The 6BC Botanical Garden is a community green space designed, planted and maintained by local volunteers in association withGrape Arbor/Solar Project
Grapes and roses
Turn left as soon as you enter the garden gate, and you'll be looking down a long arcade punctuated by wooden pillars and benches.
In summer, this sturdy arbor is covered by climbing roses and concord grape vines. By fall, there are enough grapes for birds to feast on.
Sun Power, too
Unless you look hard, you probably won't notice the four solar panels perched on top of the arbor.
These panels, and two more on the Library roof, form the core of the solar power system that is the garden's only source of electricity. Despite its location in the middle of the city, the garden has never had Con Ed service and is truly "off the grid."
6BC's solar panels on view before the grape vines leaf out.
More than a decade ago, 6BC activist Tracy Fitz designed and directed the installation of a system that initially generated enough power to circulate water through the garden fish pond and over a small waterfall.
Tracy envisioned the system as eventually powering garden tools and lights--including holiday displays--as well as computers. She now lives in Brooklyn and runs her own solar business, City Solar. Mike Taylor picked up leadership of the project, and it's expected that in 2008 6BC's solar capabilities will achieve and even surpass the original vision.
more on the project history from The Villager 2004
Back to 6BC Map
Photos: Top, © Erica & Adam, 2007; Bottom, © Wendy Brawer 2006