Growing Beauty and Biodiversity
While most visitors know Gaining Ground for its vibrant rows of vegetables, flowers have quietly become an integral part of the farm. Flowers at Gaining Ground aren’t just beautiful, though. They’re an important part of how we farm sustainably — attracting pollinators, enriching biodiversity, and strengthening soil and plant resilience.
“Biodiversity is a key factor in how we build ecosystems on the farm,” explains Mark Congdon, Director of Agriculture. “We have multiple fields designated for flowers, including satellite plots in the Minute Man National Historical Park, and we also integrate them into hedgerows and landscaping.”
The selection of flowers is intentional, chosen for their ability to thrive in our climate while supporting pollinators and offering abundant blooms. Zinnias, sunflowers, celosia, dahlias, ageratum, marigolds, strawflowers, snapdragons, gomphrena, and echinacea bring vibrant textures and colors throughout the season. Herbs like Thai basil, mountain mint, dill, yarrow, and garlic chive blossoms are added when in bloom. The farm has also expanded perennial plantings—such as cardinal flower, marshmallow, blue vervain, and St. John’s wort—that provide long-term benefits for pollinators year after year.
While flowers strengthen the farm, they also strengthen our community. Volunteers are deeply involved in the process, from transplanting and weeding to pruning and deadheading, and many find joy in arranging bouquets.
“Bouquet making is a beautiful task that many volunteers love to be a part of,” Mark says. With help from the National Charity League, dozens of bouquets are crafted each week and shared with families through our Food for Families program.
It’s really special work, and the bouquets add so much joy for the families receiving them.
“The flowers are an added bonus! They make me happy every time,” a Food for Families guest told us, while another added “I love the flowers, they add cheer to my kitchen window sill.”
In bringing together ecology, beauty, and community, the flower program has become an indispensable part of Gaining Ground.
As Mark puts it: “They’re prolific, hearty, and provide so much more than just flowers—they help us grow food, biodiversity, and joy.”