A Bronx gardener was honored for his contributions to his Puerto Rican culture and Melrose community.

Maximino Rivera, coordinator of the Rainbow Garden, was recently recognized by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson as part of Puerto Rican Heritage Month.

Rivera told News 12 he was born in Puerto Rico and relocated to the South Bronx when he was 13 years old.

Since 2017, the Vietnam veteran has been rooted in the Rainbow Garden, a nonprofit located on Melrose Avenue and East 157th Street.

Volunteers said that not only does the garden educate the community about growing and planting, but it also provides food and nourishment.

Rivera said the area welcomes people of all walks of life from every continent – so he calls the group the “United Nations of planting.”

“We all work together,” Rivera said. “They bring their own seeds, so we all share.”

Rivera said he wants to provide affordable and healthier, homegrown alternatives for the community.