Transforming streets into vibrant pollinator habitats

We are passionate about creating beautiful and sustainable gardens along the streets of our city. Our goal is to transform road medians into vibrant pollinator habitats using native plants.

Roberts PTO Fundraiser

Welcome to the Roberts PTO Native Plant Fundraiser—where every plant you purchase helps support our school and our environment.

We’re offering a wide selection of pollinator-friendly, low-maintenance native perennials, all grown in 2″ x 5″ plugs. These compact but resilient plants are perfect for home gardens, containers, or naturalizing a yard space. Each one supports local pollinators and is well-suited to our climate and soils.

All items in the “Roberts PTO Fundraiser” category directly support the Roberts Elementary PTO, funding enrichment programs, events, and classroom resources for our students.

What’s Available

This year’s fundraiser includes a thoughtful mix of sun- and shade-tolerant natives, including:

  • Butterfly favorites like Butterfly Weed and Blazing Star
  • Pollinator powerhouses like Foxglove Beardtongue, Sweet Goldenrod, and Wild Petunia
  • Woodland-friendly blooms like Wild Columbine, Eastern Beebalm, and Hairy Beardtongue
  • Essential milkweeds for monarchs, including Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Weed

We’ve chosen these species for their beauty, ecological value, and adaptability. If there’s a particular native plant you’d like that isn’t listed, let us know—we may be able to source it!

Ordering & Pickup

You can order in advance right here on the website or shop in person during the sale. Online orders will be available for pickup at any of the Roberts PTO Native Plant Sale events:

  • May 30 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
  • May 31 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • June 1 – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

How You Can Give or Receive a Plant

We want this fundraiser to be as inclusive as possible. You can:

  • Donate a plant: Purchase a plant that will be offered free to a Roberts Elementary student or family who may not be able to participate in the sale this year.
  • Request a donated plant: If your family would enjoy a native plant but cost is a barrier, you’re warmly invited to request one. No questions asked—supplies are limited, and we’ll confirm availability once orders are processed.
  • Unclaimed donated plants will be planted in the Roberts school garden or shared with a local native plant garden.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full selection of native plants and donation options here:
Go to the Shop ›

Thank you for helping our students grow—and helping our gardens bloom.

Upcoming Events

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Plant

Join us for a planting day! Check the calendar for upcoming dates.

Water

Help these plants while they get established! Help water during dry weather.

Donate

Plants and Supplies

Have any extra plants from our plant list or supplies?
Send them our way!

Funds

Donations will fund plants, compost, and routine maintenance.

Native Pollinator Spaces are Important

Native pollinator gardens are an essential part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Pollinator gardens are designed to attract bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, bats, and even hummingbirds, which play a vital role in pollination. Many of these pollinators are habitat-specific, and the loss of habitat that provides sites for overwintering, foraging for pollen and nectar, or nesting can be detrimental to these species.

These pollinators also create a foundation for the entire local food chain. Many insects eat only native plants as larvae, and most birds rely on insects for part of their life. By planting native pollinator gardens, we can provide the food and habitat that these animals need to thrive, which in turn helps to strengthen the entire local ecosystem.

Pollination
Biodiversity
Conservation
Sustainability

Why Plant in Road Medians?

 
Planting pollinator gardens in road medians is an excellent way to create important habitat for pollinators in urban and suburban areas. Not only does it beautify the city and create a more inviting atmosphere for pedestrians and drivers alike, but it also provides an opportunity for locals to learn about the importance of pollinators and the role they play in our ecosystem.
 
Additionally, these gardens help to connect habitats for pollinators, allowing them to travel between parks and green spaces with ease. This is important in urban areas where green space can be fragmented, and pollinators may struggle to find enough food and habitat to thrive. Overall, planting pollinator gardens in road medians is an easy and effective way to create more sustainable and livable urban environments.

Meet Some of the Plants

Here are a few plants from our first Medford Medians Pollinator Project on Governors Ave. 

We chose these plants for their drought resistance, ability to handle salt, and bloom times.

Butterfly weed's bright orange flowers are a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Butterfly weed leaves are also the preferred food source for their larvae, making it a host plant for monarch butterflies. This plant is easy to care for and can tolerate drought conditions, making it a great choice for a low-maintenance pollinator garden.
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
New England Blazing Star produces striking purple flower spikes that attract a wide range of pollinators. It's a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to care for. New England blazing star blooms in late summer, providing a much-needed source of nectar for pollinators during a time when few other plants are in bloom.
New England Blazing Star
Liatris novae-angliae
New England Aster produces masses of daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and blue in the late summer and early fall. It draws in many pollinators, while also providing a habitat for the Crescent butterfly. New England Aster is a great addition to any pollinator garden, not only for its beauty but also for its value as a late-season nectar source for pollinators before winter arrives.
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Black-Eyed Susan's bright yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This hardy perennial blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing a long season of nectar and pollen. Black-Eyed Susan' is low maintenance and drought tolerant once established, making it a great addition to any garden.
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida
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