Above: If you’d like to have plants in your yard and around the community this summer that support native pollinators, sign up now for the seeds and workshop to get you started. (image cropped from flyer)
The Open Space Preservation Commission is kicking off the next stage of its annual Winter Sow Program. The timing of the first seed pickup event and sowing workshop seems fitting for nature lovers.
Sign up now to show your love for our local ecosystem by taking part in the initiative supporting native pollinators this Valentine’s Day (a week from Saturday).
The program is part of OSPC’s ongoing initiative to grow more of the native plants that native pollinators need to thrive.
Register to pick up free seeds at the Saturday, February 14th drive thru event.
And if you need instructions (or want to do your sowing in a social setting) you can also sign up for that afternoon’s free workshop. (Stay tuned for that registration link.)
Alternatively, you can watch a DIY video that will walk you through the steps.
This year, OSPC is offering over 60 varieties of seeds. The deadline to submit your selection is Friday, February 11th by 5:00 pm. (But don’t wait too long. The most popular choices can sell out.)
I’m sharing their announcement below. But you can read more of OSPC’s information on their website here.
2026 Winter Sow Biodiversity Through Pollination Gardens
You can help Prevent Species Extinction
The Southborough Open Space Preservation Commission (OSPC) is once again hosting a Winter Sow Program. We offer Free Seeds and a Winter Sow Workshop
You can have beautiful flowers while helping our most at-risk pollinators. Our native pollinators have co-evolved with our native plants. The OSPC has been working with Dr. Robert Gegear since 2015. All the plants on our Free Seed Giveaway Program are from Dr. Gegear’s researched plant list to preserve species at risk of local extinction.
Native plants co-evolved with New England weather patterns, and most require repeated freezing and thawing for their seeds to break dormancy and germinate. The OSPC Winter Sow Program allows you to order free seeds and using a simple method of planting in milk jugs that then are placed outside over the winter, you will be amazed with the bounty of native plants even the most inexperienced gardener can grow for their gardens with extras to share with friends. No gardening experience necessary.
Program Info
Go to the OSPC website available from the QR code on our Flyer, or at this link 2026 Winter Sow | Southborough, MA . All the links you need are there.
- Review the SEED LIST to choose which seeds you want. Over 60 to choose from!
- Place your order on Eventbrite by 5 pm February 11.
- Pick up your preordered seeds at Cordaville Hall, 9 Cordaville Road Southborough between 10 am and 11 am, February 14th.
- Collect opaque water/milk jugs for planters.
- Register for the Winter Sow Workshop (registration link coming soon) held on February 14th at 12 noon to 1:30pm.
- If you’re not coming to the Winter Sow Workshop you can watch the video on the OSPC website Preparing Jugs for Planting.
To learn more about Ecological Gardening and Biodiversity Through Pollination watch this video of Dr. Robert Gegear’s presentation for the Ecological Landscape Alliance: Ten Years of Restoring Native Plant-Pollinator Functional Diversity at Breakneck Hill
OSPC’s plant list features photos of plants in bloom and details the bloom times (which range from March – October), how much sun/shade plants need, whether soil should be wet or dry, plant heights, and other important information.
Many (but not all) of the plants specifically support support native bumblebee species bombus fervidus and/or bombus vagans. Many of the plants also attract other native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, other birds, and/or native caterpillars. (Previously, OSPC Chair Freddie Gillespie highlighted that one of the reasons for a sharp decline in common backyard bird species is the decline in the population of caterpillars they feed on. Many native moths/butterflies seek out certain native plants on which to lay their eggs.)
Updated (2/4/26 10:28 am): I had mistakenly referred to the 14th as a Sunday. It’s a week from this Saturday.)
