Habitat Gardening Archives - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Habitat Gardening

What are some things to consider when planting native shrubs and flowers?

Question: I have a patch of open woods along the road that that has nothing except trees in it. A microburst blew down a lot of trees in this space a number of years ago. Could someone please give me advice about how to “landscape” it? Where should I plant native shrubs and flowers that […]

Should I plant wildflowers to attract and support bees?

Question: I have a property with some woods on it, which I think was logged back in the day. I’ve seen a few bees around and was wondering if it was wise to spread some native wildflowers around the area or would that be disruptive and give them an unfair advantage? Additionally, how far away […]

Should I mow my pollinator garden?

Question: I’ve planted flowers and left my yard unmown for several years for a pollinator garden. Some of my neighbors think I should mow it this year. Should I? If yes, how short? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional I’m assuming the issue is whether mowing is beneficial to the pollinator garden, and not […]

Where can I find native pollinator-friendly flowers?

Question: I have two small flower gardens in my yard. I would like to have native pollinator-friendly flowers, but I am struggling to find greenhouses/plant sales that have specifically native grown plants. Any ideas? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional My first advice is always to call local greenhouses and nurseries to see if […]

What aquatic and semi aquatic plants would you recommend to plant in and around the edge of a pond in order to help clean and filter the water?

Question: We have two ducks and to keep them happy and healthy, this winter I dug out a small pond for them. The pond is approximately 10′ by 18′ with varying depths of 12 to 30+ inches. It’s in a naturally low lying area that tends to be wet for a good part of the […]

What is native vine that would be attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators?

Question: We are looking for a native vine that will grow on a trellis and be attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. Most of the native vines we have seen have white flowers and therefore won’t help the hummingbirds. Early season bloom when food is scarce is ideal but any suggestions for anything suitable that would […]

What native shrubs or small trees would provide berries or fruit for birds in the winter?

Question: I am interested in native shrubs or small trees that would provide berries/fruit for birds in winter. What would you suggest? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Thank you for reaching out to the UMaine Cooperative Extension with your question.Furthermore, thank you for thinking of our native birds during winter and the ways in […]

What native flowers should be added to a perennial bed?

Question: I want to add to our perennial beds at our lakefront property but want to plant native plants. In there now are a bunch of hydrangea and peony and sea pea and bee balm and bleeding heart. There is a big bush with a trumpet like purple/pink flower that the hummingbirds are loving. What […]

If I have native plants that attract pollinators can I add in annuals and still become certified for a pollinator friendly garden?

Question: If I have native plants that attract pollinators can I add in annuals and still become certified for a pollinator friendly garden? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional What a great question! Pollinator-Friendly Garden Certification focuses on the essential things you need to have in your garden but no garden has […]

Is it too late to plant roses? Should I not cut back my Brown Eyed Susans to leave the seeds for the birds?

Question: Is it too late to plant roses? Should I not cut back my Brown Eyed Susans to leave the seeds for the birds? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant We recommend planting roses early in the year rather than late in order to give them ideal conditions to root in–there are some varieties that […]

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