By Kerri Williams

Editor’s note: This is an occasional series of columns by reporter Kerri Williams, exploring her journey with backyard gardening, offering tips for success, and highlighting some of the horticultural beauty found right here in Westport.

For three members of Sustainable Westport, helping our planet has started in their own yards.

Johanna Martell, Gately Ross, and Gretchen Hoffmann all have what they call “mini meadows” on their properties. The areas are planted with native plants such as goldenrod, mountain mint, ferns, and Joe Pye weed.

Gretchen Hoffmann, of Sustainable Westport, has a mini meadow in her yard that attracts pollinators.

Sustainable Westport was formed in 2006 by then-First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, who appointed a Green Task Force to address growing climate concerns. In 2020, the committee rebranded as Sustainable Westport and eventually separated from the town, operating under the umbrella of Earthplace. Over the years, this town committee evolved and a grassroots initiative developed, leading to the RTM adopting a resolution for Westport to use its best efforts to become a Net Zero community by 2050.

“It’s easy and it’s beautiful,” said Gately, co-director of the non-profit. “It attracts tons of pollinators.”

It’s no wonder that Sustainable Westport has teamed up with several local partners for a series of events this spring called “Your Yard, Our Climate.” The initiative encourages people to grow more native plants, to care for their lawn in a more ecologically sound way, and to plant trees.

The project is so exciting that I decided to devote my column this week to sharing its goals. Next week I will feature the capstone speaker, Joe Lamp’l, one of the country’s leading experts in sustainable gardening.

Joe will speak on “Digging Deeper: Ecological Gardening for Beauty and Biodiversity” on June 23 at 7 p.m. at the Westport Library.

Other local organizations involved in the program are: The Westport Garden Club, Greens Farms Garden Club, Wakeman Town Farm, Aspetuck Land Trust, The Westport Library, Westport Farmers’ Market, Blau House & Gardens, Earthplace and Gilbertie’s Organics.

A new, more sustainable way to look at landscaping

With programs that started in April and continue to the end of this month, the groups hope to get people re-thinking how they care for their lawns and gardens.

One thing I love about the endeavor is that anyone can take part, whether their yard is sprawling or a small balcony area. And getting started doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” Gately said. “You can tiptoe in. And you might get motivated to dig a little deeper.”

One small way to make a difference is to choose a native plant the next time you are considering a new shrub or perennial plant for your property. For Gretchen, program manager, starting small has led to big changes, with many varieties of native plants now in her gardens.

“Small actions – they add up,” Gretchen said. “I can’t do it all at once.”

Learning about electric lawn care was part of a “Spring Garden Fest” held at Wakeman Town Farm.

So far, events offered by the initiative have focused on composting, planting for pollinators, removing invasive plants and avoiding using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Gilbertie’s Garden Center has hosted several talks on everything from growing tomatoes to “Creating a Pollinator Paradise” with master gardener Alice Ely. Wakeman Town Farm sponsored a “Spring Garden Fest” in April that included a dahlia potting workshop and learning about electric lawn care.

Still to come are two events on June 8. The first is called “Bioblitz: Community Science Exploration Extravaganza,” from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Earthplace, on 10 Woodside Lane. A BioBlitz is an effort to record as many species as possible at a location during a certain amount of time. Particpants will learn how to create their own Bioblitz in their back yards.

The second event will be “Unlocking Secrets of the Past from Tree Rings,” held at Blau House & Gardens from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participants can explore the full gardens following the presentation at 9 Bayberry Ridge Road. Space is limited for this program. Registration for both events is available at sustainablewestport.org.

With the initiative still underway, Johanna said it’s too early to know its impact. But she added that participants at several of the events have given positive feedback.

“I think people choose to live in Westport because of the natural beauty,” said Johanna, co-director. “And people want to protect that.”

Kerri Williams is a freelance writer who has worked in journalism for years, including as a reporter for the Norwalk Hour and managing editor of the Norwalk Citizen-News. If you have pictures or ideas to share, please send her an email at cultivatingwithkerri@gmail.com.