Submitted by Brian Hanson-Harding
The “Borough of Trees” first established the community garden along Erie Ave in 2010, with an official grand opening in April 2011. The Green team and many volunteers from a number of different clubs and organizations assist in developing and maintaining the gardens.
The original funding for the garden came from Sustainable Jersey as a $25,000 grant from Walmart. Recycled stones from the borough's sidewalks have been used to create pathways within the garden. Other paths incorporate wood chips from street trees that had to be cut down once they had died. Rainwater is collected in water barrels and helps with irrigation, so that tap water does not have to be used as often. When necessary, water is delivered via water-saving drip irrigation. "With fifteen planting areas, two learning areas (one boasting a green roof), a community shed, senior and handicap-accessible beds, a compost area, and a tree nursery, the garden has transformed an empty lot into a community asset," as explained on the Borough's website.
"The mission of the Community Garden is to provide the young, and the young at heart, a place to observe and appreciate nature. Given our fast-paced world, we also worked to make the garden low maintenance and user-friendly. It is a beautiful and welcoming place created by residents for the residents," as explained on the Borough's website.
Please see the Borough website for more information and for the link to RecDesk to rent a garden space.
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