Growing Wild Massachusetts
Ward’s Nursery distributed 75 FREE Growing Wild kits from May 30 through June 1, 2025.
The Massachusetts-wide movement called Growing Wild focuses on restoring vital native plant habitat and supporting pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
For the fifth growing season of the campaign, multiple Massachusetts agencies and associations have joined promotional forces. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) & Mass. Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) distributed free Growing Wild starter kits at Ward’s Nursery, additional nurseries, and DCR locations across the state. The free kits encouraged residents to help grow a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts.
FREE Growing Wild starter kits included 2 native plants, a packet of wildflower seeds, a sticker, and information about more actions to take.
Golden Alexander – Zizia aurea
Kits at Ward’s included 1 Golden Alexander Zizia aurea AND 1 Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis in 1-gallon pots– plants native to our region.
By adding native plants to your home landscape, you help support and preserve critical ecosystems while attracting butterflies, bees and birds to your own garden.
Whether you have a large backyard or a few flower pots, every native plant makes a difference. See additional posts about native choices and plant lists.
If you’ve planted native species—whether from a Growing Wild starter kit or another nursery—take the next step and Pledge Your Garden on mnla.com/growingwild as a native stop in Massachusetts’ statewide pollinator map.
You can help spread the word! Share your planting journey on social media and use #PlantYourTomorrow and #GrowingWildMA.
Our Summer Garden Advice
By mid-summer, perennial gardens can start to look overgrown, annual flowers begin to fade, and bugs may be munching on your vegetables.
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