NORTHBOROUGH, MA — A garden pairing children's books with hands-on lessons about plants and nature has earned regional recognition.
The Storybook Garden at the Northborough Free Library received a 2026 Community Greening Award from New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, State Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne announced on Tuesday. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, municipalities and community organizations that create sustainable, usable green spaces, according to the Botanic Garden.
The garden transformed a previously unused area near the library entrance. Visitors can explore five grow bags, each based on a children's book and filled with plants connected to its theme.
The project also includes a Storybook Garden Club, where children learn about science and nature through indoor lessons and hands-on activities in and around the garden.
The Storybook Garden was one of five projects named as 2026 Community Greening Award recipients.
Awardees receive a one-year membership to New England Botanic Garden, a greening certificate and professional hand pruners. They were recognized as part of the Worcester County Horticultural Society's 185th annual meeting on June 25, according to the organization.
"We are so lucky to have community spaces like the Storybook Garden in the district," Kilcoyne said in announcing the award. "Congratulations to the Northborough Free Public Library and thank you to the New England Botanic Garden for such an amazing event."
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