Gardeners unite: Church establishes community plots
Encouraging green thumbs to share the land , By Janet Redyke Wantage Looking back to the days of homegrown food, a true spirit of community and sharing the wealth, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd has created a garden it will open to neighbors who want to tend their own plots. The church is moving along with its Spring 2010 Community Garden project. A garden measuring 25 by 140 feet is located on the south side of the church property and has been divvied up to create 20 plots, each about 10 by 10 feet. “The plots are free of charge and are available to everyone in the area,” said Deacon Liz Ostuni. Based on the Victory Gardens of World War II, the church created its program to encourage people to grow their own vegetables, fruits and flowers. Organizers say that the primary goals of the Community Garden are to help meet the need for fresh local produce, rejuvenate a simpler lifestyle, promote healthier eating and to establish fellowship among neighbors. “Gardeners are encouraged to share their surplus with local food pantries and individuals who might be in need,” said garden planner Bonnie Matthews. Harvested flowers will be used on the church’s altar and vegetables and fruits will be used at Bea’s Kitchen, the church’s soup kitchen, and the Good Shepherd Food Cart, the church’s food pantry. “Seed money is available through a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark,” said Ostuni. “All crops are welcome, except corn and sunflowers.” Those tall plants tend to create too much shade, which could prevent neighboring plots from receiving enough sunlight. Good tools Participants must provide their own garden tools, but they can get water right in the garden. Water for the gardens will be “home-grown” too. All gardeners will be able to use water that’s been collected on the spot in rain barrels. “The Garden will be as organic as possible and non-intrusive to the environment,” commented Thalea Hart, another garden planner. Hart is also a volunteer with Master Gardeners, a horticultural education and outreach program administered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County. Hart participated in a nine-month training program, which included topics such as plant identification, soils and fertilizers, basic entomology, fruit trees and pest management. Other Master Gardeners involved in the Good Shepherd Community Garden are Bill Shapiro of Vernon and Bill Gettler of Wantage. While the snow is still on the ground, and the plots barely visible, it is still possible to see some plot stakes sticking up through the snowdrifts.
Want to garden?
Apply to reserve a plot or ask questions:
Call Deacon Liz Ostuni at 973-875-0919, Call Bonnie Matthews 973-875-5746
Send an e-mail to churchofthegood@embarqmail.com or bmatthews@courtlandcomponents.com