Leonardo and Catalina’s Secret Garden

By Ellen Ryan

Next time you are walking down Central Park towards Addison, take a peek at the flower wonderland at 3624 N. Central Park. Leonardo and Catalina Salas started planting annual flowers in pots when they moved into their home 25 years ago. It began slowly, but now they have more than 250 pots of flowers that their son Luis waters and Catalina prunes. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place for them and their family to hang out, relax and envelope themselves in the beauty of nature. 

Their side yard, which contains most of the flowers, is separated from the sidewalk by bushes that block a view of it. People walking by often see the flowers and peer into his yard, hoping to see more. Leonardo will often motion for them to come in, so they can see the entire side yard – replete with colorful flowers. That’s what happened when my sister and I were on a walk. She commented about his lovely flowers and then next thing you know, we were in Leonardo’s side yard marveling at the setting. He said that even if he is not in the backyard, anyone who wishes to walk into the side yard to see all of the flowers is free to do so. Though he is literally just a long stone’s throw away from the Blue Line and Addison Avenue, it’s a fabulous respite from the hustle and bustle of our city. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.