A Blooming Success: 2026 Spring Plant Sale Recap

On Saturday, May 9, Durham Grass came alive with color, conversation, and the unmistakable hum of a neighborhood gathering. Despite overcast skies, our 2026 Spring Plant Sale drew a steady stream of visitors from across the South End and Back Bay — proof that a little spring weather uncertainty is no match for Boston gardeners on a mission.

From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, white canopy tents lined the grass between Durham Street and West Rutland Square, offering herbs, vegetables, annuals, perennials, houseplants, and more. Whether you came for a single 4" pot or left with arms full of greenery for a window box, there was something for every level of gardener.

Neighbors browse the plant tables at Durham Grass. Photo courtesy of Senator Nick Collins' office.

Plants, Payments, and Plenty of Personality

Tables overflowed with carefully selected stock — from silvery dusty miller and cheerful yellow mums to vegetable seedlings and flowering annuals ready for a summer show. Our volunteers made checkout easy with cash, checks, credit cards, and Venmo, and the cashier station stayed busy all morning.

Volunteers kept checkout running smoothly under the tents. Photo: Robert Barney.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew had spent the week sourcing and organizing inventory. The preparation paid off: by sale day, racks were stocked and ready, and the team was all smiles.

Inventory staged and ready ahead of sale day. Photo courtesy of Senator Nick Collins' office.

A moment of celebration after a successful load-in. Photo courtesy of Senator Nick Collins' office.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

This event simply would not happen without the people who show up early, stay late, and make everyone feel welcome. We are deeply grateful to every volunteer who worked the sale — including those who signed up at the cashier table:

• Dina Smirnova
• Amy Dablemont Burnes
• Rachel Faye Smith
• Artis Phillips
• Ally Morgentau
• Chelsea Faircloth
• Pearl Xie
• Jani Witko
• Ann Marie Bashore
• Hilary Malecha
• Heidi Mizenko

And to the many additional neighbors who pitched in behind the tables, carried plants, and spread the word. You are the heart of the Conservancy.

Volunteers at the plant sale. Photo: Robert Barney.

Community Support

We are also grateful to our 2026 Plant Sale sponsors — Northeastern University and Copley House — whose support helps us fund the gardens, paths, and programs that make the Corridor a resource for everyone.

Senator Nick Collins' office joined us on the day as well, helping document the event and connect with neighbors. Community events like this one are built on exactly that kind of partnership.

Sale day setup at Durham Grass. Photo: Robert Barney.

Mark Your Calendar for Next Year

If you missed this year's sale — or picked up a few plants and already want more — stay tuned. The Spring Plant Sale is one of our most important fundraisers, and every purchase directly supports the 31 gardens and green spaces the Conservancy stewards along the Corridor.

In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to stay involved:

• Volunteer with us — garden stewardship, events, and more
• Explore the Corridor — discover the 31 community gardens we maintain
• Support our mission — your donation keeps the park thriving year-round

Thank you to everyone who came out on May 9. You helped us raise funds for the park, connect with neighbors, and fill Boston's window boxes and community gardens with something green and growing.

See you in the Corridor.

---

The Southwest Corridor Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.