Eco Club Plants New Garden

by Nalina Shapiro
edited by Erica Jordan

At first glance, the land outside of Pierce Hall on April 27 looked nothing like a garden.

But Catherine Koning, environmental science professor and Eco Club representative, said by next year there will be a recognizable Native Plant Garden. “Over time, as the plants mature, this should be a nice spot to see firsthand what ‘biodiversity’ means—different species, providing different ecological functions for humans and wild creatures,” said Koning. “The plans we are growing are important for birds, butterflies, and other species.”

The garden will include over a dozen plants, all native to New England.  They include lupins, blazing star plants, and cone flowers. There is also a choke cherry tree, a few blueberry bushes and clumps of other various native plants. 

Koning said donations to Eco Club helped make the garden come to life. “Last year donations for Eco Club’s projects came from a house plant sale put on by students but this year let’s just say donations are anonymous,” said Koning.

Once the garden is fully grown, it will be used for science classes. “The idea is education and beautification as well as providing a habitat for birds and wildlife,” said Koning.

Freshmen Ben McDonnell stood on the future garden, tool in hand, helping remove weeds and break up the soil. “It’s important for the environment and it’s nice to have a nice garden around campus,” said McDonnell.

In a little over a year, the blueberry bushes will have berries that students can eat. As far as a vegetable garden goes, Koning smiled at the idea but said it would be hard to maintain. “First we would have to find the funding, and the growing season is mainly in the summer when school is out,” said Koning. “It would be cool though and I would be psyched if it happened.”

Eco Club’s Native Plant Garden Event was part of Earth Week 2010. The Club was supposed to finish planting on April 28, but rescheduled due to the weather. If anyone is interested in helping next Wednesday, Koning will be in front of Pierce hall from 12-2 p.m.