WELCOME TO OUR GARDEN!

November 11, 2011 - DAY 1 - Sheet mulching.

Sheet mulching starts with laying cardboard over grass.  Then wood chips, donated by Bill Murtaugh, Murtaugh's Tree Service, were laid on top of the cardboard.  This practice increases soil fertility without the needs for digging.  The material will break down over the winter, suppress grass and provide a great growing medium for spring planting.

WVAC family and friends helped make Sheetmulching Day a success.

Many thanks to Lt. Barbara and Tommy Constantine, Captain Bonnie Costello, daughter Ana, Bonnie's father Walt Frantin, former co-owner of Trautwein Farms in Closter.  Also to Kathleen McGuire, Will Mennitti, Joe Scarano.  

November 1, 2011 - Tonight, The Borough of Westwood approved what our research has determined to be the first permaculture garden on municipal property in the State of New Jersey, and what may in fact be one of the first in the country to be adjacent to a government building.

WVAC volunteer Kevin J. Brennan, 17,  a senior at Westwood Regional Junior-Senior High School, who also serves as a youth member of the Borough's Environmental Advisory Commission, proposed the garden several months ago to the Corps' Youth Squad.  He then constructed to-scale CAD plans of the space adjacent to the ambulance garage which he presented to the Mayor and Council in October.  He then worked with Borough Administrator Robert Hoffman to answer questions regarding the project, spray-painted the design on the existing grass, and tonight received approval of the Council.

Brennan explained "Permaculture is a design system that addresses major issues like climate change, fossil fuel depletion and food security by mimicking natural ecosystems to meet the needs of humans."

The Corps permaculture garden will consist of low maintenance food producing perennial trees, shrubs and herbs. Each plant will have multiple functions and will feed the garden as a whole, aiming at a self-sustaining and self-renewing system. The garden will not only be an example of sustainable food production but it will also beautify the area, build soil fertility, build community awareness, increase biodiversity, sequester carbon and absorb rainwater runoff. Plans include placement of Asian Pear, Plum and Pawpaw trees complimented by Beach Plum, Gooseberry, Red Currant, Goumi, Elderberry, and Honeyberry bushes.  Walking paths will cross the garden allowing volunteers to park and walk through the garden while responding to every 911 call.

Stay tuned as the public will be welcome to learn more about permaculture during Spring planting.

Brennan is also leading the WRJSHS's Permaculture Design and Installation, which commenced Saturday, November 8th with sheet-mulching.

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