Embedded Files
About these gardens: Early in 2022, Greening Greenfield Pollinator Group members went to the Mayor's office with a proposal to showcase native pollinator plants in the City Hall Gardens. The idea was welcomed - with the caveat that garden designs and plant selections be approved before the digging began.
Once initial plans were approved, Greening Greenfield's Pollinator Group, with the help of the Department of Public Works (DPW), got busy. The first step was to remove the two invasive Burning Bushes (Euonymus alatus) that flanked the building entrance. With the help of DPW's heavy lifting, the burning bushes were removed at the end of March, 2022 and replaced with native Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia).
Mike Duclos of DPW supervises removal of the Burning Bushes.
Two years later, Sweet Pepperbushes flourish on either side of the City Hall steps. Fragrant flowers attract people and pollinators!
Unfortunately, then a six-month drought made further planting impossible. Through the summer and fall of 2022, the Pollinator Group and DPW prepared the grounds for planting. In January, 2023, plans were made, plants were ordered...and then finally, in May of 2023, planting began.
The 2024 growing season has shown the gardens in three-season glory with shrubs and flowering plants to attract both pollinators and people.
Planting plan for the north garden.
The north garden newly planted and mulched with wood chips, May 2023.
A year later, the new plants have grown!
The garden on the north side includes explanatory signage.
In April 2024, a robin built a nest and raised two chicks in the dogwood over the new gardens.
Maple-leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) blooming in a shady corner at the end of May.
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) blooming late June.
Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) blooming in early July.
A bumble bee enjoys blooms on Tiarella cordifolia in May.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum Kalmianum) is visited by a native bee in mid July.
Help would be welcome with weekly watering and tending the gardens.
Contact Mary Westervelt for more information.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse