Pollinator Pathway

The Hammocks on Long Island Sound, Clinton, CT 06413

The Hammocks is a beautiful Over Age 55 Community of upscale homes in Clinton overlooking the marshes and Long Island Sound.  A forward-thinking group, consisting of the Chairman of their Landscape Committee and several of his neighbors, have transformed a common space open area into a pollinator’s paradise. Grassed borders along the roads overlooking the marshes that were previously mowed have been allowed to grow into mini meadows of native wildflowers and grasses.  The area includes three defined “pocket” pollinator gardens; the first planted in 2020, the second added in 2021, and the third planted in 2022.  Native plants found in the gardens are Seaside Goldenrod, Bee Balm, Black-Eyed Susan, Swamp Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, etc.  In an effort to provide pollinator plants, which sustain our native birds, bees, and butterflies, The Hammocks Association has demonstrated that balance with nature can be achieved. It is an impressive blend of well-maintained properties, with the natural beauty of native plants!

To satisfy the requirements for their Silver Award Project, Girl Scouts Emerson Dunning and Katrina Harris, of Troop #62191, decided to plant a Pollinator Pathway Garden on a sloped area behind the First Church Congregational in Clinton.  With the guidance of  Master Gardener Sherry Smith, it was decided to remove the sod to plant during the same season. The girls replaced the topsoil, added compost, and were ready to plant. After being offered several native plant options, the girls selected native pollinator plants: Mountain Mint, Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Liatris, Salvia and Butterfly Weed as the backbone of the garden. Donated annuals were planted to add color in the first year.  The girls were dedicated and determined; watering their new garden daily to keep ahead of the 2022 drought.  The garden is now in its second year and the native plants are flourishing.  It’s a job well done by the Girl Scouts – our next generation of environmental stewards!

In an effort to create a lasting visual impression of our town, a group of energetic volunteers from the Beautification Committee, Arbor Garden Club, Conservation Committee, and several Clinton residents, worked with our civic leaders to plan and plant a Town sponsored Pollinator Pathway Garden for all to enjoy. The scenic area along the Indian River and overlooking a 1860’s arched brick railroad trestle is now a 4x70’ border filled with native pollinator plants: Yarrow, Milkweed, Penstemon, Coneflower, Liatris, Black-eyed Susan, Mountain Mint, Coneflower, and Phlox. Comments from locals and tourists have been very positive and encouraging.  We are looking forward to our next Town sponsored project!

The Food For All Garden helps our Shoreline community by donating 100% of its fresh produce weekly to the Shoreline Food Pantry. Thanks to our pollinator friends, we grow food to nourish our neighbors in need. 

By converting a 70’ by 3.5’ empty border on the outside of the veggie garden to a Pollinator Pathway Garden, we now provide pollinator plants to sustain our native birds, bees, and butterflies.