May 20, 2019
For the Bees
Most of us are probably aware of the importance of bees, from pollinating almost everything we eat to the production of honey, beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis. Bees are so vital and so fascinating,…
May 14, 2019
What’s in Bloom – May 14, 2019
A note from Andy Brand, curator of living collections: Tulips are starting to open and should be looking good if we get some warm weather this week. Narcissus (daffodils) are adding their bright, colorful blooms…
May 8, 2019
The Many Wonders of the Elder Plant (Sambucus nigra and Canadensis)
Let me introduce you to elder, one of my favorite herbs of all time. Not only is this herb incredibly diverse, it’s also just plain beautiful (by the by, elderberries, if you didn’t know, make…
May 7, 2019
What’s in Bloom – May 6, 2019
Hellebores look amazing! Narcissus or daffodils are adding their bright, colorful blooms throughout the Gardens. Additional bulbs such as Hyacinthus, Muscari, and Chionodoxa are also painting the ground with shades of pink, blue, yellow, and…
April 25, 2019
Creating Bird-Friendly Habitats
Creating a bird-friendly backyard habitat can be as low-maintenance as installing nesting boxes, bird feeders and a simple birdbath, or as involved as an entire backyard overhaul, complete with reducing the area of lawn, installing…
April 23, 2019
What’s in Bloom – April 23, 2019
Early spring bulbs are showing nice color and hellebores are beginning to put on a show. Be sure to look for the bright yellow flowers of the cornelian cherry and the tiny, unusual flowers of…
April 16, 2019
For the Love of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Perhaps we might be inclined to think of dandelions as weeds first and (maybe) as herbs second. But since, by definition, all herbs are weeds. But dandelions are more than just weeds (or herbs). More…
April 11, 2019
Beautiful and Resilient Native Plants
In preparation for designing our parking lot gardens, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens horticulturist and landscape designer Jen Dunlap researched forest restoration and studied the process of naturalizing areas. She researched the species growing in Maine’s…