Introducing: Bridget Elmes

One in a series of articles spotlighting Borough of Palmyra employees, volunteers and community members.

This spring many residents have asked, “Who’s that working in the garden?”, which is often immediately followed by “They look so beautiful!”  Well, much of the credit goes to Borough employee Bridget Elmes.

Bridget previously worked for the Borough as our Land Use Board Secretary but potential changes by the state in the way meetings are conducted and recorded required the Borough Clerk to assume those responsibilities and WOW, are we ever grateful!  Since moving to Public Works as the Borough’s official Gardener, Bridget has really, well, blossomed!

It wasn’t much of a stretch however, to realize that Bridget would do a fantastic job as our gardener given her background and experience.  Consider the following:

Bridget is a graduate of the prestigious Longwood Gardens Horticulture Program; and Certified by Rutgers University as a Master Gardener, a Rainwater Garden Installer & Trainer, and an Environmental Steward.  She also owns and operates her own landscape design company, BE In The Garden.

Bridget’s goals for the Borough include beautifying our community and encouraging residents to do the same by planting their own gardens.  She plans to accomplish this by planting sustainable, native plants that require minimal water usage and care.  Gardens that attract wildlife and supply food for birds and butterflies are also a priority.

Bridget is also coordinating efforts for the Borough’s official community vegetable garden located at the Community Center.  We can hardly wait for those delicious Jersey Tomatoes!

If you have any questions or comments for Bridget or want to volunteer at the Community Garden, she can be reached via email at belmes@boroughofpalmyra.com

Photographs courtesy of Linda Lewis