“Winters in Maine can feel long. But the beauty of spring gardens here is worth it,” Sharon said. This November, she planted 100 tulip bulbs to look forward to when that season comes. “There’s a lot to look forward to. And knowing those are waiting in the ground make it all worth it,” she said.
Many people with a love for the natural world are often inclined to take up their own gardening efforts. Luckily, there are a lot of resources in Maine that can be helpful along the gardening journey. Winter is a perfect time to take advantage of them. Mainers can educate themselves at many of the classes and workshops, farmers markets, local nurseries and libraries. Sharon said, “The resources are ready and available for people interested. All they have to do is be willing to learn and grow.”
One helpful resource is the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association. This organization puts on the Maine Flower Show during the winter months. It also has many educational resources and news available on its website. Another great resource is the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. This organization offers classes, meet ups and fairs all about organic farming and gardening. It’s a great place to learn more and network with others who share similar interests. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is another amazing resource for people interested in gardening. The botanical garden is one of the highest rated in the country. It offers many different networking and educational events. There’s a lot of effort that goes into making sure there are plants with winter interest in the gardens. The botanical garden also does a large lightshow throughout the season. Investing the time to check out these resources is well worth the effort and will provide gardeners with a great sense of inspiration and community during the darker months.
“Even during the winter, I try to spread the message of the benefits of gardening,” Denis says. “It increases the health of individuals and communities and preserves the landscapes Mainers love.” With such a short gardening season, gardeners can still find plenty of beauty in the winters as well. It’s important to embrace the season and enjoy the downtime. “Before we know it, we’ll be complaining about all the weeds in the garden and the heat of August,” Sharon laughed.
