Spring Landscape & Design 2018 by Bangor Daily News

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN â&#x20AC;˘ Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;˘ April 13, 2018

The basics of mulching Mulch is available in various forms. Like other land and garden products, mulch can go a long way toward helping plants thrive. Mulch comprises just about any material that is spread over the surface of soil. Its purpose is primarily to help soil retain moisture. In addition, mulch can staunch weed growth, keep soil cool, improve the aesthetics of garden beds, and even improve soil nutrient composition. When the right mulch is chosen, it can reduce the amount of time homeowners spend watering and weeding their gardens and insulate plants from dramatic changes in weather.

Gardeners may not realize that mulch also can prevent garden soil from becoming overly compacted. This can mean beneficial earthworms can move easily through the soil, creating channels for water and depositing their nutrient-rich waste products. Gardeners can choose organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulches are derived from natural materials that will decompose over time, lending organic matter as well as

various nutrients to the soil. Organic mulches also may contain beneficial microorganisms that can fight against plant diseases. Inorganic mulches may be made of stones, landscape fabrics and plastic. Both types will need to be amended or replaced as they degrade. Those who want the most environmentally-friendly mulching materials can choose all-natural mulches instead of synthetic alternatives. To work effectively, mulch should be applied in a two- to three-inch layer of material, state the experts at Old World Garden Farms. This is the ideal amount to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth without choking plants. Also, mulch that is too thick may make it impossible for water to penetrate, or it may prevent the soil from airing out, causing continuously wet conditions that lead to root and stem rot. The University of Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center says mulch should not be placed directly against plant crowns or tree bases, as this can promote the development of disease. It may also serve as a habitat for bark- and stem-eating rodents. The center also suggests watering newly installed bark or wood mulches to prevent

fungi from colonizing in dry mulch and causing problems like a water-repellent surface on the mulch. Home landscapers considering mulch types may find that compost, manure and grass clippings (from non-pesticide treated lawns) can be inexpensive and versatile in garden beds. The home advice site The Spruce notes that newspaper may also be effective. Many newspapers have switched over to organic dyes, especially for their black and white sections. Newspapers are an inexpensive way to suppress weeds and act like organic mulch in beds. They can be covered with other organic mulch, like shredded bark, for more visual appeal. Mulch can be a versatile asset when doing gardening projects around home landscapes. And the benefits are more than just aesthetic.

Spring Landscape & Design

Publisher: Richard J. Warren Editor: Matthew Chabe Special Sections Sales: Jeff Orcutt, Linda Hayes Creative Manager: Michele Dwyer Creative Services: Amy Allen, Marcie Coombs, Coralie Cross, Ben Cyr, Callie Picard, Carolina Rave

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

Ergonomic gardening techniques can make gardening less taxing Gardening is a popular activity that seems to be gaining even more supporters. It’s estimated that the number of people who gardened within the last 12 months in the United States rose from around 105 million in 2008 to 118 million in 2017. Gardening can be relaxing yet physically demanding work. Gardeners who find themselves battling aches and pains after spending time in the garden may need to make a greater effort to reduce injuries and improve comfort when tilling, weeding or installing new landscape features. Ergonomic gardening techniques and tools can help gardeners reduce their risk of injury and make gardening more comfortable.

Warm up Just as novice athletes wouldn’t dive right into a strenuous workout at the gym, nor should novice gardeners immediately pick up a shovel and jump into digging a hole for their new tree. Gardening requires bending, stooping, lifting, twisting, and other movements that work the entire body. Spending 10 or more minutes stretching, walking and doing a few back and arm rotations can limber the body up for the physical activity to come.

Use proper form Think about the mechanics of lifting weights during a workout, as home and garden tasks may mimic movements made when exercising. The occupational therapists at Bend Spinal

Care say that strain on the lower back can be reduced by positioning objects close to the body and its center of gravity when lifting them. Furthermore, people can contract their abdominal (core) muscles when lifting and bending to support the back. When lifting heavy objects, power should be derived from the legs and buttocks rather than the back.

Keep items close Keeping work closer to the body will reduce the need for stooping, leaning or reaching, which should cut down on pulled muscles. Long-handled tools can help minimize reaching. Use step ladders to reach high areas or get down on padded cushions to work closer to the ground. This alleviates strain to the neck from having to look up or down for extended periods of time. Raised garden beds can bring plants to a person’s level. Some therapists say that working below shoulder level whenever possible can prevent shoulder strains; otherwise, perform tasks for no more than five minutes at a time.

Invest in new tools Cushioned grips and grip handles can prevent wrist fatigue, as can hand tools that keep wrists straight to improve strength and reduce repetitive motion injuries. Long-handled tools and push mowers should be as tall as the person using them. Seek out tools that keep the body in natural positions to maximize efficiency. Even though gardening is viewed as a relaxing pastime, the work involved can be taxing on the body. Ergonomic tools and proper form can keep injuries at bay.

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

Simplify paving stone installation

The benefits of water features in garden landscapes

Paving stones can add beauty to walkways, driveways and backyard patios, providing that eye-catching finishing touch to a property while enhancing its curb appeal. Even though the installation of pavers can be a labor-intensive process, with the right tools and tips, this can be a do-it-yourself project for homeowners with renovation experience. Consider these tricks and how-to tips courtesy of The Home Depot, DIY Network and Unilock.

Get your supplies To begin a paver project, homeowners will need to stock up on some supplies they may not already have at home. Marking paint, mason line, wooden stakes, leveling sand, paver base, and more will be required. A manual tamper can be used. However, for larger areas, it can be worth the cost to rent a plate compactor.

Measure the area The number of bags of sand, paver base and paving stones needed for the project depends on the size of the area. For example, according to the Home Depot, for 60 square feet, homeowners will need about 30 12 x 12-inch paver stones, 40 bags of paver base and 12 bags of paver leveling sand. Spray or mark the area where the paving stones will be laid. Measure carefully so you can order exactly how many stones you will need. Have the materials delivered to reduce heavy lifting and trips to the store. Be sure to have all utility lines marked prior to excavation to avoid damage.

Prepare the base carefully One of the most important aspects of paver installation involves preparing the base. If you cut corners in this process, the finished results can be sloppy, weeds can grow through and/or stones may loosen. It’s essential to grade the area away from the house. That means that the highest point of the patio or walkway should be closest to the house and then the incline gradually flattens out as it moves away from the home. This allows proper water runoff. Mark the height on the stakes and adjust the mason line. Remember to slope the area away from your home with a drop-off of about one inch for every 8 feet. The base of many DIY applications should be between four and six inches deep. Work incrementally, raking and tamping until the base is firm. Lightly wetting the material can help it solidify. Sand helps inhibit weed growth and anchor the pavers together. Plastic lining will not be practical.

Installation Use edge restraints and a string line to keep the design straight. Do not hammer the pavers together. Paver sand will need to be swept over and settled between the stones to help set them in place. It helps to read tutorials and watch videos on paving stone installation prior to beginning the project. With practice, the installation will go more smoothly.

Many homeowners aspire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Exterior renovations may be high on homeownersÕ to-do lists, and landscaping is oftentimes a key component of those projects. When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs. Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal. • Aesthetic appeal: Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the landscape. • Soothing sound: Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lapping on a shoreline elicit feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further enhancing the ambiance. • Brings texture: Water has its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural elements, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines. • Enhance the natural ecosystem: Water features can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may visit to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shimmering ripples. Inviting natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertainment by enjoying the animals and insects. • Remedy problem areas: Rather than fighting with the landscape, homeowners can adapt it. An area of the yard prone to soggy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings. • Foster a passion: Many people turn to water features so they can explore the hobby of nurturing an outdoor aquarium. Koi ponds are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal. • Add a personal touch: Water features are as unique as the homeowners who create them. To set landscaping apart from neighborsÕ homes, homeowners can add fountains, ponds or flowing water elements to their properties. Decorative water features also can be melded with pools and spas to help these manmade recreational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape. Water features can take landscapes to the next level with sounds, texture, movement, and beauty.

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

2018 Flower and Garden Show Floor Plan

Judges for the show are: Mike Dow - Blueberry Broadcasting | Dorian Daniels - TownSquare Media | Gillian Kenyon - Realty of Maine

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

Vendors List Business Booth # Allenfarm Fence Co., Inc............................................. 142, 143 Analytical Lab................................................................ 5 Another Look................................................................. 129, 134, 106, 12, 13 Bailey’s Lawn Care & Landscape.............................. D Bangor Daily News....................................................... 15 Capt. Mowatt’s.............................................................. 100 Central Maine Stone Works........................................ 114, 115 Cutco............................................................................... 128 Dog Not Gone................................................................ 116 Dorr’s Equipment Co.................................................... 130, 132 Eastern Maine Orchid Society.................................... F Eastern Plant Specialists............................................ 147 Edward Jones................................................................ 109 Everyday Jewelry & Wearable Art............................ 113 Flagstones...................................................................... 126, H Fresh Air Systems........................................................ 138 Gagne & Son.................................................................. 121, 122 Gibraltar Pools.............................................................. 105 Granville Stone & Hearth............................................ 141 Hawaiian Moon.............................................................. 112 Hickory Dickory Decks................................................. G, 127 Hillview Mini Barns....................................................... Media Gazebo Home Heat..................................................................... 107, 108 Just Grass, Inc............................................................... 136 Lakonia Greek Products.............................................. 111

M & E Sales.................................................................... 124, 125 Maine Garden Products............................................... 117 Marshalls Magnetic Jewelry....................................... 137 Medieval Magic Organics............................................. 102 Historic Botanical Cosmetics, Inc............................. 102 Nelson Candies & Fudge.............................................. 145 Northeast Agricultural Sales...................................... 149 Patriot Landscaping..................................................... C Prairie Blossom Silver................................................. 140 Queen City Equipment................................................. 144 Rand Hill Farms............................................................. 1 Redi-Rock of Central Maine........................................ 101 Sam’s Club...................................................................... 3, 2 Scentsy........................................................................... 135 Softub of New England................................................ 118, 119 Sparkle Plenty............................................................... 7 Stone Fox Farm Creamery.......................................... 123 Summersweet Landscaping........................................ I, 132 Superior Fence Inc....................................................... 110 The Jerky Hut................................................................ 139 To The Queen’s Taste.................................................. 12, 13 Touch of Purple............................................................. 120 UMaine Horticulture Club............................................ 133, J University of Maine Cooperative Extension............ 103, 104 weeDeliver207.............................................................. 123 Yankee Clipper.............................................................. A

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

Bangor Flower and Garden Show Seminars Schedule Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Univ. of Maine Horticulture Club Perennial Bed Restoration

Maine Orchid Society All About Orchids

Birds Acre Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary The Great Horned Owl

1PM

12 NOON

2PM

1PM

Maine Orchid Society All About Orchids

Granville Stone Creating an Outdoor Living Space for your Backyard

Univ. of Maine Horticulture Club Pruning Flower Shrubs

3PM

2PM

Univ. of Maine Horticulture Club Pruning Flower Shrubs

Univ. of Maine Horticulture Club Perennial Bed Restoration

Maine Orchid Society Everything About Orchids

4PM

3PM

Granville Stone Creating an Outdoor Living Space for your Backyard

Redi-Scapes How to Install A Good Long Lasting Retaining Wall

Bangor Flower and Garden Show Coming Into Bloom The sweet smell of spring is what’s expected for the return of the revamped Bangor Flower and Garden Show this April. Many changes have been made for the event, said event promoter Dean Appleman. There is a name change, a new location (the Alfond Arena in Orono), and a new date— Friday, April 20- Sunday, April 22. The new location gives landscape designers a great opportunity to show flowers that are not being forced in the middle of winter in greenhouses. Appleman also promotes the annual Bangor Home Show at the Cross Insurances Center. Appleman, who took over the Flower Show last fall, has said it has been nothing short of a pleasure to promote this outstanding event.

“I come from a Flower Show family,” said Appleman. His dad was named “Mr. Flower Show” back in the ‘70s when his family promoted the Pioneer Valley Flower Show at the Big E in West Springfield, Mass., which drew crowds of over 80,000. “I don’t expect to draw that many here in northern Maine, but I can tell you the public will come out in droves,” said Appleman. Granville Stone and Gagne Concrete Products will be supplying the designers with their choice of stone to enhance their displays. Allied companies throughout New England that sell garden products and their services along with botanical art and decor are filling booth space to sell to the public.

The show will include informative seminars that will run throughout each day on the Flower and Garden Show stage. A “Preview Day” has been set for Friday, the opening of the show, with local celebrity judges determining the top three landscape designs and awarding the winners with ribbons and cash prizes. The show will be open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday. General adult admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free with adult supervision. Free parking is included. For more information, call The Bangor Flower and Garden Show office at 800-2376024 or visit www.homeshows.com.

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

To revitalize your lawn or garden, introduce earthworms Gardeners eager to revitalize their lawns and gardens may spend hundreds of dollars on tools and products designed to improve soil and growing conditions. Although many of these items can be advantageous, gardeners also may want to look to nature’s best garden helpers: earthworms. It is believed that nearly 3,000 different types of earthworms inhabit the planet. Worms have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Worms can be seen as bait dangling on fishing lines or as meals for red-breasted robins. But these subterranean dwellers play their biggest role beneath the soil. Earthworms move through dirt as they search for food. The worms consume particles in the soil, helping to recycle materials like dead leaves, plant parts, decaying animals, and feces. Through their travels, worms also serve to aerate the soil. Worms bring the subsoil closer to the surface and mix it with the topsoil. Earthworms’ castings also help naturally fertilize the areas in which they reside. The slimy mucus that worms leave behind contains nitrogen, which also helps to amend the soil.

The University of Illinois Extension says most earthworms found, particularly in North America, can only grow so long, even though some worms seem like they stretch forever underneath the ground. Depending on the type of worm and how many segments it has, as well as its age and ability to get nutritious foods, worms typically reach only a few inches in length, offers National Geographic. There are some anomalies, however. The Oregon giant earthworm is one of the largest earthworms found in North America, growing to more than three feet in length. That worm is very rare, however. In 2016, a 16-inch-long earthworm was discovered in England and became part of the collection at the Natural History Museum in London. Some Australian and South American earthworms are known to grow much larger. Worms need the correct mix of oxygen, moisture and favorable temperatures to survive. If they do not have these components, they will seek them out elsewhere. Because of the many benefits earthworms provide, they can be a boon to landscapes.

Worms need the correct mix of oxygen, moisture and favorable temperatures to survive. If they do not have these components, they will seek them out elsewhere.

BDN FILE PHOTOS FROM THE 2017 GARDEN SHOW

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018

Preparing garden beds for spring and beyond Gardening enthusiasts may have been thinking about their landscape plans throughout the winter, eager to once again get their hands dirty with soil. Whether a home gardener is making preparations for edible crops or beautiful flowers, he or she must take time to make the soil amenable to planting. To establish hearty, durable plants, gardeners can focus on three main areas: addressing soil composition, cultivating and adding nutrients.

Soil composition Many gardeners prefer growing a variety of plants in their gardens. Such an approach requires taking inventory of the type of soil in one’s garden and making the necessary modifications so that the types of vegetables, herbs, shrubs, or flowers that will be planted can grow in strongly. In fact, according to the plant company Proven Winners, the most important step to developing good roots is preparing the soil. Take a sample of the soil and examine it to see what is present. If the soil is too full of clay, too sandy, too dense, or too loose, that can lead to problems where plants cannot grow in strong. Work with a garden center to add the right soil amendments to make a rich soil. This may include organic compost or manure, which will also add nutrients to the soil.

Cultivation Cultivating the soil can involve different steps. Removal of weeds, errant rocks, roots, and other items will help prepare the soil. Mother Earth News suggests working on garden soil when the soil is damp but never wet; otherwise, garden soil can become messy and clumpy. Use a digging fork or shovel to lightly turn the soil when it’s mostly dry. Gentle tillings also can open up the soil to incorporate the nutritional amendments and relieve compaction that likely occurred from freezing temps and snow pressure. Tilling also helps with drainage and oxygen delivery to roots. The DIY Network suggests turning over soil at a depth of 12 inches to work the soil—about the length of a shovel spade. However, the resource Earth Easy says that existing garden beds have a complex soil ecosystem and simply top-dressing with compost or manure can be enough preparation for planting. Gardeners can experiment with the methods that work best for their gardens.

Nutrition Testing the pH and the levels of certain nutrients in the soil, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, will give gardeners an idea of other soil additions that may be needed. Soils with a pH below 6.2 often can benefit from the addition of lime several weeks before planting. Soil tests will determine just how much fertilizer to add to the soil. Complete fertilizers will have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Individual fertilizers can amend the soil with only these nutritional elements that are needed. Top-dressing empty beds with a layer of mulch or compost can prevent weed growth and preserve moisture until it is time to plant. If existing shrubs or plants are in garden beds, use more care so as not to disturb roots or dig too deeply. Preparing garden beds takes some effort initially, but can be well worth the work when plants flourish throughout the growing season.

Stock up on gardening essentials Gardening attracts new devotees year after year. While Baby Boomers may spend more on gardening than any other demographic, even millennials are getting on the gardening bandwagon. A 2016 National Gardening Survey from the National Gardening Market Research Company found the average amount spent on backyard or balcony gardening projects exceeded $400 per household. More than $36 billion was spent in 2015, and the vast majority of the six million “new” gardening households belonged to millennials. When it comes to outfitting a gardening shed, gardeners will not want to be without certain tools and gear.

Digging shovel: A rounded-blade digging shovel is needed to plant shrubs and trees as well as to excavate areas in a landscape.

Rake: A rake can be used to clear the ground, remove thatch and leaves from a lawn and level soil in a garden bed.

Hand tools: Hand tools, such as a hand fork and trowel, are essential for small digging jobs, especially when working with flower pots or containers.

Edging spade: This flat-blade shovel is handy to have around because of its versatility. Edging spades can slice turf, edge gardens and cut through roots.

Pruners: Sharpened pruners can cut through stems and branches effortlessly.

Hose: Choose a high-quality hose that is lightweight and durable, as hoses will always be necessary.

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN â&#x20AC;˘ Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;˘ April 13, 2018

Frost Farms eager to assist with your gardening and planting COURTESY FROST FARMS.

Frost Farms is a full-service garden center and landscape company located in the growing community of Town Hill at the head of Mount Desert Island, just minutes from Ellsworth and an hour from Bangor. At Frost Farms, we offer an extensive variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees in addition to a fully-stocked retail center. Specializing in the highest quality product, over 30,000 annuals and 3,500 perennials are grown on-site each year. Our inventory is supplemented locally by growers all over Maine and New England. The shrub and tree nursery showcases native plants, timeless varieties, and the latest in new plant breeding. Our carefully hand-picked selections engage both the home gardener and industry professional. Freshly supplied with new inventory on a weekly basis, April through December, there is always something to satisfy your gardening, gift, and landscape needs. Our unique retail center is furnished with a full line of seasonal home accents, including handmade crafts by local artisans, planters, and garden essentials. We offer specialty house plants, including orchids, succulents, and air plants as well as fertilizers, Coast of Maine soils, organic plant care necessities, garden gear, and tools. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Frost Farms are eager to assist you with all of your gardening and planting needs. With years of involvement in the plant industry, we strive to provide you with the very best customer experience possible. Our team also consists of garden and landscape professionals maintaining and installing landscapes and gardens on and around MDI. We welcome you to join us at Frost Farms to enhance your 2018 gardening season from spring pansies and summer blooms to fall color and and holiday wreaths. Our mission is to offer you the newest, highest quality plants and exceptional customer service. Dig in at Frost Farms!

SPRING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 13, 2018