All That Blooms: The Joy of Gardening at Ipswich River

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield features diverse and glorious spots such as the Butterfly Garden, the Bird Garden, and the Pollinator Garden. Each is full of native trees, indigenous shrubs, and blooming perennials that support native wildlife.

Every Tuesday morning from the end of March to the end of October, the gardens are expertly maintained by the unwavering efforts of the sanctuary’s dedicated garden volunteers. As a result, many bird species, along with bees, insects, butterflies, and various small animals, find water, shelter, and food to survive, thrive, and produce the next generation.  

A Day in the Life of a Gardener 

In the last week of March, volunteer gardeners begin pruning the shrubs and trees to remove broken branches, promote plant health, and encourage new growth. They dedicate three hours to the garden every Tuesday morning throughout the growing season.

The session starts with an educational talk from the lead gardener, Catherine Carney-Feldman. Then, gardeners walk the grounds to discover what has changed with the plants over the past week. The rest of the session is spent engaging in hands-on activities. Besides trimming, they handle the monumental tasks of weeding, transplanting, planting, and watering.         

From Just Surviving to Vibrant Thriving  

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary's natural gardens serve as a living classroom. Gardeners and visitors can satisfy their desire to learn more about environmentally sound gardening principles. For example, in the bird garden, the water serves as a drinking and bathing source for the feathered inhabitants. Due to the butterflies' small size, the water source is purposefully shallow in their garden. 

Additionally, gardeners learn how native plants provide everything the sanctuary’s wildlife needs— shelter from harsh weather and predators, nesting sites, and food in the form of berries, seeds, pollen, and nectar.

Last year’s gardening activities included expanding the butterfly gardens while providing ample water throughout the growing and blooming season to all the gardens due to the drought. One of the triumphs of last summer’s efforts was the gardeners’ success in keeping the stunning and ancient Dogwood tree (Cornus florida) in the bird garden alive with careful and sufficient watering. In springtime, the blossoms highlight the volunteer’s diligent efforts. 

Join the Garden Volunteer Community

Throughout the growing season, garden volunteers work together to maintain the gardens while learning about the principles of environmental stewardship. As a by-product of their shared love of nature, many deep and lasting friendships bloom along with the flowers. As October ends, they celebrate, exchanging flowers as symbols of their nurtured community.

Join the Community