The Caldwell Pollinator Garden

The Caldwell Pollinator Garden was begun in 2015 by the Borough of Caldwell Eninormnetal Commision. The borough purchased the parcel of land, measuring 70 feet wide and 100 feet deep with Green Acres and Open Space Trust funding. A plan was developed to create a rectangular meadow in the center of the property bordered by a four-foot wide path with gardens dedciated to different pollinaotrs located on the outside perimeter. These gardens were planted with native, untreated perennials. Those perennials were selected for tolerance of clay soil, the presenece of a black walnut tree, nearly day-long sunshine, and the occurance of deer in the area. Plants were chosen that would bloom at various times throughout the growing season to produce food for pollinators year-round. Native trees were planted including dogwood, redbud, pawpaw, and serviceberry.

The meadow was seeded with a variety of perennial grasses and flowering plants, all native, using seed from a reliable source.

While volunteers from various local organizations were involved in the beginning of this project over the early years, it has been volunteer Master Gardeners who have worked at maintaining the garden. With their support, the garden continues to be an inspiration to gardeners who visit to learn how to create their own pollinator gardens in the effort to restore our native pollinators. The garden, in turn, has educated the volunteers in learning about meadow eology, native perennials, and the diversity of insects and birds.

The garden was recognized as Blue Ribbon Winner in 2018 by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society.