Check susceptible species, such as Viburnum dentatum, Viburnum opulus, and Viburnum trilobum for larvae early in June. Spray each week for 2-3 weeks, as soon as young larvae are seen. Be sure to get good, full coverage of all foliage surfaces. In the fall, look for...
Proper site preparation is important for the prompt germination of seed and the healthy growth of seedlings. Best results will be obtained by planting on cleared ground. Remove existing vegetation to avoid competition from other plants. This may be done by pulling,...
Select the correct type of grass seed for the amount of sun in the area you are seeding. Most commercial grade seed will have this information on the package. For instance, mixes containing a lot of Kentucky Blue Grass will not thrive in heavy shade; it needs at least...
PLANTS for COVER Plant species & Birds that benefit Abies (fir) — tanagers, grosbeaks and robins Alnus (alder) — several including blue jay Andropogon (bluestem) — quail Crataegus (hawthorn) — cardinals, hummingbirds and other small birds Ilex (holly) — several...
Fruit trees are a great addition to your landscape. They provide both beauty and a satisfying harvest. Strolling by a flowering tree, with its rich sweet fragrance, can only add to your enjoyment of springtime. The flavor of freshly picked fruit, from perhaps a rarer...
Compost is merely the end product of controlled decay. Organic matter, water, and microbes are mixed in appropriate percentages, thus optimizing conditions for fast production of a healthy soil conditioner, a light, rich loam. 1. Save kitchen scraps, including coffee...
The sight of a well-planned and lovingly tended perennial border or rock garden makes many gardeners decide that they must have one (or more) of their own. But where to begin? First, take time to walk over your property. Observe the amount of sun at different times of...
The white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi Peck), which kills the tops of conifers, is the most serious insect pest of the white pine (Pinus strobus), in Maine. HOST TREES: The weevil also attacks: Norway Spruce (Picea abies), Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), jack...
All of the over 4,000 species and hybrids of Rhododendron (ro-do-DEN-dron) grown in America need the right conditions to thrive. A cool, moist climate, with plenty of atmospheric moisture, and acidic soil, with ample moisture, will ensure a robust plant. Due to these...
Although there are many types of Lilies their culture remains similar. Sun: Full sun with the base of the plant in shade. Water freely during active growth and apply a high-potash liquid fertilizer (5-10-5) in spring and again before bloom. Soil: Well-drained, deeply...
HISTORY: The Asian Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii) is native to Europe and is believed to have been brought to the United States on bulbs shipped from Europe. This beetle was discovered in Canada in 1945 and arrived in Massachusetts in 1992. IDENTIFICATION: The lily...
View the symptoms, causes & remedies for common garden disease problems.
June-bearers are most widely planted.They produce one crop per year, the majority of the fruit ripening in June. Everbearing strawberry typically produce a spring and fall crop with little flowering or fruiting in summer months. Day-neutral strawberry varieties...
View our fertilizer recommendations in a handy chart.
Butterflies are looking for the nectar (the fluid they use as food) and a host plant where the female lays her eggs. Butterflies are attracted to flowers that have pink, red, purple, yellow, or orange flowers. The type of flowers that they prefer have clusters of...
Lupinus (Loo-PY-nus). Few sights are more “downeast Maine” than fields and roadsides graced with Lupines in June and July. Hybrids of these aristocratic spires are valuable for adding a bold, vertical effect in the perennial border. Each perfect spike carries closely...
The Rugosa Rose came to us from the Orient, and has been transformed into a landscape work horse. These roses are cold hardy, insect and disease resistant, and have excellent flower, fruit, foliage, form and fall color characteristics. R. rugosas are a mounding shrub,...
View the symptoms, causes & remedies for common garden insect problems.
Some of the most beautiful flowering plants we can grow in our temperate gardens are the Clematis (KLEM-a-tis), both vine and shrub forms.
Help your plants weather the cold temperatures using these tips.
See the list of Maine Native Plants.
How, when & why to prune your conifers.
Deer resistant plants are varieties of plants that deer will most likely not bother. See our list of Deer Resistant plants.
The things needed and guidelines for planting trees & shrubs.
Annuals are plants which grow to maturity and bloom within a few months of seeding. Their life span is completed within one growing season. They are the mainstay of the summer garden, providing continuous bloom all summer in garden beds, containers, window boxes, and...
After planting, you must provide the proper care for your landscape. You cannot ignore your investment! Assuming the soil has been well prepared and the right plants have been chosen to match the site conditions, careful attention to maintenance should be undertaken....