Created over six years ago from an overgrown trashed alleyway, with the help of Town of Huntington, LINPI, GCA and Centerport Garden Club, the Greenlawn Train Station Native Garden has grown into an oasis for commuters, pedestrians, birds and other pollinators. The purpose is to demonstrate sustainable garden practices, provide natural respite and inspire the use of native plant materials.

Regular maintenance is necessary, especially in the spring, as invasives try to move in.

Last month, we partly cut back some of the perennials, leaving the stems for the pollinators and other nesting creatures. This month Suffolk County Master Gardener Volunteers and CGC members will focus on ejecting two currently prevalent weeds: Sticky Weed ("velcro weed" "sticky willy") and henbit ("dead nettle"). Yarrow is now creating a soft ground cover - and beautifying the garden, while protecting the bare soil from aggressive weeds. Aronia (chokeberry) and Viburnum (leatherleaf') are starting to bloom and the Ilex and Prunus evergreens are holding their own.

On this Arbor Day and Earth Week, take a few minutes to stroll the Greenlawn Native Garden and listen to the birds sing.

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