In parts of the north-wet Philadelphia and the neighboring suburbs, Chris Mattingly designs plant beds with the know-how of an engineer and the heart of a farmer. The coming Maryland with a degree in civil engineering and Soil Foundation Science from the University of Maryland moved in 2012 with his wife Dr. Allison Chan to Chestnut Hill.
Before the garden was founded, MattinGly worked in landfill design and maintenance, but this work did not match its environmentally protecting values, and garden gardens were clear. “It is great to live in a community of people who want to share the magic of the local food,” he said. “My first customer comes from a classified ad in the locals.”
MattinGly has been withdrawn to Maryland since then, and the company is now led by its operational partner Mike Bennett, a native of Ambler who lives in Conshocken. Bennett, a former Investment Bank employee (Wilmington Trust) and Touring Musician with the rock band Apfel Juice Jones, began growing food and the contract seal at home when he did not on the guitar.
Bennett went to Lasalle College High School and climbed into the garden as a hobby. “I met Chris in 2020,” he said. “He said he moved back to Maryland and was looking for someone who operates the business, the company and the design. We met Chestnut Hill Coffee, and that was it. … We have 10 full -time work and three part -time for the season. We got all our customers from the immediate area, but now we get some from Bucks County, the main line and even upper Montgomery county.”
Garden eats has planted 150 gardens of an elevated 3 foot of 8 foot bed, pots on terraces and 250 square foot with additional fruit trees. “Some of these people were able to lead a farm from all the food they get,” said Bennett. “For a big project, it may be on site for two weeks, but most need about three to five days, and maintenance would take a few hours a week. All customers plants with us. With some we only make heavy lifting.
Although Bennett's garden inclinations take up most of the time, especially at this time of year, his musical efforts are still blooming. His band, which plays rock, folk and jam band music, has appeared for 10 years and will soon be Publication of his third album. Every money from the album is donated to the Teddy Kradzinski Foundation.
“Teddy was driving and created strength behind the band,” said Bennett. “We still publish songs that he had written and overlaid his voice. I went to La Salle High School with him. He died of an overdose of fentanyl at the age of 28. I have also been in recovery for seven years. [Kradzinski and Bennett] Connected again by recovery and roommates for eight years. “
The Backyard Eats operator also does not limit its outdoor projects to gardening. Bennett and his girlfriend Briana Carcione, a native-born, set out about Sadie, her six-year-old lifebull. “It was used for breeding,” said Bennett. “She is very cute. And we try to have backyard chickens.”
For more information, see Backyard-eats.com.
Lear LEAR can be reached lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.