Summer Stage at the Garden
Submitted by Lisa Coppola
The Roselle Park Community Garden recently hosted “Summer Stage at the Garden,” an event featuring a seminar on organic pest management and live musical performances by two local bands. Arnulfo Toro and members of the Roselle Park Environmental Commission organized the days’ events which also included rock painting and gnome decorating stations for the younger crowd. Returning guest lecturer, Althea Llewelyn gave an insightful talk about how to deal with garden pests naturally and without the use of harmful pesticides. She also identified beneficial insects that should be left unharmed and encouraged gardeners to plant many flowering plants nearby to attract pollinators – the key to a successful ecological garden.
Arnulfo envisions the Community Garden as more than just a place to grow organic food, but a permaculture site with three main ethics in mind: People Care, Fair Share, and Earth Care. “In this community garden we are not just growing food, but community as well”. Arnulfo is a certified permaculture designer who is passionate about teaching people how to grow their own food. He reinvigorated the Community Garden three years ago when he stepped in to help redesign the layout of the garden and convert the straw bale plots to a fully automated raised bed garden. Last year during the peak of the pandemic, Arnulfo, EC members, and community volunteers grew and donated all the crops to the local food pantry and community members.
This year they built a stage to accommodate seminars, demonstrations, and musical acts for gardeners and community members to enjoy throughout the summer. During this first event, local bands Trying Our Best and Low Highs both performed short sets of Indie Pop covers and original songs. It was a really nice and successful event, with more to come.
Arnulfo Toro stresses the fact that it’s important to know that this whole project has truly been a labor of love, and can only continue and remain sustainable with more community volunteers and support. He hopes to continue to host events throughout the summer, showcasing much more of the local talent. To learn about upcoming events at the Community Garden or to volunteer, follow their facebook page at facebook.com/RPEnvironmentalCommission. You can also find out more about the Roselle Park Environmental Commission at rosellepark.net/environmental-commission/.
Photos by Lisa Coppola and Arnulfo Toro
