The first shoots of more than 13,000 red, white, and blue bulbs are beginning to poke through the early spring landscape, and with luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, will bloom just in time for Lexington’s Patriots’ Day festivities. These vibrant flowers mark the debut of a season-long display organized and planted by Victory Gardeners, a dedicated group of some 20 volunteers, many of whom are the civic gardeners of the Lexington Field & Garden Club, who have for many years maintained Lexington’s public spaces. They came together just last fall under the leadership of long-time Lexington residents Meg Himmel and Chris Kochanski.
Preparation, including careful planning and site selection, has been underway since September of last year, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DPW). “Dave Pinsonneault and his team have been incredibly helpful—this project wouldn’t be possible without their support,” says Ms. Himmel. And, since “Most tulips and scilla don’t bloom until May, so we had to search high and low to source varieties that are likely to bloom by mid-April.
As you stroll through town this April, keep an eye out for shots of color by the Captain Parker Statue, Visitor Center, Cary Library, Cary Hall, Police Station, and many more locations, including the churches on the Green.
But the vibrant color in the Center won’t end in spring—it will continue into summer with additional plantings of vibrant annuals and perennials. Ms. Himmel and her team are “focusing on pollinator-friendly native plants where possible”. On deck are spiky violet plumes of salvia, feathery leaves of blue-flowered amsonia, fragrance from soft blue nepeta, bird-friendly echinacea, and fiery reds of geraniums and begonias. The perennials will return year after year, ensuring lasting beauty in Lexington’s public spaces. Many of the merchants along the Battle Road are enthusiastically endorsing this project and are continuing the red, white and blue color theme in their plantings.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, meet some of the visitors to our town and have fun in the process,” says Ms. Himmel. If you’d like to join Victory Gardeners to help bring this vision to life, please contact Meg Himmel at mwh.6696@gmail.com. Volunteer commitments are flexible, with some roles requiring just a few hours per week—no experience necessary!