There’s a lot of growth happening at the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell, from acres of forests and fields supporting the fascinating web of life living within to the inquisitive minds at the Nature Adventures Camp, where young learners spend their entire day out of doors. And there’s the ever-expanding roster of environmental education programs delivered to the Nature Center Preschoolers, schools, scout groups and public audiences every day.
But if you look closely at the Science Center campus, you’ll see growing gardens. They include the main attraction, the Jose Carreiro Children’s Garden, but many more. The Pollinator Patio, designed and planted by the Native Plant Trust (formerly the New England Wildflower Society) in July 2018, welcomes all at the Science Center’s entrance, featuring natives specific for this eco-region. Along the side of the main building is the Pollinator Garden, planted to attract many species of butterflies, bees and other wildlife. The Herb Garden, just outside the Children’s Garden, is complemented by the Winnie Lou Rounds Wildlings Garden, a tribute to the many wildflowers that grow in the woods of the South Shore of Massachusetts. Down the road in Hanover, the South Shore YMCA Family Farm invites visitors to participate in hands-on learning while giving back to the community through donations of fresh produce to local food pantries. This previously vacant land has been brought into cultivation using sustainable and ecologically sound practices, integrating with the natural landscape. With child-sized tools and interactive features, the farm is designed to engage children’s natural curiosity while providing a safe environment for exploration.
These gardens are part of the reason the Science Center is about to launch its 38th annual Martha B. Twigg “Through the Garden Gate” Garden Tour on Saturday, July 13, from 10 am to 5 pm. “The Garden Tour is the Science Center’s signature fundraiser,” said Chris Jacobs, Executive Director, South Shore Natural Science Center. “Our goal is to help learners of all ages enjoy nature through gardening and empowering the public to see their backyards as living classrooms.”
Tour-goers will visit nine properties in all, including some of the prettiest and most imaginative private gardens in Norwell and Hanover, including one featuring gardens surrounding an 18th century home with long perennial borders, a white garden, an extensive collection of hybrid daylilies, hostas, Japanese maples, unusual ornamental trees, and over 200 conifer varieties. The pool area features a replica of a 17th century pilgrim house and a water feature designed by Warren Leach from Tranquil Gardens in Rehoboth. These magnificent gardens have been included in many American Hosta Society and Northeast Regional Conifer Society Tours.
A second stop boasts extensive gardens highlighted by water features, a plethora of unusual perennials, and multiple examples of garden art, while a third, bordering the North River, reveals long water views, rich perennial gardens, a large vegetable garden, potted herbs and a small goldfish pond. While at each site, visitors will receive tips from the homeowners on how they can enhance their own gardens with flowers, shade plants, fruit trees, vegetable gardens and unique water features. Plein air artists and musicians will provide added layers of enjoyment throughout the day.
More than a tour, it’s an educational experience. And for the Science Center, that is the goal. The proceeds generated by the Garden Tour support environmental education programming. Hands-on gardening experiences hold many benefits for kids, from social and emotional growth to vocational training, but in the end, it comes down to getting into the soil and understanding how the natural world works, how with a seed, some soil, proper watering and sunlight, amazing things can happen.
The 38th annual Martha B. Twigg “Through the Garden Gate” Garden Tour will be held on Saturday, July 13, from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $30 until Friday, July 5, and $40 after July 5. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ssnsc.org, or contact Chris Jacobs at (781) 659-2559 or cjacobs@ssymca.org.
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
