BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Humboldt Parkway is known for its many amenities, including the Kensington Expressway, the Buffalo Museum of Science and, for the past 15 years, Samantha's Gardens.
It was created by Buffalo native Walter Miles.
“I've been gardening since I was 7 or 8 years old. I used to follow my grandmother around as a kid, and that led to me growing vegetables and peaches in my neighbour's garden,” said Walter Miles, owner of Samantha's Garden.
Since then, Miles told me, his horticultural talents have enriched every garden he has worked on.
We speak to the duo whose friendship grew out of a love of flowers and gardening, and tonight at 11pm we'll be talking about Samantha's garden and the master gardener who's been helping Walter Miles for the last three years. #East Buffalo Follow pic.twitter.com/TkeJsC6iqd
— Pheben Kassahun WKBW (@PhebenKassahun) July 12, 2024
He originally created the garden to honor his family, many of whom served in the military.
The garden is named in honour of his niece Samantha, who passed away in 2012.
“I've met more good people in my garden than anywhere else in my life. Everyone has a sense of humor and flowers are the answer. I don't think there's anything in the world other than sports that lifts people's spirits like flowers do, because sports are universal,” Miles explained.
He also formed many new friendships, including one with seven-year-old Felicity.
“I love growing flowers because I love watching them grow over the days,” Felicity said. “I also learnt about picking flowers and why fish eat them.”
“In my opinion, she's a talented gardener and we need to take notice of kids like this and encourage them to continue gardening. It's her number one love,” Miles added.
The two have had a strong bond for three years and share a love for growing and appreciating flowers, which inspired Felicity to enter the competition and showcase her love for flowers in a unique way.
“I made it out of a little flower tag I found on the ground,” Felicity explained.
But there's more to Samantha's Garden than just beautiful views.
“That's my history growing up. I was like a chitlin' bucket and everyone poured something into me,” Miles said.
If we look closely, we find contributions to the black community and war heroes from all backgrounds, near and far: Rosa Parks, John Lewis, John McCain, Muhammad Ali, Cat Massey, and many more.
“It's important to him and it's beautiful to him,” Felicity said.
“The garden brings people together. It's universal,” Miles added.
It is an expected bond that reminds people of the true meaning of friendship.
If you would like to see Samantha’s Garden and other gardens by Walter Miles in person, you can do so on the East Side Garden Walk on Saturday and Sunday, July 20th and 21st, 2024, from 10am to 4pm, rain or shine.
Tours are self-guided and free – no tickets required.
