The open fields in Garlic Grove, Cauliflower Corner, Tomatoville and Rutabaga Ridge will always attract investor interest whether the real estate market is up or down.
According to NJ.com, with 462 plots the lands at Duke Farms in Hillsborough is considered the nation's biggest allotment style community garden. It was also said that it nearly qualifies as a town itself. The vicinity announced early this January that it was making more plots in the community garden available and just like properties in prime location, the plots sold quickly.
One of the reasons that make Duke's community garden is hot is the growing demand for organic agricultural products and people's desire to become more self-sufficient by having the ability to control their own produce. In Duke Farms, the gardeners prefer using organic and natural and more traditional methods such as no-till gardening, building up soil health and using natural mulches for water conservation.
But the Duke Farms community garden is not alone. According to NJ.com there are more similar areas. The actual number has not yet been determined but according to the American Community Garden Association, there are a few good locations such as the 145-plot organic community garden developed by the Land Conservancy of New Jersey in Mount Olive Township, Morris County.
In the meantime, in a previous report in NJ.com, the Duke Farms Foundation is seeking permission to demolish Doris Duke's Mansion in Hillsborough so the land can be used for additional garden plots. The foundation argues that Heiress Doris Duke was more concerned about preserving the environment than her mansion when it came to Duke Farms. However, the foundation is faced with opposition to its plans to demolish the mansion lead by a group called DORIS (Demolition of Residence is Senseless). Presently the Duke Farms estate is open to the public and features indoor and outdoor display gardens that are eco-friendly.
