Freeman Gardens has long been a mainstay of Glen Ridge community life. A small public garden spanning roughly the size of two residential lots, it has been nurtured for more than seventy years by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.
Roses are an integral component of Freeman Gardens and volunteer rosarian Jim Ashenfelter is an expert at keeping them blooming. Beginning as a caretaker when he lived in Florida, he now takes his role of caring for hundreds of roses at Freeman Gardens very seriously – learning to prune, deadhead and weed them according to each soil condition as well as feeding the plants with fish emulsion when unable to devote long hours outdoors in the garden.
He has also introduced several plants that have become favorites at his gardens, such as daffodils, azaleas and hyacinths – perennial favorites that provide much-needed color during spring and summer months.
Ashenfelter grows vegetables on his small property as part of his gardening routine, selling his produce at the local farmers’ market every Sunday and engaging his customers through personal interaction. Thanks to minimal regulations requirements and minimal costs involved with producing what he sells at market, he can grow vegetables efficiently while meeting income goals without overextending himself or overwhelming his schedule.
Alongside flowers, Freeman Gardens also features fruit trees, shrubs, vines and some ornamental grasses for visual interest and texture. Additionally, native and wildflower species grow beautifully at Freeman Gardens as part of this diverse environment.
Freeman Gardens is a splendid demonstration of nature’s magnificence, serving as an important reminder that we are connected through our mutual appreciation for it. A visit here should be on everyone’s bucket list who wishes to enjoy all its splendor.
Many visitors find solace and spiritual support from nature when suffering from illness or recovering from injury. Furthermore, nature provides respite for lonely souls looking for peace or who simply wish to experience nature for even a momentary respite.
Freeman’s gardens boast more than just traditional garden spaces; they also feature smaller areas that reflect his interests and passions. For instance, his courtyard features four white pillars representing continents; in its center is a bronze statue of Aphrodite kneeling to offer her love; additionally there is an elaborate fountain.
Freeman was instrumental in commemorating and honoring his family history and that of Bridgeport’s African American community with these gardens, placing historic houses on the National Register of Historic Places while also founding a Black-led, grassroots nonprofit organization to restore them and assist other African Americans living nearby.
