BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Humboldt Parkway is known for many things like the Kensington Expressway, the Buffalo Museum of Science, and Samantha's Garden.
Buffalo native, Walter Myles, created the garden.
"I've been gardening since I was 7 or 8 years old. I used to follow my grandmother around when I was a child. From that, I started doing my neighbor's garden, vegetables, and peaches," said Myles.
I’m talking to a duo whose friendship flourished with their love of flowers and gardening. Tonight at 11pm, hear about Samantha’s Garden and the little helper whose green thumb has helped Walter Miles for the last three years! #EastBuffalo @wkbw pic.twitter.com/TkeJsC6iqd
— Pheben Kassahun WKBW (@PhebenKassahun) July 12, 2024
He created the garden to honor his family, having had numerous relatives serve in the military. The name of the garden is to honor his late niece, Samantha, who was killed in 2012.
"I met more good people in my life in my garden. Everybody got a good sense of humor and flowers are the answer," said Myles. "I don't think there's anything in this world that would do people the way flowers do, other than sports because it's universal."
The garden has also started new friendships, including one with 7-year-old Felicity.
"I like growing flowers because I just like seeing them grow over days," said Felicity. "I also learned about picking flowers and how fish like to eat them."
"She's a gifted gardener in my book. Kids like this, we got to pay attention to and encourage them to stay with it. That's her first love," added Myles.
The two have shared a bond for three years, moving Felicity to enter contests to showcase her love for flowers.
"I made it out of the little flower tags that I found on the ground," explained Felicity. "I made it into a picture."
However, Samantha's Garden is more than just a beautiful sight. If you look closely, you will find war heroes and people who have contributed to the Black community.
"It's important to him and it's pretty to him too," said Felicity.
"With this garden, it just brings people together. It's universal," added Myles.
It is an expected bond that reminds people of the true meaning of friendship.
If you would like to see Samantha's Garden, you can do so at the East Side Garden Walk on July 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free tour is self-guided. No ticket is required!
