Our goals are to care for several highly visible public spaces in Waban and keep them welcoming, healthy, and attractive throughout the growing season.
Our primary focus, as it has been for decades since Gail Wintersteiner took this on, is on three key areas:
The Library Grounds
Keeping our beloved library landscape fresh, tidy, and well-maintained.
The Berm at the MBTA Parking Lot
Improving the appearance of this important entryway into our community.
Waban Square Peninsula and Island
Bringing consistent care, color, and attention to these prominent planting areas.
The City provides targeted mulching each year in these three locations, and that support gives us a helpful foundation. But mulching alone is not enough to keep these spaces looking their best. To maintain them properly, regular hands-on gardening and cleanup are still needed over the course of the season.
The work ahead includes several core maintenance tasks:
Deadheading
Removing spent flowers from perennials such as iris, daylilies, and peonies after they bloom. This keeps beds looking cared for and helps prevent plantings from appearing tired or untended.
Cutting Back Perennials
Tidying plants such as daylilies after flowering, especially when foliage begins to brown or collapse. This helps maintain a cleaner, healthier appearance in heavily used public spaces.
Weeding and Invasive Plant Control
Addressing invasive plants, including bittersweet and pepper vine (black swallowwort), as well as the many tree-of-heaven seedlings found across from the former Starbucks. This is one of the most important ongoing needs, as these species can quickly take over if left unchecked.
General Neatening and Cleanup
Removing dead branches, dead wood from shrubs and beds, fallen debris, and litter. Routine cleanup makes a visible difference and helps these shared spaces feel cared for.
In addition to regular maintenance, there are a few seasonal tasks that would further improve the condition of these areas:
Transplanting and Dividing
In the fall, we hope to divide and relocate certain perennials where needed. We also expect to thin some of the milkweed in the small bed by Bank of America. While it attracts butterflies, it can spread aggressively and may need to be managed carefully.
Pruning
Cutting back drooping or overly tall branches on the forsythia bushes so they remain shapely and do not overwhelm surrounding plantings.
Beyond this routine work, we are also looking at additional landscaping improvements at the Waban Library, where there may be opportunities for further enhancement over time.
We also want to highlight that the Waban Common—our new park opposite Angier and the churches—needs attention as well. That space will require its own care and stewardship as it becomes more established. In addition, there is work to be considered along the Quinobequin, which we plan to address separately.
All of this adds up to a simple goal: preserving and improving the appearance of the public spaces that help define Waban. These places matter. They shape first impressions, contribute to neighborhood pride, and make daily life here more pleasant for everyone.
We are grateful to all who have already contributed time and effort to keeping Waban beautiful. If you are interested in helping with any of these tasks—whether occasionally or on a more regular basis—we would be glad to hear from you. Even a small amount of help can make a meaningful difference.
Newton Serves PROJECT Registration LINK
Volunteer registration will open March 16, 2026
