History of the Native Medicinal Garden
Sustainable West Milford takes care of an Adopt-A-Spot located at the triangle formed by the intersection of Clinton Road and Warwick Turnpike, which we started taking care of in the late spring of 2007. Over the months that followed, the plot was transformed into a Native Medicinal Plant sanctuary – free of fertilizers and pest controls.
The beds in the garden are marked by hand made tiles describing the species and common medicinal uses for each plant. A new parking area is in place and a beautiful wood sign is up by the maple tree to welcome visitors. A local carpenter built and donated a beautiful bench for visitors to rest on.
Our project leader, a Master Herbalist and author, Robin Rose Bennett, who works hard to make sure that each endangered, native plant is tended for. Our partenership with Robin & Wise Woman Healing Ways has enabled us to maintain this property as an educational garden. Robin gives tours and talks at the
The early development of the project was challenging and exciting! The reality of transforming the neglected triangle into a fertile, thriving garden began in earnest. Progress began slowly, but with a lot of dedication and effort from Sustainable West Milford members the Garden began to take shape. During the overhaul we discovered many wonderful medicinal plants already in residence, including mugwart & milk weed. We were also able to secure a $500 grant from the United Plant Savers to purchase our first plants with.
As this project continued we will continued to make the Medicinal Garden more sustainable by implementing and utilizing permaculture and water holding techniques.
