Sweet Autumn Clematis

As fall sets in here in Maine there aren't too many shrubs and vines left flowering.  Yes, there are plenty of hydrangea blooms and some lingering Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) around, but now is the time of year that the Sweet Autumn Clematis really shines.  The small white blooms exude a fantastic fragrance that even Monarch butterflies seem to love (one stopped by to sample some nectar right as I pulled my camera out). 

Clematis paniculata is a quick climber and can grow up to 30 feet.  It is best to plant is an area where it can spread freely, up a large trellis or arbor, along a fence, or even up a tree.

Rainy Day Field Trip

While we are in the midst of several wet and dreary days here in the northeast (the remnants of Tropical storm Lee), my friend and I decided it was the perfect weather for a field trip to a greenhouse.  We took a half hour drive north to New Gloucester, Maine to visit Wood Sprite Orchids.

This quaint little spot is a real hidden gem.  The very knowledgeable owner (who lives right next door to the greenhouse) has the largest collection of tropical orchids in Maine.  The blooms were fascinating and beautiful.

Besides the orchids he also had a few Staghorn Ferns growing and some wonderful specimen plants, like this large Jade (below on the right).

Wood Sprite Orchids is open year round at 43 Depot Rd. in New Gloucester.  Orchids from seedling to blooming size plants are for sale.  Their website is:   http://www.woodspriteorchids.com/enter02/

Irene's Damage

While most of the Casco Bay region of Maine didn’t experience much damage from Hurricane Irene, the plants at the Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth sure did!  The 40+ mile per hour winds combined with salt spray from the ocean created damage like I have never seen before.  

 

It was amazing to see how the plants (shrubs, perennials, and annuals alike) directly in the path of the strong southeast winds were brown and black while others seemed unscathed.

Can you tell which way the wind way blowing?

These Rosa rugosas were heavily damaged on the southeast side, while right around the corner they remained lush and green.

After cutting back all the dead leaves, branches, and flowers the gardens looked very sparse, almost like spring!  I am going to go back and fill in with some late bloomers like yarrow, crocosmia, asters, a few more mums, and some flowering kale.