The Green Farmacy GardenThe Community Ecology Institute is honored to become the new owner and steward of the Green Farmacy Garden (GFG), a unique teaching garden based on the work of world-renowned ethnobotanist Dr. James A. Duke (1929–2017), who curated more than 300 plant species traditionally used and/or researched for their medicinal properties. The four terraced garden beds are organized by the medicinal properties of the plants each contains, as described in Jim Duke’s bestselling book, The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 1997).
From 1971 until 2021, the Green Farmacy Garden was home to the Duke family. Peggy-Ann Kessler Duke (1931–2021) was a botanist and accomplished botanical illustrator and sumi-e artist. Together, Jim and Peggy hosted tours, educational workshops, and community-building gatherings, often with live music. The gorgeous six-acre property includes myriad rare plants, two streams, two ponds, a meadow, outdoor gathering and teaching areas and a beautiful patch of established forest with walking trails—all home to bounteous wildlife. |
Visit the Green Farmacy Garden Facebook Page to see what's going on and upcoming events at the Green Farmacy Garden:
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Jim Duke died in 2017 and Peggy passed away in 2021. They had arranged for their property to be transferred to the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), with an obligation to protect the gardens through August 2025. When MUIH put the property on the market in 2021, they were hoping for a non-profit buyer with an interest in protecting the Dukes’ legacy gardens for the long term. With generous financial support committed from both the State of Maryland and Howard County, CEI will now steward the Green Farmacy Garden into the future. The property is located in Fulton, Maryland, approximately 5 miles southwest of CEI's Freetown Farm location. Visits are by appointment only, or through pre-registered events.
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Stewarding this property for social and ecological benefits is in full alignment with the Community Ecology Institute's mission to cultivate communities where people and nature thrive together. To paraphrase Dr. Duke, gardening is a great way to accomplish five things useful for enhancing health: 1. exercise, 2. fresh air, 3. relaxation, 4. sunshine (not too much now) and 5. communion with nature. To ensure that we fully honor the legacy of the Dukes and the history of the GFG, CEI has established an Advisory Council to help guide this transition.
We expect that stewarding the GFG will require $100,000 per year, at a maintenance level, which includes continuing the work of the three current gardeners who are knowledgeable about the property and its specialized plants and needs. We are asking for the community's support to help us step into this important role in 2023. We plan to move mindfully in this journey and want to come to know the property as it has been and as it is before making any substantial changes or adding any substantial programming. Your support will help us ensure a successful transition process. Every amount makes a meaningful difference. If you are interested in exploring corporate or organizational sponsorships, please email [email protected].
We expect that stewarding the GFG will require $100,000 per year, at a maintenance level, which includes continuing the work of the three current gardeners who are knowledgeable about the property and its specialized plants and needs. We are asking for the community's support to help us step into this important role in 2023. We plan to move mindfully in this journey and want to come to know the property as it has been and as it is before making any substantial changes or adding any substantial programming. Your support will help us ensure a successful transition process. Every amount makes a meaningful difference. If you are interested in exploring corporate or organizational sponsorships, please email [email protected].
Learn more about the history of the Green Farmacy Garden:
CEI Purchases Jim and Peggy Duke’s ‘Green Farmacy Garden’ | American Botanical Council
The Green Farmacy Garden | Medicinal Plant Education
Green Farmacy Garden - United Plant Savers
A Tribute to Dr. James Duke and His Green Farmacy Garden | Folklife Magazine (si.edu)
CEI Purchases Jim and Peggy Duke’s ‘Green Farmacy Garden’ | American Botanical Council
The Green Farmacy Garden | Medicinal Plant Education
Green Farmacy Garden - United Plant Savers
A Tribute to Dr. James Duke and His Green Farmacy Garden | Folklife Magazine (si.edu)
