Habitat Gardening Archives - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Habitat Gardening

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 […]

Which serviceberry is best suited for my yard and where would I find it?

Question: I would like to plant a serviceberry shrub/tree in my yard. Which serviceberry is best suited for pruning as a tree and where would I find it? Maine Audubon sells Amelanchier canadensis but none of the other varieties. Would this work as a small tree or are there local nurseries that would have other […]

What are the reasons you should buy native plants from a nursery rather than a box store?

Question: Can you help me explain why native plants from a nursery are better than native plants from box stores? The buy local topic is already understandable. I’m thinking more of quality of plants or other possible factors. Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional We want to encourage people to use whatever is […]

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