Did you know that up the hill on the Trinity-Pawling campus is a beautiful garden full of luscious fresh produce that has been carefully planted and tended by students with interests in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and land conservation? These same students, are also in the process of building their own green house about two hundred yards behind the new dining hall, and much of what they grow will become part of the T-P menu this fall.

One of the leaders of this venture is Alex Ros, a T-P student and Pawling resident, whose enthusiasm and pride for this project comes through in every word he speaks about it.

“It’s a good feeling”, he says, as a broad smile forms.  Under the guidance, encouragement, and mentorship of Maria Reade, Dean of Faculty, and Josh Frost, a new faculty member with farming in his genes, the students have built the raised beds, planted the seeds, tended the fledgling seedlings, transplanted them to their tidy beds, and delighted in watching this beautiful project grow (literally!)

Alex and fellow student and Pawling resident Dan Meagher are both rising seniors this year, and because they live in Pawling year round, have taken on the summer task of harvesting and selling cherry tomatoes, mint, carrots, parsley, kale, romaine lettuce and arugula to local eateries as well as at their own booth at the Pawling Farmers Market (beginning this July 9, from 9:00 AM to noon). Proceeds from all sales are plowed (forgive the pun) back into the garden and used for seeds, growing supplies, and materials for green house construction. So, when thinking about salad prep during these hazy, lazy days, The Trinity-Pawling Teaching Garden can be your source for home grown, pesticide free, and freshly picked… no better way to feed your family!

This article is sponsored by a generous donation from M&S of Pawling. http://www.mandsofpawling.com/