{"id":8636,"date":"2017-08-01T07:00:19","date_gmt":"2017-08-01T11:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/?p=8636"},"modified":"2021-07-28T09:53:57","modified_gmt":"2021-07-28T13:53:57","slug":"maine-home-garden-news-august-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2017\/08\/01\/maine-home-garden-news-august-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Maine Home Garden News &#8212; August 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#month\">August Is the Month to . . .<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-1\">Northern Bayberry: A Resilient, Functional Native Shrub for the Sunny Maine Garden<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-2\">Not Your Grandmother\u2019s Cutting Garden<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-3\">Fair Season in Maine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#article-4\">Food &amp; Nutrition: The Cost of Preserving in Maine<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"month\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>August Is the Month to . . .<\/h2>\n<p><em>By <i>Cathryn Kloetzli, Extension Professional in Agriculture and Food Systems,<\/i> UMaine Extension Oxford County<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Harvest Season is in full swing!<\/b> Check out this table, which gives an overview on <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/garden-to-lunchroom\/storing-garden-produce\/\">how best to store and wash fresh fruits and vegetables<\/a> to maintain excellent flavor and quality until you eat them.<\/li>\n<li><b>Bring summertime taste to your winter table!<\/b> To preserve your garden surplus this year, &nbsp;use this information to help you <a href=\"http:\/\/nchfp.uga.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">can, freeze, dry, smoke, ferment and more<\/a>!\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4078e\/\">Let\u2019s Preserve: Food Canning Basics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4383e\/\">Freezing Fruits <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/nchfp.uga.edu\/publications\/publications_usda.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Feeling unsure about doing food preservation for the first time?<\/b> Want to take a refresher course? Attend a <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/food-preservation\/hands-on-workshops\/\">hands-on food preservation workshop<\/a> to learn the ropes.<\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8657\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"young boy helps himself to a cherry tomato at the farmers market\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-423x281.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-634x422.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-846x563.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief-951x632.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/farmers-market-thief.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Buy local. <\/b>Find a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.getrealmaine.com\/index.cfm\/fuseaction\/farmersMarkets.directory\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">farmers market near you<\/a>.<b> &nbsp;<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Help keep invasive plants at bay<\/b>. Brush up on <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2536e\/\">why invasive plants are such a problem<\/a> and learn about actions you can start doing today.<\/li>\n<li><b>Protect and build soil health<\/b>. Add &#8220;green manures,&#8221; aka <a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/soiltestinglab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/227\/2016\/07\/Covercrops-Lois.pdf\">cover crops (PDF)<\/a>, which you till into the garden. They outcompete weeds, add nutrients, conserve water, preserve soil structure, enhance microbial action in the soil, contribute organic matter, and more.<\/li>\n<li><b>Keep on seeding! <\/b>If you\u2019re in the southern Maine region, Jean English, of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, included a great schedule for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/resources\/seeds\/order-seeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">seeding vegetables throughout the growing season<\/a>. Or you can use these &#8220;plant&#8221; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.johnnyseeds.com\/growers-library\/online-tools-calculators.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">calculators<\/a> to figure succession planting dates based on your specific frost date information.<\/li>\n<li><b>Want fresh veggies for a few more weeks?<\/b> Learn about how to <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2752e\/\">extend the gardening season<\/a> and get your garden going earlier in the spring and later into the fall.<\/li>\n<li><b>Spruce up your lawn. <\/b>Handle a few <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2367e\/\">trouble spots or reseed your lawn<\/a>.<b> <\/b>The best time to seed a lawn is from mid-August through mid-September. Late August is also the time to introduce <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/dacf\/php\/gotpests\/bugs\/documents\/nematodes-for-grub-control-maine.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">beneficial nematodes (PDF)<\/a> for a biological approach to grub control.<\/li>\n<li><b>Hurray for the good bugs!<\/b> Over 97 percent of insects usually seen in the home landscape are either beneficial or are \u201cinnocent bystanders\u201d &#8212; not pests. <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/7150e\/\">Managing our yards as habitat for beneficials<\/a> is a great way to minimize pest problems, often greatly reducing or eliminating pesticides.<\/li>\n<li><b>Stay ahead of pests. <\/b>The sooner pests are identified, the more successful any control measures applied will be. Please contact <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/county-offices\/\">your county office<\/a> if you\u2019d like help with identification and information on how to manage plant pest insects and diseases. &nbsp;You may also want to check out common <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/ipddl\/publications\/\">plant pests and plant diseases<\/a> in Maine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"article-1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Northern Bayberry: A Resilient, Functional Native Shrub for the Sunny Maine Garden<\/h2>\n<p><em>By Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator, UMaine Extension Hancock County<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Morella pensylvanica<\/em>, aka <em>Myrica pensylvanica<\/em> (Northern Bayberry) is a native shrub that grows wild from Newfoundland to Maryland. Although it is reliably evergreen in its southern range, it is typically deciduous or semi-evergreen in Maine. Along the rocky coast in Acadia National Park, northern bayberry forms immense colonies of windswept, salt-sprayed plants that reach only two feet in height.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"8649\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8649\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1.jpg\" alt=\"A colony of Morella pensylvanica grows along the coast in Acadia National Park.\" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1.jpg 767w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1-105x72.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1-317x216.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1-423x288.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-1-634x432.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,767px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A colony of <em>Morella pensylvanica<\/em> grows along the coast in Acadia National Park. Photo by Reeser Manley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Because of its ability to tolerate heat and drought once established, landscapers often select this shrub when faced with poor sandy soils where few other plants will grow. When planted in a full sun garden with rich soil and adequate water, it can grow well over six feet tall and wide. All parts of this plant have a spicy scent when crushed. In our garden, on a warm August afternoon, we cannot pass by the bayberries without running our hands along the leaves to savor the spicy scent. This is one of many reasons why we planted them; for the bold texture, dark green color, and delicious aroma of the summer foliage.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"8651\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8651\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2.jpg\" alt=\"Northern bayberry has bold, glossy, aromatic summer foliage.\" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2.jpg 767w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2-105x72.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2-317x216.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2-423x288.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-2-634x432.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,767px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Northern bayberry has bold, glossy, aromatic summer foliage. Photo by Reeser Manley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Northern bayberry is a must for the bird garden. Because of its suckering habit, it forms dense thickets which serve as a nesting site for songbirds, offering excellent protection from raccoons and other nest predators.<\/p>\n<p>The small gray waxy-coated berries borne in clusters along the stem are a preferred winter food of chickadees, red-bellied woodpeckers, tree swallows, catbirds, bluebirds, and yellow-rumped warblers. The fragrant waxy coating is also used to scent bayberry candles. Northern bayberry is typically dioecious, with only female plants bearing fruit. Include at least one male plant in your landscape to ensure adequate pollination. The best time to purchase bayberry plants is in the fall when the females are fruiting, which makes it easy to distinguish between males and females.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"8652\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8652\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3.jpg\" alt=\"In addition to its wildlife value, the fruit of northern bayberry is used to scent candle wax.\" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3.jpg 767w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3-105x72.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3-317x216.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3-423x288.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-3-634x432.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,767px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In addition to its wildlife value, the fruit of northern bayberry is used to scent candle wax. Photo by Reeser Manley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The following photographs were taken along a winding bayberry-lined drive leading up to the Cape Cod home of Patricia Crow and James Hadley. The bayberry served as a foil for colorful herbaceous perennials and shrubs, all selected for their ability to nourish wildlife.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"8653\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8653\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4.jpg\" alt=\"An informal bayberry hedge forms the perfect foil for butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum \u2018Becky\u2019), and the bold-textured flower clusters of oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia). \" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4.jpg 767w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4-105x72.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4-317x216.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4-423x288.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-4-634x432.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,767px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An informal bayberry hedge forms the perfect foil for butterfly bush (<em>Buddleia davidii<\/em>), shasta daisies (<em>Leucanthemum x<\/em> <em>superbum <\/em>\u2018Becky\u2019), and the bold-textured flower clusters of oakleaf hydrangeas (<em>Hydrangea quercifolia<\/em>). Photo by Reeser Manley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"8654\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8654\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5.jpg\" alt=\"The fruits of American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) add a splash of color to the bayberry hedge. \" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5.jpg 767w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5-105x72.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5-317x216.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5-423x288.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/bayberry-5-634x432.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,767px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The fruits of American cranberrybush viburnum (<em>Viburnum opulus var. americanum<\/em>) add a splash of color to the bayberry hedge. Photo by Reeser Manley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A striking combination we see growing naturally along the coast of Maine is northern bayberry with one of New England\u2019s native roses (either the Carolina rose (<em>Rosa carolina<\/em>) or Virginia rose (<em>R. virginiana<\/em>)). The dark green foliage of bayberry makes an excellent foil for the simple pink flowers, deep red autumn leaves, and bright red hips of these roses.<\/p>\n<p>Writing about bayberry also brings to mind a late summer discovery along the rugged coast of Vinalhaven, of bayberry and staghorn sumac (<em>Rhus typhina<\/em>) growing together. The dark red pyramidal fruit clusters of sumac surrounded by the bold bright green of bayberry foliage formed an image impossible to forget.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"article-2\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Not Your Grandmother\u2019s Cutting Garden<\/h2>\n<p><em>By Lynne Holland, Community Education Assistant (Home Horticulture), UMaine Extension Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8666\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-300x170.jpg\" alt=\"peonies in bloom\" width=\"300\" height=\"170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-105x59.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-317x179.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-423x239.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-634x358.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-846x478.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-951x537.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>In old crime films when they have no leads, they round up the \u201cusual suspects\u201d and try to pin it on one of them. While snow is still on the ground and plans are being made for the gardening season ahead, cutting gardens are not unlike that mystery with no clues &#8212; gardeners often fall back to the \u201cusual suspects.\u201d As a floral designer with more decades of experience than I care to admit, I have always challenged myself to expand the definition of floral arranging options to keep things interesting throughout the year. My definition of and choices for a cutting garden might surprise you.<\/p>\n<p>Several challenges pop up when designing a cutting garden. The first challenge is to plan for having plenty of material for arrangements available at the same time in the space that you have to work with. Secondly, gardeners should be prepared to trial and embrace options they hadn\u2019t considered in the past. Last, is the mission of finding greenery and accent material that lasts as long as the flowers. Addressing those options takes planning, vision, some luck, and a sense of adventure. So let\u2019s take these challenges one at a time and see how to address them in your unique landscape.<\/p>\n<p>Many cutting gardens are full of annuals because, generally, annuals produce flowers quickly and are more likely to re-bloom than most perennials. A number of seed suppliers have entire sections on their websites and in their catalog for cut flower seeds; Johnny\u2019s, Harris, Burpee, Swallowtail, and Seed Savers all have content dedicated to the cut flower crowd. These resources can offer some great inspiration for expanding your horticultural palate. In general, cutting garden flowers should have stems of 15\u201d or more and be able to survive out of the garden in a vase for several days. Another factor to consider is the ability to remove leaves or other parts of the flower that might be underwater to minimize bacterial growth. In many types of plants, pinching growing stems will encourage branching and longer stems in most varieties (ex: snapdragons, zinnias, cosmos, some sunflowers). Although it may be painful to snip the tip of that new plant around the Fourth of July, you will be rewarded in a few weeks with three or four long stems of flowers rather than one single flower.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8667\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-300x176.jpg\" alt=\"border garden in bloom\" width=\"300\" height=\"176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-768x451.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-105x62.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-317x186.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-423x248.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-634x372.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-846x497.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1-951x558.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/lynne-garden-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>First blooms of most annuals will appear in mid to late July and any real abundance of flowers may not arise until early August. This is where a selection of perennials (bulbs, herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs) can play a big role in offering material all year round. The use of bulbs is a trick long used in Dutch and English gardens. Bulbs planted in fall such as daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips produce the first focal flowers of the season. Other, less known bulbs planted in the fall that can add interest and uniqueness to your bouquets include Belladonna Lily (resurrection or naked lady lily), Camassia (Indian Hyacinth), Crocosmia, and many varieties of allium. Summer planted bulbs and tubers that will fill in your later bouquets include gladioli, tuberose, and a myriad of dahlias.<\/p>\n<p>Potted plants from the winter will also produce flowers for vases. Amaryllis, forced daffodils or hyacinths or even some exotic flowers can fill your vases late in the fall or early in the winter. One of my favorite flowers to use in small vases is the miniature rose. The plants found in the supermarket floral departments are frequently hardy so I cut the flowers as they bloom indoors then plant it early in the spring when the ground thaws. I\u2019ve found that some tend to produce several long stems (9\u201d-12\u201d) in the second season with multiple buds &#8212; perfect for a desk or bedside table.<\/p>\n<p>Standby garden plants such as peonies, hydrangeas, and butterfly bush are often overlooked as too touchy for arranging.&nbsp;The trick with these is a sharp cut, removal of most foliage, and making sure they\u2019re cut just before they peak in the garden.&nbsp;If they are open and gorgeous on the plant you have missed your opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>The last challenge is that of finding accent material (texture, filler, and greens). Of course, many types of ferns are found in floral bouquets, but many of our Maine-grown ferns do not last like the ones grown further south. Greenery is not just found on the forest floor. Look at the shrubs and trees to find nice, long lasting foliage and sometimes the bonus of a small unique flower. This is where long term planning pays off.&nbsp;Consider adding an Andromeda (<em>Pieris<\/em>) or laurel (<em>Kalmia<\/em>) to a shrub border &#8212; both offer firm, glossy green leaves that are excellent for arrangements. Hosta leaves make a great surround low in a vase for a mass of flowers. Vegetable gardens can also produce interesting foliage from asparagus greenery to brightly colored varieties of chard. A host of herbs &nbsp;(sage, winter savory, tarragon, lavender, and dill, just to name a few) have greenery that last many days, are often available later in the season and smell delicious. Winter savory, thyme, and oregano flowers are some of my favorite fillers.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for vertical interest? Root the curly willow you get in a spring bouquet and grow a small tree or multi stem hedge in a sunny wet area. Black and fantail pussy willow are also relatively easy to start from cuttings. Harry Lauder Walking Stick (Corylus <em>avellana<\/em> &#8216;Contorta&#8217;), winterberry (Ilex <em>verticillata<\/em>), and Red Twigged Dogwood (Cornus <em>cericia<\/em>) are just a few shrubs that have branches that have winter interest. Holly, boxwood, Yaupon holly, and many needled evergreens are good for more than just Christmas arrangements. Perennial grasses work well in tall and oversized vases. The key to using these shrub and grass materials is a good sharp cutting tool and very clean vases.<\/p>\n<p>Challenge yourself not to just have a cutting garden, but a cutting landscape. Plan and plant your landscape to produce vases of flowers from the first forced branches of forsythia in early spring to the evergreens and amaryllis of the darkest days of December. I still have a goal of 12 months of flowers from my garden and I have come very close many times with Mother Nature\u2019s cooperation.<\/p>\n<h3>A short list of our non-traditional favorites<\/h3>\n<p><em>Many of these suggestions are considered fillers or accent options to complement more traditional cut flowers. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Early (Feb-May)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bulbs: Spanish Bluebells, Tuberose, Frittilaria, Camassia, Belladonna Lily<\/li>\n<li>Forced stems: Quince, Cherry, Serviceberry, Vernal Witch Hazel, Maple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Mid (June-August)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Food: Dill, Asparagus (foliage), Blueberry, Swiss Chard, Garlic Scapes<\/li>\n<li>False Queen Anne\u2019s Lace (<em>Ammi visnaga<\/em> \u2018Green Mist\u2019)<\/li>\n<li>Cornflower \u2018Black Ball\u2019 (<em>Centaurea cyanus<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>Pincushion Flower (<em>Scabiosa<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>Japanese Andromeda (<em>Pieris japonica<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>Bells of Ireland (<em>Moluccella laevis<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>Sea lavender (<em>Limonium nashii<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Late (September-January)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Perennial grasses<\/li>\n<li><em>Amaranthus<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Assorted seed heads (<em>Echinacea<\/em>, <em>Allium<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>Sedum \u2018Autumn Joy\u2019<\/li>\n<li>Staghorn Sumac<\/li>\n<li>Sensitive Fern (fertile fronds)<\/li>\n<li>Harry Lauder Walking Stick<\/li>\n<li>Blueberry (stems)<\/li>\n<li>Annabelle Hydrangea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cutting Garden Chart<\/h3>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"3\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 10%;text-align: left;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Plant \/ Flower<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 5%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Short<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 5%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Med.<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 5%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Tall<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 10%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Annual or<br \/>\nPerennial<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 20%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Time<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 10%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" scope=\"col\">Use<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c8e5fa;width: 40%;text-align: center;vertical-align: top\" colspan=\"15\" scope=\"col\">Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #ebf4fa;text-align: left\" colspan=\"22\" scope=\"colgroup\">Annuals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sunflowers<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<br \/>\nand Fall<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Focal<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Branching and single stem; subsequent blooms smaller<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Salvias<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">x<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<br \/>\nand Fall<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Mass<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Red, white, pink, and purple\/blue; cut almost to ground for stem length<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Amaranthus<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Fall<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Focal<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Many unusual shapes and sizes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bells of<br \/>\nIreland<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Background<br \/>\nor height<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Small thorns on stem at blooming; be careful<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lisianthus<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<br \/>\nand Early Fall<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Focal<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Looks similar to rose; long lasting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Scabiosa<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Mass<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Has some blues<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Statice<br \/>\nSinuata<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Annual<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<br \/>\nand Fall<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Filler<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Purples, pinks, white, and red<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #ebf4fa;text-align: left\" colspan=\"22\" scope=\"colgroup\">Bulbs<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Spanish<br \/>\nBluebells<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Filler<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tuberose<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Focal<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Highly fragrant, white flower; bulbs must be removed each fall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Frittilaria<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Focal<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Camassia<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Mass<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Belladonna<br \/>\nLily<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Focal<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Naked Lady Lily or Resurrection Lily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Allum<br \/>\nvarieties<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Late<br \/>\nSpring and Early Summer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Onion-like smell; some can be used as dried flowers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #ebf4fa;text-align: left\" colspan=\"22\" scope=\"colgroup\">Self Sowers<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Forget me nots<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Filler<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Spread seeds for more colors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lupines<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Early<br \/>\nSummer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Does not transplant easily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Asters<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Late<br \/>\nSummer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #ebf4fa;text-align: left\" colspan=\"22\" scope=\"colgroup\">Perennials<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Butterfly Bush<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Keep cutting back for more flowers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Peonies<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Foliage works in summer bouquets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hydrangeas<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Miniature Rose<br \/>\nplants<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Montauk Daisy<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Perennial<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Summer<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Unique aroma<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #ebf4fa;text-align: left\" colspan=\"22\" scope=\"colgroup\">Greenery<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Andromeda<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Shrub<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Winter<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Small bell flowers bloom in late winter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Curly Willow<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Tree<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">Easy to propgate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Black Pussy<br \/>\nWillow<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Shrub<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fan-Tail<br \/>\nWillow<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">X<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Shrub<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Spring<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"15\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"article-3\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Fair Season in Maine<\/h2>\n<p><em>By Trisha Smith, Community Education Assistant (Home Horticulture), UMaine Extension Piscataquis County<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8647\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Judge and 4-H'er at the oxen showing at the Skowhegan State Fair\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-423x281.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-634x422.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-846x563.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen-951x632.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/skowhegan-fair-oxen.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Maine has a rich tradition of celebrating summer and harvest seasons with agricultural fairs. The longest-running fair in the United States is the Skowhegan State Fair, which will celebrate its bicentennial in 2018. Fryeburg hosts Maine\u2019s largest, attracting 300,000 people every year. You could <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/ard\/fair_promotion\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visit a different Maine fair<\/a> every week from the end of June through the first week of October!<\/p>\n<p>Most fairs have a midway with rides and carnival games, but each has its own personality, a reflection of its surrounding community. Granges, garden clubs, and other community organizations set up displays to inform the public and attract new members. Local farmers and gardeners, cooks, crafters, and kids show off the results of their labors. Everybody wants to win a blue ribbon!<\/p>\n<p>Blue (and red and white) ribbons generally have a cash premium attached, and can be a nice way to start a seed fund for next year\u2019s garden. If you\u2019ve grown something especially wonderful this year, made amazing zucchini relish, or want an outside opinion of your perfect pies, enter it in the fair!<\/p>\n<p>While each fair has its own rules and guidelines, most have similar judging standards. Your entries will be judged according to these standards, not by how they compare to what others have grown or made.<\/p>\n<p>Here are Skowhegan State Fair\u2019s standards for fruits and vegetables:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><strong>Excellent:<\/strong> Clean, free from any damage, uniform in size, true to variety. <\/i><\/li>\n<li><i><strong>Good:<\/strong> Free from damage (no more than 5% loss of total weight), relatively uniform in size, fairly true to variety. <\/i><\/li>\n<li><i><strong>Worthy:<\/strong> Fairly clean, free from serious damage (no more than 10% loss of total weight), fairly uniform in size. <\/i><\/li>\n<li><i><strong>No Award:<\/strong> Dirty, seriously damaged, overmature, extremely different in size, shape or color.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more specific information on what is required of exhibitors, along with tips for success, browse the <a href=\"http:\/\/skowheganstatefair.com\/exhibition-halls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Skowhegan State Fair\u2019s Exhibition Hall Rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are new to exhibiting and competing, your first step is to find a \u201cFair Book\u201d for the fair you\u2019re interested in. Many can be found online well in advance. Others still publish primarily on paper, and may or may not upload their information much before the event. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mainefairs.org\/fairs.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs<\/a> lists links to websites and contacts for each fair as well as the season calendar.<\/p>\n<p>Celebrate Maine\u2019s farms and farm communities at a fair this season. Whether or not you choose to compete, make time to check out the exhibition halls. You may see a new vegetable or flower variety to try, or connect with a garden club or Grange. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, eat some fried dough, check out a live band. If it has been years since you went to a good old-fashioned country fair, wait no longer! Find a fair near you, or plan a road trip.<\/p>\n<p>See you at the Fair!<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"article-4\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Food &amp; Nutrition: The Cost of Preserving in Maine<\/h2>\n<p><em>By Kathy Savoie, Extension Associate Professor, UMaine Extension Cumberland County<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8640\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Master Food preserver lifts a canning jar from a hot water bath while demonstration participants look on\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-423x281.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-634x422.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-846x563.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation-951x632.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/07\/canning-food-preservation.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>In Maine, freezing and hot water bath canning are the two most economical means of preserving the harvest at home, according to a new study by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, just in time for this year\u2019s growing season.<\/p>\n<p>The study, \u201cThe Cost of Preserving in Maine,\u201d by UMaine Extension Associate Professor and Registered Dietitian Kathy Savoie and Kate McCarty, Community Education Assistant, found freezing fruits and vegetables was most cost-efficient at an average 38 cents per pound including 16 cents in energy per pound, compared to 73 cents per pound including 01 cents in energy per pound using the hot water bath canning method.<\/p>\n<p>The most costly preservation method at triple times the expense: pressure canning, at an estimated $1.14 per pound including 03 cents of energy cost per pound. Drying was the third most costly preservation method at an average 99 cents per pound including 32 cents in energy cost per pound.<\/p>\n<p>The costs were determined using average energy and preservation equipment prices in Maine, which may vary by location. The formulas for kilowatt-hour use during freezing and blanching, cost of repairs of equipment, and appliance energy use come from USDA research.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHome food preservation has rebounded as the approach to extend year-round access to local foods. Home food preservers play an important role in supporting Maine agriculture and a sustainable local food system,\u201d says Savoie, who has been providing educational programming related to nutrition, food safety, and food preservation since 1996. The cost of energy used in the preservation methods, as well as packaging materials\/equipment required, should be considered. There are also noneconomic factors to take into account: taste, preferences, storage space, and price of equipment. A diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables each contain important nutrients and contribute to a healthy diet.<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, a survey of 2,606 participants in UMaine Extension food preservation workshops found only 40 percent cited saving money as a reason for preserving. The top three reasons: increasing year-round consumption of locally grown foods, personal satisfaction, and desire to preserve homegrown produce.<\/p>\n<p>Among the study\u2019s other cost-related facts to take into consideration when preserving the harvest:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The cost of a freezer is the greatest expense associated with using freezing as a method of food preservation. However, the longer a freezer lasts, the less the cost per year to preserve.<\/li>\n<li>Despite the higher cost to pressure-can a pound of food, there are reasons one would chose it over freezing, including the frequency of power outages in your area.<\/li>\n<li>While hot water bath canning is a less expensive method of preserving than pressure canning, food safety recommendations limit the products that can be preserved using the hot water bath canning method. Only high-acid foods such as jams, jellies, salsa, tomato products, and pickles can be preserved using a boiling water bath canner. Low-acid products such as vegetables and meat must be pressure canned or frozen.<\/li>\n<li>Maine\u2019s high humidity and low nighttime temperatures prevent successful outdoor or solar dehydrating, which means an electric dehydrator or oven must be used. And while the cost for this preservation method are highest, it is best for creating lightweight snacks essential for outdoor recreational activities.<\/li>\n<li>Cold storage or root cellaring is a low-cost way to store fruit and vegetables in Maine. Apples, root vegetables (potatoes, beets, rutabagas), carrots, garlic, and onions are best suited for cold storage and can last several months longer if stored in the right conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a copy of the full report, see Bulletin #4032, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4032e\/\">The Cost of Preserving Food in Maine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on UMaine Extension Home Food Preservation resources, including hands-on workshops and publications, see <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/food-preservation\/\">Food Preservation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>University of Maine Cooperative Extension\u2019s <em><strong>Maine Home Garden News <\/strong><\/em>is designed to equip home gardeners with practical, timely information.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Let us know if you would like to be notified when new issues are posted. To receive e-mail notifications <a href=\"http:\/\/eepurl.com\/gtJGR5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fill out our online form<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For more information or questions, contact Kate Garland at <a href=\"mailto:katherine.garland@maine.edu\">katherine.garland@maine.edu<\/a> or&nbsp;1.800.287.1485 (in Maine).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/maine-home-garden-news\/archives\/\">Archives<\/a> to see past issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Maine Home Garden News <\/strong><\/em>was created in response to a continued increase in requests for information on gardening and includes timely and seasonal tips, as well as research-based articles on all aspects of gardening. Articles are written by UMaine Extension specialists, educators, and horticulture professionals, as well as Master Gardener Volunteers from around Maine, with Katherine Garland, UMaine Extension Horticulturalist in Penobscot County, serving as editor.<\/p>\n<p><em>Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u00a9 2017<\/p>\n<p>Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>August Is the Month to . . . Northern Bayberry: A Resilient, Functional Native Shrub for the Sunny Maine Garden Not Your Grandmother\u2019s Cutting Garden Fair Season in Maine Food &amp; Nutrition: The Cost of Preserving in Maine August Is the Month to . . . By Cathryn Kloetzli, Extension Professional in Agriculture and Food [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8659,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maine-home-garden-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Maine Home Garden News - August 2017 - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2017\/08\/01\/maine-home-garden-news-august-2017\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maine Home Garden News - August 2017 - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"August Is the Month to . . . Northern Bayberry: A Resilient, Functional Native Shrub for the Sunny Maine Garden Not Your Grandmother\u2019s Cutting Garden Fair Season in Maine Food &amp; Nutrition: The Cost of Preserving in Maine August Is the Month to . . . 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