houston Street, between Bowery and Second Avenue, the Liz Christy Garden was founded in 1973 as the first community garden in New York City. The park has a winding gravel path that extends from Bowery to Second Avenue,  hidden alcoves, and a lake 2.5 feet deep. If gardening is your thing, you could volunteer for 20 hours to receive a key to the garden.