Guardian of his uncle’s garden

Ralph Swain, nephew of Hideo Sasaki, who designed the eponymous Sasaki Garden in Washington Square Village, spoke at a “mock memorial” for the leafy courtyard last week. “Apparently, N.Y.U. has little regard for historic green spaces or for the beautiful legacy my uncle created,’’ Swain said. “If my uncle were alive, I know he’d be here today, and he would support those who oppose this ill-conceived expansion plan.”  Villager photo by Tequila Minsky