The Pond Garden at Norcross

The Norcross Sanctuary’s Pond Garden is a transformation of an old gravel bank into a restored coastal pond and an associated “grass plain” habitat.  With a pond that experiences radical and unpredictable fluctuations in water level, some of the plants chosen for this project are those that typically grow on exposed margins of shorelines.  Horticulturist Leslie Duthie will discuss the design for the site as well as the evolving flora, such as Plymouth Gentian (Sabatia kennedyana) and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), which are adapted to the periodic dryness, acidity and lack of nutrients characterizing the well-drained sandy soil and pond water.  Other planted species that are able to survive the unusually harsh conditions present in this garden include upland aster (Oligoneuron album), cape golden aster (Chrysopsis falcata), seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursa), and rose coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea).  A grass plain is adjacent to the pond garden and will be very “grassy” at this time.  Bring a picnic lunch and explore other parts of the Sanctuary’s gardens and trails after lunch.

Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.