Ongoing Initiatives
Riverwalk Planting Beds
Pollinator and ornamental gardens along the Cocheco Riverwalk in Rochester NH, planted and maintained with the Lilac City Gardeners.
Along the Cocheco Riverwalk, pollinator and ornamental beds turn a riverside stroll into something worth slowing down for. We maintain them in partnership with the Lilac City Gardeners, formerly the Rochester Garden Club, whose volunteers have adopted the pollinator gardens as part of their mission of horticulture, education, and community beautification.
What grows there
The beds mix pollinator plantings, which do the quiet work of supporting bees and butterflies all season, with ornamental color that makes the Riverwalk photograph well from spring through fall. The Gardeners bring the horticulture know-how, Rochester Main Street brings materials and muscle, and the City keeps the walk itself in shape.
Rochester Main Street is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the Lilac City Gardeners, supporting their growth and their work bringing lasting beauty to the downtown and the whole city.
A season of volunteer days
Each season brings weeding, mulching, and new plantings, and volunteer days are a great way to get your hands dirty for downtown. The same crews touch the downtown planters and the Central Square beds, so one volunteer habit covers a lot of blooming ground.
Want to join a planting day, or dedicate a bed in someone’s name? Get in touch.
Riverwalk Planting Beds: your questions answered
Who maintains the Riverwalk planting beds?
Rochester Main Street volunteers together with the Lilac City Gardeners, the local garden club we fiscally sponsor. The Gardeners have adopted the pollinator gardens along the Riverwalk as part of their beautification mission.
Can I garden downtown without joining a club?
Absolutely. Seasonal volunteer days handle weeding, mulching, and new plantings, and anyone can show up. Check the volunteer page for the next one; gloves and mulch are provided.
More ongoing initiatives
Downtown Seating
Benches and bistro tables along the Cocheco Riverwalk and downtown sidewalks make Rochester NH a place to sit, read, and stay a while.
Dog Waste Stations
Free pickup bags at dog waste stations across downtown Rochester NH keep the sidewalks and Riverwalk clean and dog-friendly.
Santa Series
Rochester NH's holiday lineup: Shop Small Saturday with Santa, the cookie raffle, and Elf Off The Shelf, late November through December.
