Above: State agencies and plant nurseries are again encouraging the public to “Protect biodiversity and strengthen our ecosystems”. (image cropped from last year’s Facebook post)
In an effort to support pollinators, Massachusetts has partnered with a Southborough nursery, along with other nurseries, parks and reservations to distribute free “starter kits” for gardening with native plants, plus wildflower germination kits.
They are also asking residents to pledge their native gardens online:
whether they planted native from a Growing Wild starter kit or on their own – to see the power of collective impact.
Both promoted activities are part of their “Growing Wild” initiative for National Pollinators Month in June. The initiative kicks off today (Friday, May 29th), which Governor Healey has named “Growing Wild Day”.
For the second straight year, Gulbankian Farm has kits to give away on a first-come, first-served basis. (The shop is at 40 Mount Vickery Road and the hours are Mon – Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.) This year will include at least one different variety than the three offered last year.
Each kit will include two one-gallon native perennial plants, native seed packets, and educational resources on pollinator-friendly gardening.
This is the sixth year of the Growing Wild program organized by Mass DCR (Dept of Conservation and Rec), MDAR (Mass Dept of Agriculture Resources), and MNLA (Mass Nursery & Landscape Association). The intent is to encourage “the public to preserve and protect pollinator habitats by inspiring residents to plant native species and pledge their gardens in support of pollinators.”
This year, the website pitches:
Together, we can grow a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts — one garden at a time
It also promotes:
This year, we are proud to introduce seed Germination Kits into the Growing Wild Massachusetts program as we continue to expand the reach of our mission.
In addition to the Growing Wild Massachusetts Starter Kits, the Germination Kits will allow more participants to join the statewide movement by planting native wildflower seeds, pledging their garden, and exploring resources for pollinator-friendly gardening.
Last year’s release explained:
“The Growing Wild program enables us to partner with our state agency and nursery partners to give residents the tools to create and nurture their own pollinator and native plant gardens, helping make our landscapes more resilient,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Through this program and the free Growing Wild starter kits, we are fostering a sense of shared stewardship of our public and private green spaces, protecting biodiversity, enhancing the natural beauty of our communities. Together, we are nurturing a brighter, greener future, one garden at a time.”
“We are excited to see the Growing Wild program grow year after year,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Residents who plant native and supporting pollinators are helping to build a more resilient food system, so this kind of public engagement initiative is important for agricultural sustainability in Massachusetts.”
Pollinators—primarily bees, butterflies, and other insects—are critical to our ecosystems. Approximately 75% of flowering plants and 35% of the crops we consume depend on them to reproduce. In Massachusetts, native pollinators are essential to sustaining biodiversity and ensuring a healthy food system. Yet, these species face mounting threats from habitat loss, invasive plants, pesticide use, and climate change. Growing Wild offers residents a powerful way to help reverse this trend—one native plant at a time.
To learn more or “pledge your garden”, click here.
For the nursery list with the other 17 locations throughout the state and subsequent giveaways by DCR at six parks in early June, click here.
