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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Habitat Gardening

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 […]

How do you eradicate knotweed and replace with a native plant?

Question: I have an area about 200 square feet where we cut, treated and then scraped out knotweed this fall. We know it will be a constant battle to try to completely eradicate for the next few years but would like to replant the area with something native and invasive-ish to help with squeezing out […]

Can you suggest a short shrub that will attract birds?

Question: I am interested in planting a shrub or two in my yard that will attract multiple kinds of birds. I would prefer the shrub to grow no taller than 8 feet in height. My yard has sunny and shady areas. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Vina Lindley, Food Systems and Home Horticulture Professional […]

Which native species tree should I plant in my backyard?

Question: I am not sure if you cover this type of question, but here goes! 🙂 I would like to plant a tree in my backyard and I want to ensure that I plant something that is native and supportive to the wildlife in my town of Westbook — do you have any suggestions? Perhaps […]

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