Wagner Farm Arboretum

Gardens Project

The purpose of the (GGP) Giving Gardeners Project is to produce vegetables, dedicated to feed the poor and needy, which will be distributed through agencies such as SHIP, Food Bank Network of Somerset County, Star Fish, soup kitchens, Second Harvest, and other appropriate agencies. The gardens are grown on plots donated by Wagner Farms Arboretum Foundation (WFAF) and tended entirely by volunteers.

The Gardens

All gardens in the Community Gardens area, including GGP gardens will be grown organically. The GGP garden will be divided into approximately 50 plots 4 by 50 feet, separated by 3-foot walkways for easy access. Water taps will be located so that each plot will have either hose or watering can access available within 25 ft. Each group will be assigned one or more plots depending on its number of members.

Read about "The Vision".

Volunteers

Volunteer tasks may include preparing the soil, planting the vegetables, tilling the gardens, watering the gardens, harvesting the vegetables, and clearing the land at the end of the season. Experienced gardeners will be available, on request, to answer questions. Contact Ernest Cottrill for more information.

Groups such as churches, school service groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, neighborhood groups (friends and neighbors etc.), corporate volunteers, etc., could take on one or more plots (depending on number of volunteers) and manage their own schedule.

Some group/individual volunteers may not be available for the entire season. They will be able to sign up, indicating their potential availability. GGP will assign space to experienced gardeners, who will function as team leaders. They will plan work schedules and contact volunteers from the list.

Please complete the Giving Gardens Registration form and read and sign the Rules and Contract. You may email the GGP with any questions you may have at ggp@wfafnj.org.

In the News!

The Courier Article
The Star Ledger

Our first year (2007) brought in 1 ton of produce!