Community Garden thrives at Bard

Paul Marienthal, director of the Bard College Trustee Leader Scholars, calls the Community Garden "his gift back to the college.

A scarecrow holds court at the garden.

Student Sascha Woolfe assists as a part-time worker and oversees the garden when Paul is out of town. The two of them consider this project a labor of love for themselves and whomever else would like to "weed and eat" on Wednesday evenings, starting at 5 p.m., now through early November, at the garden's location on Annandale Road, just across the street from Bard's new science center.

The garden started in the fall of 1997 when a group of students showed up with an urge to grow things. Everyone is invited to participate at whatever level they like. Nothing to join. No dues, Just remember to stay on the paths and not over water.

The community garden is 120' by 60', totaling about 7000 square feet. The soil is clay, which is high in nutrients but impossible to work, so Paul says, "we made it a raised bed and back filled it. Approximately 200 truckloads of soil, compost and sand have been dumped here over the years to be mixed with the clay. For us, gardening is making soil, the plants are extras!"

"The various materials come from all over Dutchess County: local horse farms, new ponds, the City of Poughkeepsie composting program, and so on. The wood chips come from a huge supply the college keeps out back," said Paul. "I try to keep a pile ready out on the east side. The benches were built by hand with chain saws and chisels and drills from cedar cut down in a local forest, a once in a lifetime job."

"Dozens of students, community and staff members have poured energy in the garden," said Paul. "It's been a site for campfires and drum circles. Local schools bring field trips here and we've held extensive children's programs in the summer. A wedding happened here."

"In the summer when most people are away, the garden is essentially in the care of one student worker and me," Paul said. "It's a beast. You absolutely can make a difference. We need your help."

Paul extends an invitation to all members of the community who would like to plant something of their own. Paul can be reached at 758-7056