A Wildflower Meadow Takes Root at the Arc Mercer Farm

The Arc Mercer Farm is entering an exciting new chapter with the early groundwork now underway for a future wildflower meadow. With guidance and support from Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, our team has officially begun the preparation process by laying down a tarp, an important first step in restoring the land and preparing it for native planting later this Spring.

This meadow represents more than a landscaping project. It is a long-term investment in sustainability, education, and meaningful engagement for the people we support. Once established, the meadow will serve as a living classroom, a habitat for pollinators, and a space that reflects The Arc Mercer’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative programming.

What’s Planned for the Meadow

The meadow will feature a thoughtful mix of native wildflowers, edible plants and medicinal species selected to support pollinators, resist deer pressure, and offer hands-on learning opportunities.

Edible native plants will include:

• Pawpaw – Small native trees that grow in colonies and produce a unique fruit with a short harvest window. With proper processing and freezing, pawpaw pulp can be used year-round in baked goods and desserts.

• Persimmon – Another native fruit tree with versatile uses, including jams, dehydrated snacks, and fruit roll-ups.

• Wild Leek (Ramps) – Planted in forested patches, these highly sought-after native plants spread naturally over time and are edible from bulb to leaf.

Wildflower species planned for the meadow include:

• Wild Bergamot

• Beebalm

• Common Milkweed

• Pink Coneflower

• and many more native, pollinator-friendly plants.

All are deer-resistant and especially beneficial to bees and other native insects.

All of these species are pollinator-friendly, deer-resistant, and especially beneficial to bees and other native insects.

How the Meadow Comes Together

Creating a healthy meadow takes patience and planning. The current tarp will remain in place through the winter to suppress weeds naturally. In the spring, the tarp will be removed and topped with raw wood chips to reduce weed regrowth. Native wildflower plugs will then be installed. 

Once established, the meadow will require minimal maintenance, with mowing just once per year in late winter or early spring.

Looking Ahead

As the meadow grows, so will the opportunities it creates for learning, engagement, and connection to the natural world. 

This project reflects The Arc Mercer’s continued focus on forward-thinking initiatives that enrich our programs while honoring sustainability and community partnership.