Time for Maine gardeners to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor
Maine Gardeners Turn to Autumn for Pruning, Planting, and Community Events
Portland, Maine – With the heat of summer fading and the first cool breezes of September settling in, local gardeners are embracing a new season of care. A resident gardener, Nancy, and her partner have used the quieter days to review their garden’s health, trim overgrown plants, and plan for the coming months.
The couple’s garden has yielded a bounty of tomatoes this year, but cucumbers, summer squash, and zucchini have been slower to mature. “It’s the time to enjoy the garden,” said Nancy. “I’ve been taking pictures to document what’s blooming and when, so I can keep track of the rhythm of the plants.”
Assessing Plant Performance
Nancy and her partner noted several areas needing attention. A white phlox, previously hidden beneath a golden‑threaded Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), has grown too tall and is now blocking light. While they started pruning the cypress, Nancy stopped the cuts, preferring to keep the branches inside for holiday color. “The phlox will show up a bit more than it did before my cuts,” she explained. The plan is to dig, divide, and relocate the phlox after the petal drop later this season.
Another example of garden maintenance involved ornamental grasses that had been planted by a friend two decades ago. “They’re an attractive background and do a great job in a windy garden,” Nancy said. “But they started to crowd out more desirable flowering plants.” With the help of friends, they moved some grasses to the edge of the property and sent others to the town transfer station, hoping someone else could use them.
Responding to Storm Damage
The August 13th storms that hit Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, and surrounding areas left many homeowners with fallen trees and damaged property. Nancy and her partner were not spared, losing several trees that had previously fallen on their garage. “We’ve heard the sound of chainsaws and wood chippers daily since the storm,” the gardener recalled.
To prevent future damage, they had already scheduled pruning with Blue Ox Tree Services, a local tree‑care company. The company trimmed branches that were tangled with utility lines and rubbing against the house. After the storm, the gardener and Nancy reflected on the value of that maintenance: “We had Blue Ox work on our trees after a large branch fell on our garage five or so years ago. There was no damage to the roof, but we promised ourselves we’d watch our trees more carefully.”
Preparing for Autumn
Nancy recommends that gardeners start digging, dividing, and replanting perennials that have finished blooming, but to do so carefully. “Just be sure you water them carefully so they settle in before the ground freezes,” she advised. She also encourages residents to consider rain barrels, especially during periods of infrequent rain punctuated by heavy storms, to capture runoff for later use.
Community Events
The York County Master Gardener Volunteers will host a native plant sale on September 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the 38th‑year Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival. More than 40 species of young plants will be available, grown from wild or wild‑type seed. The event also provides information on plant growing conditions, wildlife benefits, and companion species.
On September 19, the Longfellow Garden Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Longfellow Arboretum in Payson Park, Portland. The party will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For details, contact Shirley Helfrich at 207‑239‑0695.
The gardener recommends checking local nurseries for summer sales. “We’ve spotted a few,” she said.
In Summary
As the Maine heat gives way to crisp autumn air, residents have a chance to trim, divide, and replant, all while enjoying community events that celebrate local horticulture. Whether it’s a stubborn Hinoki cypress or a fallen tree, the season offers a welcome opportunity to tend to the garden and prepare for the cooler months ahead.
