Hollis Street Traffic Island

at Hollis & Main Streets

The Hollis Street Traffic Island sits at the intersection of Hollis Street and Main Street. It provides an opportunity for the Garden Club to showcase sun-loving annuals and perennials. It is unique because the folks who see it are either driving by at 35 -40 MPH or are stopped at the stop sign where Hollis meets Main. The planting reflects the need to provide big color for the drivers zipping by and a more detailed garden for the stop sign viewers.

The planting style has changed over the years and reflects the crew's input that stewards the plot. As of 2024, the garden has a focus on providing color throughout the growing season with a particular emphasis on native pollinator plants. Catering to wildlife has worked as we had a small flock of flamingos land at the stop sign on 4/1/2024 (an April Fool's Day prank).

The garden is one of the many ways the Groton Garden Club beautifies our town and makes everyone who sees it have at least a brief exposure to the glories of nature.

A colorful garden bed filled with a mix of blooming flowers, including pink sedums, purple coneflowers, and bright yellow daylilies, creates a vibrant display. The variety of plants adds texture and depth, with clusters of flowers and greenery arranged in a lush, natural composition. The garden is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn, and in the background, a white house and picket fence add a charming, picturesque touch to the scene. The overall atmosphere is lively and inviting, showcasing the beauty of a well-tended garden in full bloom.

Plant List

A simple, minimalist green line drawing of two leaves connected by a single stem. The design is clean and symmetrical, with each leaf mirroring the other, creating a balanced and natural aesthetic. The thin lines and open spaces within the leaves give the image a light and airy feel, symbolizing growth, nature, and simplicity. The overall look is modern and understated, making it versatile for various uses related to gardening, nature, or sustainability.

This vibrant garden, positioned in the heart of a busy intersection, is a beacon of color and life for passing motorists. It showcases a carefully curated selection of sun-loving plants that thrive under the intense, direct sunlight typical of such an exposed location. Plants are chosen for their ability to add striking visual appeal and for their hardiness and low-maintenance nature, essential qualities for a garden in challenging environments. This garden enhances the visual experience for those passing by and serves as a testament to the power of nature to flourish even in unexpected places.

Perennials
Coneflower - Echinacea
Catmint - Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'

Iris “Immortality”
Anise Hyssop - Agastache foeniculum

Stonecrop - Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Daylily - Hemerocallis including 'Sandra Elizabeth'

Blue Stem Grass - Schizachyrium scoparium

Feather Reed Grass - Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Blazing Star - Liatris

Rose Campion - Silene coronaria

Salvia May Night

Mountain Mint Short and Hoary

Goldenrod - Solidago

Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.