Planting vegetation that is native to New England is vital to attracting native pollinators, such as black swallowtail and monarch butterflies, and other insects. Although most flowering plants benefit pollinators regardless of their origin, native plants provide a host site for native species to lay eggs on and to pollinate. Biologists suspect that several pollinator species have disappeared from their native ranges. Planting their host plants in our urban gardens and civic spaces can help restore pockets of habitat. Pollinators are vital for plant reproduction, assuring genetic diversity in the plants they pollinate and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
In 2017, Somerville resident volunteer, and former urban ag ambassaor, Tori Antonino partnered with the City to build a pollinator demonstration garden in front of Somerville City Hall. This garden was planted to be sustainable and low maintenance and includes species like Echinacea purpurea, Monarda, Rudbeckia and milkweed among others.
Other pollinator gardens in Somerville are located at: South Street Farm, Morse Kelley Playground Butterfly Garden, Lincoln Park, Somerville Garden Club’s Native Pollinator Garden on the Community Path at Highland Road, and the CPA-funded Morse Kelley Butterfly Garden which is currently being installed by Green & Open Somerville.
Remember that urban tree canopy also provides lots of opportunities for pollinators.