Debut Of Marlborough Pollinator Garden Set For June

MARLBOROUGH, MA — This might be one of the most important gardens in Marlborough — because without it and others like it, flowers won't bloom.

The Marlborough Recreation Department this month will debut the city's first pollinator garden, a haven of plants designed to attract insects like butterflies and bees. It'll be nice too like, but also serve as a crucial habitat for pollinator insects that are under threat.

Pollinating insects are under threat from a variety of sources, including invasive plants — like the black swallow-wort — diseases and man made pesticides.

The garden is located at the southwest corner of Ghiloni Park near the Woodland Garden and pond. The Native Pollinator Task Force and MetroWest Conservation Alliance will host a tour of the 600 square-foot garden on June 27 starting at 4 p.m. The tour will include educational activities about pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Although the garden is relatively small, the city plans to expand it by adding more native plants in the fall. The garden will be active for pollinators typically between March to October.