Reading, Pa, Community Garden

The Wyomissing Foundation provided the Goggle Works Center for the Arts with a grant that supported a summer of creative and community engaged development of their garden collaboration with Lauer’s Park Elementary School by Nate Tietbohl, Wildcraft Landscapes. Work focused on transforming underutilized parts of garden into a natural habitat and nature play space for students at Lauer’s Park and those attending Goggle Works’ classes.

Exotic and invasive species were removed to make space for native wildflowers. A hedge of Euonymus or Burning Bush (invasive in Pennsylvania) was removed at the request of the community and parts of it were used to create the sculptural stick weavings.

Other elements found on the site were repurposed including assorted pavers and stones. Removing the pea gravel from the site allowed for the creation of rain garden that provides both play and educational opportunities. Other elements were designed by Nate and then made in collaboration with the other Goggle Works’ studios, including a bespoke, wood, stone and hand blown glass bird bath.

Over 53 native plant species for a total of over 500 plants were thoughtfully selected and planted in the fall of 2022 with the help of community volunteers. The design emphasis was on inspiring wonder to those entering the space and inspire artists of all ages over the years to come.

Learn more about Nate Tietbohl’s work at the Goggle Works & with Lauer’s Park here:

https://goggleworks.org/concluding-goggleworks-2022-summer-residency-nate-tietbohl/