Putting down roots in native soil

By Stephanie Prokop, Staff Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — The Environmental Commission is setting its sights on establishing native roots — that is, roots of plants indigenous to this area.
    The commission recently worked with the Bordentown Branch Library on East Union Street to establish a native plant garden.
    The garden is approximately 20-by-20 feet and is behind the library, near the parking lot.
    There are many benefits to planting native shrubs and flowers, said Bordentown City Environmental Commission Chairman Mike Hunninghake on Tuesday.
    “The idea is to provide a hands-on educational experience to let people know what plants are native, and what they can plant in their own backyard,” he said.
    Branch Manager Regina C. Bociulis said she thinks the garden will encourage library visitors to think about the implications and importance of having an indigenous garden.
    Plants from the area that don’t have to be shipped are more environmentally friendly, reducing fuel consumption needed to transport other, more foreign species.
    “The plants also do not require a lot of watering or chemicals because they are native, they are very drought resistive and also are very resistive to pests,” said Mr. Hunninghake.
    The garden boasts numerous shrubs and perennials, and has been a work in progress since the spring. Mr. Hunninghake estimates that there will be more work to complete on the garden in spring 2009.
    A sign near the garden lists both the scientific and common names.
    “It’s just a good idea for folks to plant these, and another plus is that they’re relatively low maintenance,” said Mr. Hunninghake.
    One of the plants recently blooming in the garden, the fragrant sweet pepper bush, attracts butterflies and birds in need of food to sustain their energy to fly south. The bush blooms in August with small white flowers that attracts many insects and small animals.
    The black chokeberry is another native shrub that bears small berries, which will provide food for birds as they store up their energy reserves, added Mr. Hunninghake.
    Flowers such as the bright red cardinal flower and black-eyed Susans also add some color and dimension to the plot, which, he added, will likely see their heyday in spring next year.
    Other indigenous plants included are: Indian grass, little bluestem, New England aster, New York aster, purple Joe-pye, seaside goldenrod, and spotted horsemint and inkberry holly.
    The project includes recycled bricks donated by Bordentown City resident Joe Dupree, which reduces the amount of construction debris.
    The indigenous garden was funded by a bequest the BCEC received from the U.S. Charitable Trust, which was allocated by Attorney Henry Tutek for “general environmental projects for the commission.”
    Mr. Hunninghake said that the BCEC used approximately $225 to purchase the plants in the garden. There were no other expenses.
    Mr. Hunninghake and BCEC member Leona Lee installed all of the plants.
    The Environmental Commission anticipates it will have a small brochure available at the library before the winter so visitors can pick the literature up and get a list of all of the plants and what conditions they need to grow.
    “That’s one of the roles of the BCEC, to provide environmental education to the residents of the area, and we are really happy that (this garden) can further that function,” said Mr. Hunninghake.