Did you know there are two amazing garden spaces right in our backyard? The Edgemont gardens have existed for several years and provide a critical space for outdoor learning but are in dire need of repair and revitalization so that our students can begin using them again.
The Edgemont PTA is reviving the Edgemont Green initiative to support this mission.
Edgemont Green has several goals:
- Now: Clean up and re-establish the gardens.
- Soon: Integrate gardens into Cosmic Studies school curriculum with our new Cosmic Studies teacher Ms. Levine and re-establish the space for other teachers to use in their lessons.
- Future: Serve vegetables from the garden in the school cafeteria and share the harvest and the grounds with the community.
- Ongoing: Inspire students to build familiarity with and sense of stewardship for the environment.
We have two gardens with specific needs:
- The Vegetable Garden: There are 10 existing plots and several container gardens. The plots need to be rebuilt with new wood and a new round of wood chips needs to be laid in the pathways. Additionally, a drip irrigation system is a goal so that the gardens can be maintained while students are away.
- The Pollinator Garden: There is an existing pond that needs to be filled in for safety reasons and an entirely new landscape design utilizing native plants is necessary. The outdoor classroom log stools have fallen into disrepair and need to be replaced as well.
In addition, in both gardens we will need to repair fences, add soil and compost, provide rain barrels for watering, and replenish gardening supplies.
What do we use the gardens for?
- Cosmic Studies: Students will start seeds and observe the stages of plant growth, and study insect pollination by observing bees in the garden. They will also learn about the water cycle through garden irrigation systems and explore food webs by identifying organisms living in the garden ecosystem. By integrating the garden into Cosmic Studies lessons, kids can develop a deeper appreciation for the connection between food, health, and the environment while also gaining practical skills and knowledge to make informed dietary choices.
- History and Culture: The land that Edgemont and Montclair sits on has deep ties to the Lenape, who honed a method of planting called the “3 Sisters”. A dedicated plot(s) can teach the students about the 3 sisters method of planting corn, squash and beans. Additionally, other plots will be dedicated to heirloom and regional plantings that highlight different cultures from around the world.
- Enrichment: Montclair Community Farm runs Enrichment every fall and spring in the gardens.
- Harvest: Once the garden is established, the goal is to share the bounty with the school cafeteria, underserved families and through farm stand fundraisers.
How can you help?
The critical need right now is funds and materials to get the gardens re-established in time for spring planting. We are partnering with area landscapers, native plant experts and lumber yards for the bulk of this work but need some help from our community to fill in the initial gaps quickly. There are several ways to help:
- Monetary Donations: You can contribute via our fundraising page here. Any dollar amount big or small is appreciated and welcomed.
- Home Depot List: If you prefer to donate a specific product, please check out our wish list by clicking here.
- Volunteer: We will be having Community Cleanup Days and Community Garden Days often – keep an eye out for specific dates and times!
For more information, please email green@edgemontpta.org
See you in the Garden!
Special thanks to our Garden Sponsors: