The Summer Solstice Newton Pollinator Garden Tour will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in the afternoon from Noon to 4 pm (rain date Saturday, June 28). Our previous two tours in the fall were great successes and we saw a huge interest in folks growing their own native plant pollinator gardens. This year we are moving the tour to June where there will be a different variety of plants in bloom. The tour will be focused on pollinator gardens with mostly native plants with a mix of both public and private gardens. The south section Newton gardens will be open from 12-2 pm while the north section gardens will be open from 2-4 pm.
Preregistration for the tour is requested below and maps of the gardens and plant lists will be supplied to registrants ahead of time by email. With the email supplied map you can visit the gardens at your own pace. Most of the gardens on the tour will be hosted by gardeners to answer any questions you may have. Attendees will be provided with location of an additional get-together with tour organizers and other gardeners and refreshments from 4-–5:30 pm.
Why pollinator gardens? Gardens with native plants can be both beautiful and functional at sustaining our pollinators. Our environment is at risk because of precipitous declines in native plants and the insects, birds, and other animals that depend on those plants. Check out the Newton Pollinator Toolkit to find out recommended plants for different conditions in Newton! If you are inspired by the tour, you will be able to buy many of your favorite native plants through a Native Plant Pop-up Sale at the Cold Spring Park Farmers Market, Tuesday, June 17, 1:30 – 6:30, from a number of responsible native plant vendors.
The events of Newton Pollinator Week are being organized by the Newton Community Pollinator Project in conjunction with the Newton Conservators, Newton Parks Recreation and Culture Department, Green Newton, Friends of Cold Spring Park, Friends of Wellington Park, the Newton Cemetery, and Mothers Out Front Newton.
Calling All Pollinator Gardeners!
Be a Star in the Summer Solstice Newton Pollinator Garden Tour!
Share the beauty and ecological benefits of YOUR native plant garden with the community! The Newton Community Pollinator Project, invites you to host your garden for the Summer Solstice Newton Pollinator Garden Tour.
Following the success of last September’s tour, this year’s event highlights the vibrant blooms of June. We’re seeking gardens in Newton featuring mostly native plants to showcase the crucial role they play in supporting pollinators.
Here’s how it works:
- Host an open house: List your garden’s location, types of plants, and hours (12-2 pm south, and 2-4 pm north)
- Front yard views welcome: If you can’t host personally but have a visible native plant garden, we’d still love to include it!
- Get featured: Your garden will be included in a tour guide map with a brief description. A plant list and photo of your garden would be fantastic! Even new gardens with compelling stories are encouraged to participate.
Why showcase your native garden? You’ll inspire others to create their own pollinator havens, directly contributing to the health of our local ecosystem. By participating, you’ll directly contribute to raising awareness about the critical role native plants play in supporting our precious pollinators and the overall health of our environment. You’ll connect with like-minded individuals and inspire others to create their own vibrant, life-sustaining spaces.
Ready to participate? If you are interested in having your garden included in the tour this year, please note it in the registration or contact Ted Kuklinski at tkuklinski@aol.com.
Want to attend the tour? Find information and registration details HERE: https://newtonconservators.org/events/3rd-annual-newton-pollinator-garden-tour/
Inspired to start your own pollinator garden? Explore the Newton Pollinator Toolkit for recommended native plants for different conditions.
Need native plants? Don’t miss the Native Plant Pop-up Sale at the Cold Spring Park Farmers Market on Tuesday, June 17, from 1:30 – 6:30 pm, featuring a number of reputable native plant vendors.
