Community Garden

In 2015, Sustainable Longport, the borough’s green team, worked together to install six community garden beds behind borough hall near the Longport Lifeguard Boat House. Since that time, the garden has increased to nine beds that local volunteers maintain throughout the growing season. The community beds are open to all to plant, weed and harvest. Workshops are generally held in the spring and fall. Please check our calendar of events for upcoming gardening events.

Sustainable Longport is working to  beautify and expand the Community Garden.

Local architect, Gregory Modelle, AIA, ASLA, of Modelle Plan Studio designed the garden area pictured above that will feature native plants and flowers. Located behind borough hall and ideally situated with a beautiful view the bay, the garden haven could become reality with the help of volunteers and donations.

Before reaching the garden beds, visitors would enter a path near the Longport lifeguard boathouse and wander through a landscaped area showcasing native plants and flowers. Gardening with native species makes use of plants and flowers that are not only intrinsic to the local environment, but also play an important ecological role in supporting area wildlife, birds and insects. Additionally, they are often lower maintenance because they have adapted over time to local climate conditions, often requiring less water than other exotic species of plants and flowers.

Included with this beautiful garden experience, there will be a bench area to capture nature’s stunning sunsets over the bay. Next to the bench area will be a replica shipwreck designed and built by Modelle.
The shipwreck would serve as a play area for children and will fuel the imagination of generations to come. Modelle hopes to incorporate the use of reclaimed wood in the design, in addition to other recycled materials throughout the garden.

Part of the design of the shipwreck includes brass or bronze medallions that will be stamped with the names of those who donate funds to help make this beautiful garden experience a reality. Also needed are donations of plants, flowers, and materials. Volunteers are required and will be needed throughout the process. The cost to create this beautiful garden area is an estimated $10,000, but could be more depending on donated time, labor and materials. If you are interested in more information, becoming a volunteer, or in making a donation, please call 609.823.2731 ext. 109 or email:  mkyle@longport-nj.us.