Since 1990, Newton Community Pride’s Beautification Committee has designed, planted and tended gardens in various public spaces throughout Newton. This was begun and led by Leo L. Levi for many years. Our display garden is one of only four in Massachusetts.
The signature work of this group is the large Newton Centre garden between Beacon Street and Langley Road next to the parking lot. It’s named the Leo L. Levi All America Selections Display Garden (AAS), which is nationally recognized organization. Another major garden we tend to is the Hyde Garden in Newton Highlands.
Seeds of more than 30 annual variety of flowers are provided to us each year by the AAS at no cost. These have been chosen as the best new varieties for home gardens at trial gardens, including the Mass. Horticultural Society at Elm Bank in Wellesley, MA.
The garden year begins when the seeds arrive in late fall and are moved to a greenhouse for germination.
The gardens bloom from April through October beginning with spring bulbs (1000+) planted the previous fall, then perennials, and hundreds of summer annuals are added each spring from our temporary greenhouse.
The Beautification Committee tend the seedlings there for 6-7 weeks after their time at the greenhouse. They work daily: watering, pruning, and moving to larger pots to prepare for the move to public gardens in May.
After planting they work weekly to maintain these beautiful flowers. It is a ‘labor of love’ which is very rewarding to all. If you’d like to join the Beautification Committee, please email contactus@newtoncommunitypride.
Newton Community Pride covers all costs related to planting and maintaining the gardens. Please consider donating to the Leo Levi L. Fund here. (Select it in the drop down)