A little over a year ago, the space next to Acton Memorial Library that faces Town Hall was a weedy, rocky, empty lot, and an eyesore. Then, intrepid gardener and teen librarian Chris Bushie had an idea. What if that unattractive space became a native garden? Not only would it be much prettier, but it would provide teaching opportunities for both kids and adults.
And thus, the idea for the Wilde Garden, named after William Allan Wilde who helped fund the original library in 1890, was born. Last year, the Wilde Garden was planned and planted, as reported in the Acton Exchange June 14, 2025 issue: Wilde Garden blooms alongside Memorial Library.
Now, fourteen months in, the garden, where all of the plants are perennials that are native to the area, is established and ready to be formally recognized. On Friday, July 31, a ribbon cutting for the Wilde Garden drew about 30 people, many of whom had been involved in the process.
Teen librarian Chris Bushie spoke to the audience about how creating the Wilde Garden was a huge community effort, with help across the town, including the Acton Garden Club, the Conservation Commission, Sustainability Office, Acton Water District, and other library staff and trustees.
After Ms Bushie spoke, she cut the ribbon to formally welcome everyone to the Wilde Garden.
Ms Bushie noted that even in its first year, she has seen an increase in the fauna and flora around the garden. In addition to painted lady butterflies and bees, she was thrilled to report seeing a praying mantis egg sac and, then, a baby praying mantis.
Since the original garden was planted, many of the people involved in the original project have stayed involved; making sure that the garden is weeded and watered and looking its best. Garden Club Master Gardener Barbara Wissell noted that the Garden Club is staying involved by moving plants around to keep the garden looking its best and replacing the plants that didn’t survive. She specifically thanks fellow Garden Club member Janet Irons for her work on the Garden, and her husband for his patience.
Now, the Garden is a restful spot that delights the eye and provides many opportunities for projects. There are bricks, painted by students as part of a library art project, and a bug hotel that was built by teens with supplies from the Acton Sustainability Department. In addition, the Acton Water District is helping the keepers of the garden monitor water usage and reuse water with the contribution of rain gauges and a rain barrel.
A new addition next to the Wilde Garden is an explainer that provides information about the garden and its name and links to information about both the Wilde Garden and the West Acton Citizen’s Library seed garden.
While the Wilde Garden will change over the years, as some plants fill out and others fade, with continued attention it will remain a permanent, but ever-changing, fixture for town residents and employees.
Miriam Lezak is an associate editor for the Acton Exchange. She is also an Acton Library trustee and spent a few hours helping out at the Wilde Garden planting day.
