Habitat Gardening Archives - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Habitat Gardening

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 […]

Are there native wildflower seed packages that can be sprinkled to plant that are helpful for pollinators?

Question: I’d like to grow more wildflowers that are helpful for pollinators and/or native to Maine and are just nice to have. I was wondering if there are general mixed seed packages that can be bought to just sprinkle around for the above purposes. Any thoughts, tips, suggestions? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture […]

Would you please give advice on how to begin an overall landscaping design and how to purchase soil?

Question: I want to start planting perennials and some bushes and I need advice with: 1. Overall landscaping plan 2. What kind of soil to get delivered for the plants? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Start here – Designing Your Landscape for Maine. This Bulletin will walk you through all the things you want […]

Are there any references available about pollinators?

Question: I am the founder of a community garden and we are looking to start our season with a presentation on pollinators and bee friendly gardening. We would like to see if you have any references? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant That’s great! You should definitely check out our Pollinator Program webpage which has a lot […]

How do I determine the best trees for my lot?

Question: I will be landscaping my yard and want to put lots of trees on the land. How do I go about figuring out which trees are best? How do I “reforest” a small lot? Answer: Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thanks for your question – sounds like an exciting project! The first thing […]

Should large invasive trees be removed and replaced with native species?

Question: I’ve been slowly working over the last few years to remove a rather large amount of invasive plant species dotting my property and replacing them with alternative species. I’ve got several different kinds, but the three most pervasive are Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Norway Maples, and Multiflora Rose. They’ve taken over everything, and have all […]

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