Cromwell conservation commission advances pollinator garden with donated plants and volunteers

The Cromwell Conservation Commission moved forward on plans for a town pollinator garden during its July 9 special meeting, with commissioners reporting volunteer interest and a plant donation to support construction.

Patricia Jepson, seated as an alternate at the meeting, told the commission that five volunteers have expressed interest in helping maintain the Pollinator Garden and that she will continue to follow up with them during the construction process. The commission formally acknowledged Garden Dream Farm for donating native pollinator plants to the project.

Commissioners discussed where to obtain remaining plants, whether to allocate Cannabis Funds toward construction, how the garden will be watered, the garden’s distance from the curb, the timing of planting, and whether existing compost should be dug up or re‑tilled before planting. No funding amounts, exact planting dates, or a final watering plan were provided in the minutes.

“Garden Dream Farm donated native pollinator plants,” the commission recorded in its minutes, and Chair Jamin DeProto later thanked the Town Manager for sending a letter to the donor on the commission’s behalf.

Next steps recorded in the minutes include continued follow-up with volunteer recruits and additional planning during the garden’s construction. The minutes do not specify a construction schedule or final funding decisions.