NARROWSBURG, NY — No one visits Narrowsburg without noticing the beautiful landscaping in public areas. Northern blueflag. Milkweed. Bergamot. Trumpet honeysuckle. What some may not realize is that it’s largely done through volunteers from the Narrowsburg Beaufication Group (NBG), led by Chairperson Marie Vaz, Secretary Fabiana Lotito and Treasurer Anne Vorrasi, all of whom came on board after NBG legends Wanda Gangel, Star Hesse and Madeleine Wootan stepped down from their long-embraced NBG responsibilities.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”—Audrey Hepburn.

Marie Vaz wears many hats. She is also an attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group, where she specializes in government benefits. Starting with NBG as a photographer for grant applications during the pandemic in 2021, she has gone on to create her own garden, inspired by what she has learned from the group.

“Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas.” —Elizabeth Murray

During a recent conversation, Vaz praised all the volunteers involved in maintaining the 11 parcels of land NBG currently tends, and the Town of Tusten that helps fund supplies for many of the projects. Standout contributors include Madeleine Wootan, who oversees the grounds and memorial garden near the Tusten Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library; Star Hesse for the gorgeous gardens near the post office on Main Street; and Betty and Fred Feibusch, who tend the triangle of land on Route 97 and Bridge Street.

Worth mentioning: Gardening can be social and a chance to learn from others.

“Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone.”—Jean Jacques Rousseau

The team of Feibusch and Feibusch also coordinates the twice-a-year NBG plant swap that many gardeners have come to count on. During the event, plants and seedlings are traded by those of us who tend to buy more than we need or get tricked into buying eight of the same plant when only two or three are needed or wanted. Donations to the organization are also accepted during the swap, but the real goal is to bring neighbors who enjoy gardening together to trade tips and compare the rich soil under their fingernails.

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.” —Claude Monet

The Narrowsburg Beautification Group is committed to the practice of native gardening: the practice of planting and cultivating species that are native to our region to create a sustainable, biodiverse landscape. The plants used are acclimated to the local climate, soil and wildlife, and are pollinator-friendly. They provide essential food and shelter for local animals like birds, bees and butterflies. 

This philosophy supports local ecosystems and requires less maintenance, water and fertilizer compared to traditional gardening.

“No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.” —Thomas Jefferson

The goal is to practice permaculture, a design philosophy and method that aims to create sustainable, self-sufficient systems by mimicking the relationships found in natural ecosystems. The concept uses a set of principles like “observe and interact,” “catch and store energy,” and “produce no waste” to design landscapes that are efficient, productive and ecologically harmonious. The practice can be applied to everything from large-scale farms to small urban gardens, focusing on a holistic approach to resource use and human needs.

The NBG team think of themselves as beautification ambassadors and are proud of the work their volunteers put in throughout the year. Says Vaz, “Our team, many of whom have full-time jobs, work hard with little or no oversight to get the work done.” She also mentioned that the multi-generational work they do joins established Narrowsburg and newer residents in a manner that gives individual talents and strengths an outlet. 

“No single sort of garden suits everyone. Shut your eyes and dream of the garden you’d most love, then open your eyes and start planting. Loved gardens flourish; boring ones are hard work.” —Jackie French

Worth noting: Volunteers need not be gardening experts. 

All that is needed to make a contribution to the cause is curiosity, sunblock, a can-do attitude and a pair of gardening gloves. Those interested in joining the fun can reach the Narrowsburg Beautification Group via email at NBGTUSTEN@gmail.com or by following @NBGTUSTEN on social media.