10 | BOROMAG.COM | JUNE 2014 SHOPS The Secret Garden When Mackenzi Farquer puts her mind to something, she doesn’t just do it. She does it brilliantly. For years, Site was one of the top home furnishing stores in not only Astoria, but also in the city. So what did Mackenzi decide to do? Start up a second and third blog to highlight the happenings in Sunnyside and Long Island City to round out We Heart Astoria, which she writes with Meg Cotner and Judith Klein? Sure, but why not move her store to a much larger, centrally located space in the heart of Astoria just off the Broadway train stop. She did that last year, and already the time has come for something to take it to the next level. Because Mackenzi never visualized her store as merely a place to find unique, eccentric gifts and clothing, why not also open up the backyard as a garden throughout the summer, so that guests can browse outside for potted plants and vegetables and herbs while sipping on coffee and noshing on pastries? That is precisely what Ms. Farquer has achieved with The Secret Garden, Lockwood’s chic outdoor coffee stand, with java provided by Native Coffee Roasters. Opening weekend saw a packed backyard filled with caffeinated beverages, vegan pastries, potted succulents, and homemade baked pastries all in a sunken garden filled with comfy patio furniture and a rustic communal high top table. Guests sip on iced lattes while perusing a cautiously edited selection of plants. And of course everything is eco-friendly. The long term hope is that there will be several events and activities hosted throughout the summer, including terrarium workshops and courses for kids. But the space is also available to rent throughout the week for personal parties, showers, and private events. Stop by on a Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 5pm, and be sure to bring along some extra money to spend. The only thing not-so-secret about this garden is that it guarantees you are going to find something that grabs you to take home. 23-15 33rd St, Astoria, NY lockwoodshop.com
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