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photo of New England Asters
“I love the New England Aster (seen here) because it allows for bees to have food going into winter,” says CSHL Horticulturalist Riley McKenna. “It’s a nice bright color. They have a lot of varieties, and they’re native to our region.”

HarborScope blog

Among the wildflowers

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As summer transitions to fall, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s (CSHL’s) lower roadway becomes a kaleidoscope of color. Near the Luke and Wawepex buildings, where road meets seawall, flowers of all shapes and sizes bloom. Whether on a walking tour, attending a Meetings and Courses program, or simply taking a break, the area makes for an ideal stopping point to relax and take in the harbor. Just mind the bees and the butterflies—they’re only trying to do their jobs.

“Those vibrant flowers have been a wonderful addition to the Laboratory’s landscape,” says RK Narayanan, Senior Director at CSHL’s Office of Business Development & Technology Transfer. “I’ve always found that area to be particularly peaceful. And the flowers have enhanced its inherent beauty.”

photo of Luke and Wawapex
The area by the Luke and Wawepex buildings before (left) and after (right) the seawall restoration. “It’s a great place to have lunch or relax and look at the water if you’re having a rough day,” CSHL Horticulturalist Riley McKenna says.

CSHL completed restoration work on its 174-year-old seawall in 2022. Once the construction crews were gone, it was time to spruce the place back up. Prior to the renovation, the area had been nothing but green. CSHL’s on-staff horticulturalists saw an opportunity to add a little more color.

“These flowers are all Northeast natives,” CSHL Horticulturalist Agnes P. Cwalina says. “They’re attracting native species of bees. Birds are stopping by on migration to eat the seeds. If plants aren’t being eaten by birds, bugs, or bees, there’s something wrong. That means the plant isn’t good for what lives around us. The beautiful thing also is that these are perennials. They’ll be coming back year after year.”

photo of bumble bee on flower
Native pollinators like bumble bees, seen here, and other beneficial insects are essential workers in any healthy ecosystem. They cut down on pests and help local plants reproduce.

Since 1890, CSHL and its predecessors have been stewards of the local environment. This responsibility goes beyond mere preservation work. CSHL’s dedicated grounds crew and horticulturalists labor year-round to ensure the area’s health and beauty lasts beyond the current season.

“Right plant, right place is the biggest thing,” CSHL Horticulturalist Riley McKenna says. “It’s easier to work with nature than against nature. Native species, like the flowers by the seawall, are just better. They’re more drought tolerant. They’ve adapted to the area. Cold Spring Habor has a maritime climate. There’s a lot of moisture and salt. But because we have the water, there’s also so much biodiversity. We’re very lucky to see all this every day.”

photo of wildflowers near the CSHL seawall
“Cold Spring Harbor’s natural landscape is exquisitely complemented by the seawall’s colorful and varied flower types, making for an absolutely charming scene,” Narayanan says. “It’s a testament to the lab’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inspiring workspace.”

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