Site plan by Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
Background
ReWild maintains a garden at the Thomas Dodge Homestead in Port Washington in partnership with CNPHS. We are in the process of developing a showcase for best practices for design, implementation and maintenance of a sustainable yard. This garden features native perennials as well as kitchen favorites. The space is also used for educational and communal activity.
Redesign
Starting in early 2020, we have started thinking through the uses and design of a new “showcase” garden and how it can serve the community. The design and implementation process is intended to fully involve our community for input as well as volunteer labor so that we have a space that is built by many for everyone.
Goals for the rewild garden @ Dodge
ReWild Long Island’s organizational objectives are to further sustainable landscaping through Education, Enablement and Eco-system partnerships.
Currently, the ReWild Garden @ Dodge is intended to help accomplish the following objectives.
Education:
The ReWild Garden @ Dodge will demonstrate the aesthetics and environmental value of native perennial landscaping so people can learn by both seeing and doing at the garden. The garden will provide a showcase of landscaping ideas for people to adapt for their yards.
The space also provides education on composting and recycling, with an active compost heap that is tended communally, resulting in zero garden waste.
The space demonstrates organic local food production without the use of chemicals, providing fertility mostly through composting and yardwaste ruse.
Rainwater is harvested and utilized fully for gardening and groundwater recharge.
The space should also support small group meetings and demonstrations on topics of sustainability and interest.
Enablement:
The ReWild Garden will act as a distribution point for plant sales in Spring and Fall.
The ReWild garden will be a focal point for Bokashi demonstrations and bucket making.
The ReWild garden will also be used as a collection point for recycling (garden pots, bottles, etc.) in conjunction with partners
Ecosystem & Partnerships:
The ReWild Garden is intended to work in a synergistically with the CNPHS and the Thomas Dodge Homestead in providing historical education. Specifically, plants and signage will demonstrate the use of historic horticulture practices using native plants for food, medicine, art and recreation.
The space acts as a highly visible landmark for ReWilding, nurturing the growing movement around sustainable landscaping
Elisa Delaney’s Fun Volunteer Day - ReWild Garden @ Dodge