Brooklyn is proving once again that a little greenery can go a long way.
One Crown Heights block has once again been crowned the borough’s greenest, thanks to years of dedicated gardening, community effort, and neighbors coming together to transform their street into a blooming urban oasis.
Lincoln Place between New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue has been crowned the winner of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual “Greenest Block in Brooklyn” competition for 2026, marking the fourth time the block has taken home the top honor.
The winning stretch previously earned the title in 2024, 2022, and 2019, making it one of the most decorated blocks in the competition’s history.
This Crown Heights block keeps winning Brooklyn’s greenest title
The award-winning stretch is maintained by P.L.A.N.T., a gardening committee dedicated to beautifying Lincoln Place while helping inspire other neighborhood gardening groups across Brooklyn and New York City.
Through seasonal planting, landscaping efforts, and community involvement, the group has transformed the block into a vibrant street filled with greenery and flowers—proving that some of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces aren’t always found inside parks.
Brooklyn’s “Greenest Block” competition celebrates 30 years
The 2026 competition marks the 30th anniversary of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s beloved annual contest, which encourages residents, businesses, and community groups to add more greenery to the borough’s streets.
The free competition is open to residential blocks, commercial blocks, and community gardens, with judges from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and local horticulture experts evaluating entries.
This year saw a record amount of participation, with 139 blocks entering the competition, including 47 first-time entrants.
Crown Heights continues its green streak
Crown Heights has become a major force in the competition, producing a winning block in four of the last five years.
The neighborhood’s recent success includes:
- 2026: Lincoln Place between New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
- 2025: Eastern Parkway between Franklin Avenue and Bedford Avenue
- 2024: Lincoln Place between New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
- 2022: Lincoln Place between New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
- 2019: Lincoln Place between New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
