by Dave Davis
What many visitors may not know prior to arriving in Montauk, is that there exists an oasis of fertile land, a “place for growth” if you will, known affectionately as the Montauk Community Garden…right in town.
When one plans a trip to Montauk, some of the more obvious reasons for choosing this coastal paradise may be its picturesque sandy beaches, world-class fishing, historic landmarks like the lighthouse, or for Ditch Plains, one of the top surf breaks on the entire East Coast. Enter, now, the Montauk Community Garden, located in the village on the grounds of The Little Flower School only two blocks north of the ocean.
The idea for such a community-serving endeavor arose from a spirited conversation at a nearby watering hole some 15 years ago between two venerable locals, Martha Reichert and Susan Vitale. It would take weekly deliveries of fresh produce to entice Father Mike at the rectory before the final go-ahead would be granted from the diocese of Rockville Center to create a manageable garden, on church property, that would ultimately serve those in need. Over the years “The Garden” expanded and now includes the freshest of organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs one can find this far out on the east end.
On the very first day of spring I had the pleasure of speaking with Greg Donohue of the Oceans Institute at the Montauk Lighthouse, who serves as team leader of an incredibly dedicated crew of volunteers that tend to all facets of The Garden’s maintenance from April to mid-November. To say that this group of hearty, compassionate individuals from various backgrounds is top-notch would be a severe understatement. For many, The Garden has not only become a weekly commitment to serving a greater purpose, but also one of personal growth as well. When asked what makes this place so special, Greg was quick to comment: “It’s all about community and growth. We’re known for bringing people together, whether it’s the local Girl Scout troop or families with young, inquisitive children.”
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DEREK BARBANTI, ANDREA MAVRO,BRIAN GLADSTONE,DAVE, GREG DONOHUE, VICTORIA PHILIPS, BOB DONOHUE, RIKKI KUEHN
“The Garden” now includes the freshest of organic vegetables
Open to the public from 9 am to 12 noon each Saturday, one
is typically greeted with a smile by Rikki Kuehn, who tends to the array of
harvested offerings located at the entrance to the property. Patrons and
visitors alike are encouraged to “come on in and get a little dirty,”
all-the-while picking up a few gardening tips from Greg if one so chooses.
Equally enchanting is the flower garden located opposite the vegetables,
frequently attended to by longtime local Cheryl Erb.
Enough couldn’t be said about the support provided by those
even outside of Montauk, with regular donations of seeds and additional produce
from the likes of Balsam Farms, Amber Waves, nationally acclaimed landscape
designer Jane E. Lappin and the farming family of Andy Babinski from Water
Mill.
Continuing tradition, at the end of the season, the sales
from all vegetables and flower arrangements will be donated to the Montauk Food
Pantry (located in the lower level of the school next door), in addition to
Meals on Wheels, for which The Garden’s treasurer, Bill Becker, personally
makes deliveries.
Unlike previous years where their pre-season fundraiser was
held at a local food establishment, this past March, Derek Barbanti, one of The
Garden’s volunteers, posted a GoFundMe account, inviting folks to donate money
for much-needed fencing repairs, irrigation and various supplies. As of spring
2023, The Garden has raised over $5,000 from nearly 60 donors; quite a
resounding show of support from those who believe in its mission. If you wish
to make a donation, the GoFundMe account has been left open and can easily be
reached by entering “Montauk Community Garden” into the site’s search box. Not
unlike The Garden itself, it too is a place
for growth.
