I was Inspired to write the Maine Garden Journal when I realized how long it had taken me to acquire gardening information after I moved to Orono.  I want to make sure that others who want to garden in Maine don't have to struggle for years before they make the right connections and meet the right people to be successful. 

Prior to moving here, I had been an avid gardener.

I had accumulated remarkable plants and knew in-depth localized gardening information.  I knew the best places to purchase plants in my area and the right people to call to ask garden questions.  I belonged to a garden club where others shared my passion.  I knew who had the remarkable gardens in the area, when they were having an open house, and I made sure that I was there.  I knew what plants would grow and which ones were marginally hardy, but worth a try. I had mastered how to garden in extremely Northern Maine. 

I was excited to move to an area with different gardening opportunities (two zones warmer!) but it took sooo long to obtain the gardening information that I craved.

• I joined a garden club to meet people, but found few members who shared my passion for gardening (Not all garden clubs are created equal). 
• I found the gardening centers with the big marketing budgets, but only a true plant person knows that some of the best WOW plants are found in small specialized garden centers that are sometimes hidden down a back road and only open for a short time each year.  Only when you meet kindred spirits do you find out about these treasures. 
• I bought insect-infested soil, compost filled with shredded trash bags, and loads of mulch that I knew was less than I had paid for.  Buyer beware is the name of the game.  But, goodness, what a difference it makes to get recommendations from gardeners who know where to find quality....as well as quantity.
• I have seen customers in garden centers get recommendations from staff who don't know the difference between a red maple and a maple with red leaves.  I have overheard employees at big box stores give inaccurate and unsafe advice about which pesticides to use on insect pests.  It's certainly best to talk to gardening professionals to get the most accurate up-to-date information, but I found that some are more helpful than others - some are more informed about current research, some are more specialized, and some care more!

The Maine Garden Journal will be a compilation of information and research collected from caring, wonderful gardeners from different parts of Maine:  people who are willing to share their experiences with others and who share a passion for gardening.  They are kindred spirits who want you to be successful, who understand that your garden is an extension of who you are - part of your inner sanctuary.  They are willing to share their world and their accumulated wisdom. 

Maine is really such a wonderful place to garden!

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