Green Farmacy Garden Stewardship
The Community Ecology Institute is honored to become the new owner and steward of the Green Farmacy Garden (GFG), a unique teaching garden as well as plant and seed sanctuary created by world-renowned ethnobotanist Dr. James A. Duke (1929–2017), who curated more than 300 plant species traditionally used and/or researched for their medicinal properties. The terraced garden beds are organized according to the properties described in The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 1997). From 1971 until 2021, the Green Farmacy Garden was home to the Duke family. Peggy-Ann Kessler Duke (1931–2021) was a botanist and accomplished botanical illustrator. Together, Jim and Peggy hosted tours, educational workshops, and community-building gatherings, often with live music. The gorgeous six-acre property includes myriad rare plants, two streams, two ponds, a meadow, outdoor gathering and teaching areas and a beautiful patch of established forest with walking trails—all home to bounteous wildlife.
The stewardship of this land for both social and ecological benefits requires a projected $100,000 per year, at a maintenance level, which includes continuing the work of the three current gardeners who are knowledgeable about the property and its specialized plants and needs. We are asking for the community's support to help us step into this important role in 2023. We plan to move mindfully in in this journey and want to come to know the property as it has been and is before making any substantial changes or adding any substantial programming. Your support will help us ensure a thoughtful and successful transition process.