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Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Habitat Gardening

Why aren’t any Monarchs coming to my milkweed?

Question: I’ve let milkweed grow in my vegetable garden, which I didn’t take time to plant this year. I pulled out half but left some for monarchs, esp. since our new neighbor keeps the adjacent field mowed, instead of letting all the native plants grow. I thought the monarchs would have arrived by now, but […]

How do I attract and provide homes for bees?

Question: I want to make some bee hotels for my yard in Old Town. However, I don’t know which species are best for gardens and their nesting preferences. I want to ensure that I am attracting/homing the right bees. Answer: Tori Lee Jackson, Extension Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maine Cooperative Extension […]

Is it acceptable to plant butterfly bushes in Maine if they are sterile?

Question: Is it acceptable to plant butterfly bushes in Maine if they are sterile? Answer: Lynne Holland, Community Education Assistant (Home Horticulture), Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties That is a great question and it also brings up a problem we often face-the use of common names for items that have both invasive and non-invasive members in […]

What’s your advice on creating native pollinator houses for mason bees, butterflies and ladybugs?

Question: I am writing an article for my garden club about creating native pollinator houses for mason bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. I am looking for do’s and don’ts, materials to use, and where to position it in the yard/garden. Also, care and maintenance. Answer: Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator, Hancock County The following UMaine Extension bulletin […]

Do you know of any good pollinator trees that are native to Maine?

Question: Do you know of any good pollinator trees that are native to Maine that I could use in coastal Cumberland County? Answer: Majorie Peronto, Extension Educator, Hancock County Thank you for your great question! In his book Bringing Nature Home, University of Delaware Entomologist and Professor Douglas Tallamy shares his research on native trees […]

What’s the best way to manage a meadow so as to encourage a variety of native plants?

Question: Should a meadow be mowed and if so when and why? I am trying to encourage and maintain a native meadow. I have been here for over one year now. We haven’t mowed this spring or summer except over the leach field in front of the house and to maintain paths. This summer with […]

Can you recommend any low growing shrubs that will tolerate shade and preferably flower and attract birds?

Question: I am looking for several fairly low growing shrubs that will tolerate shade and preferably flower and attract birds. I want to separate my planned shade garden from my shady wilderness. Answer: I would suggest going with a Viburnum for your site, especially if you are interested in attracting birds and other wildlife. Maple-leaf […]

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