At Lathrop Community, residents are the drivers of many conservation, sustainability and beautification projects. Recently, residents came together to redesign a prominently located garden into an attractive, naturally picturesque gateway to the campus for residents, employees and visitors. The community hosts acres of woods, meadows, vernal pools, streams, and wetlands. Lathrop’s East campus has 140 acres that are undeveloped, and the North campus has 14 acres, adjoining 560 acres of conserved public land (Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area).
A Garden of Native Plants
The goal was to create a visually pleasing garden that meets Lathrop’s environmental goals for sustainability and climate resilience. From the project’s inception, it was essential that the garden be composed of native flowering trees and shrubs, and plants that would provide attractive year-round interest. Plants were sourced from Nasami Farm, whose mission is to sell New England’s native plants. These plants are adapted to the local climate and are more sustainable throughout weather changes. They also supply food to the local insects that are dependent upon native species, as well as the birds and mammals that rely on their seeds.
Growing Together
To ensure community understanding and support, the garden committee developed a scale model and photo board with pictures of the recommended plants which were displayed in the Inn lobby. Residents were encouraged to share written comments and also send emails with feedback. There were articles on the resident list-serve and in the community’s weekly newsletter. This feedback positively impacted the direction of the project. The design evolved to incorporate resident desires for open views across the garden, additional seating, and some non-native spring-flowering bulbs. Management was also consulted in the planning and design. Patrick Arguin, CEO, shares, “Residents’ excitement about the project was infectious. I enjoyed seeing the 3D model, the residents’ participation in the final design, and how the entire campus was buzzing about the idea. The leadership team at Lathrop is pleased to support this initiative.” The funding for the Inn Garden was a joint effort of management funding and resident association funding, showing the collective passion for moving the project forward.
Next Steps in the Garden
This spring, residents are looking forward to the garden’s preparation and planting. As it matures, it will continue to enhance the entrance to the Inn and the important adjacent resident gathering spaces. In addition to the pleasure for current residents, staff and visitors, it will make a long-term and important environmental contribution. Both Lathrop and the wider community will benefit from a garden that demonstrates the use of native plants and educates people about the benefits. The Committee Chair has been asked to present the project to volunteers at Smith College Botanic Garden and other ways to promote the garden are in the works