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Name: Laura F.
Location: Manhattan, NYC

Who knew this was in back? New York is full of these, but we only get to see them when we're invited in. (Thanks, Laura!)

"Yes, it's 14th Street.

Somehow I lucked into this East Village apartment with a garden 8 years ago and it's been a joy and a challenge ever since. In addition to completely changing my experience living in NYC (I rake in the fall), it also has provided some unique challenges. Because of the buildings around and behind me, I get light that is neither full sun, part shade or shade, but instead a sporadic of all of these..."

"I went through a whole lot of dream plants (peonies, hydrangeas) before landing on some that were happy in this weird mix. Hosta obviously abounds. I have a fallen branch trellis-type thing that I've grown clematis on for years (that are just about to bloom).

Another upside it that this year, non-city birds have seemed to have discovered the yard. I've had cardinals since the winter from time to time. I grew up in Ohio so they make the yard seem even homier. I also put my xmas tree back there and save some space in the apartment."