Community garden ready for season
Tucked away on Camden Avenue is a community garden many don’t know exists.
According to Lee Renner, Moorestown Garden Club president, the property was formerly owned by Perkins Center for the Arts until it was sold to the township in 1980. Since then, the Moorestown Garden Club has maintained the property as a community garden.
Eighteen plots, each approximately the same size, are on the property. Moorestown residents and organizations use the $15 per year plots to plant a variety of produce and flowers.
Some are reoccurring renters, and almost all plots are occupied.
Renner said most grow vegetables, while others plant perennials, rose bushes or other types of flowers.
The garden gives residents a spot to grow flowers and produce, because not everyone has room for a backyard garden, Renner said.
The funds were used to help plant 20 shrubs and improve its overall appearance. Soon, a stone walk will be installed to create a path into the garden as well as new fencing.
Renner said volunteers helped with the project, including Leonberg Nursery donating truckloads of stone dust, soil and mulch.
Another community donation to the gardens is from Henry Depenbrock, who is giving the garden two tall shrubs and installing stone dust.
“Just to make the entrance look nicer and to draw attention to the fact that there is good stuff going on here,” Renner said.
The best part about the garden is that it helps bring the community together, Renner said.
Live Civilly — a local nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging children and adults to become more involved in the community — rented a plot to grow produce for the food pantry in town.
The Junior Garden Club is growing basil in one of the raised flowerbeds. It will turn the basil into pesto sauce to sell, with proceeds going to local food pantries.
Renner said it is a “seed to table” experience.
The Perkins Center also has a plot for the summer camp where children will get a chance to grow and maintain their own produce.
According to Renner, children from inside and outside the community attend Perkins’ summer camps.
“The reality is that, here in Moorestown is where so many make the assumption that everyone is really well off. Fortunately, that is true. But we do have needs right here in the community,” Renner said.
Renner said the garden is truly a community effort. It brings the community together in various ways and allows groups such as Perkins and Live Civilly to grow produce and give back to the community.
