Pocono News Section

Resort Plants a Garden to Supply its Restaurants

Resort Plants a Garden to Supply its Restaurants - Monday, June 15, 2009 at 3:17PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Jun 15, 2009 @ 03:17pm EST
SHAWNEE ON DELAWARE, MONROE COUNTY - Shawnee Souse Chef Travis Dente loves to work with fresh ingredients. He explained,"The fresh ingredients they just have better flavor."

The chef now has those fresh ingredients right outside his door. Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort workers planted a garden. They're growing vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. Pete Kirkwood is overseeing the operation. He said, "The garden we have here is entirely - it's all natural and sustainable."

It's about a quarter acre tucked away next to Shawnee's golf course. Food grown there can go from plant to plate in just minutes. "I really believe there is something special about eating food that you have a connection to," said Kirkwood.

It seems diners agree. Bobbie Wilson said, "I think it's great. It's healthy." Healthy for people and the earth. Shawnee uses earth friendly growing techniques and materials. Fence posts are made of dead trees. Old golf course materials went into some fencing. The herb garden is enclosed with repurposed roof tiles. "I think it's great," said Dente.

Shawnee doesn't expect to grow a profit in the garden but Kirkwood said that doesn't matter. He explained, "We think success in the business will follow naturally from us following nature."'

Shawnee plans to fertilize the garden with leftover grain from it's ShawneeCraft Brewery. Then to complete the earth friendly cycle, the gardener will plant pumpkins. The brewery will use them in a pumpkin ale this fall.