In Manhattan's East Village, green sanctuaries offer a place to relax and to take a break from the busy and dense city. And in the evenings music, films, and performances take place in these spaces, looked after by volunteers and open to the public. Community gardens are small urban parks, often situated between buildings or on undeveloped lots. While they're seen as potentially valuable property by developers looking to put up another condominium building, the people caring for and enjoying these gardens are not giving up and fight for their survival.
Le Petit Versailles garden occupies one plot between two apartment buildings on E Houston street.
Elizabeth Ruf-Maldonado rests in a hammock and reads in De Colores Community Yard Garden on E 8th street.
Stefani Mar weeds the vegetable beads at El Sol Brillante Jr Garden on E 12th street.
Todd McCraw checks one of the two beehives he keeps at El Sol Brillante Jr Garden on E 12th street.
Mural in La Plaza Cultural garden at 9th street and Avenue C.
Visitors photograph the pond at La Plaza Cultural garden.
Peter Cramer (right) and Jack Waters, founders of Le Petit Versailles garden on E Houston street stand at the entrance to the garden.
Marta Montanez stands in the garden that she takes care off inside 9th Street Community Garden Plaza at 9th street and Avenue C.
Members of De Colores Community Yard & Garden on 8th street regularly meet to discuss issues related to the garden.
Spectators wait for the screening of a movie during annual MORUS film fest at Orchard Alley garden on E 4th street.
Swiss musicians Nuevo Amanecer (Regula Kuffer on flute, Nick Perrin on flamenco guitar) perform at Le Petit Versailles garden on E Houston street.
People dance and listen to the music by Peace Now Department during Blue Moon Festival at El Jardin del Paraiso on E 4th street.