Designing with Viewpoints: The Art of Garden Composition at 19 Birch Lane
Garden viewpoints
At 19 Birch Lane, every step through the garden is an experience—an intentional journey designed to frame nature’s beauty from multiple viewpoints. We believe a well-crafted garden should invite exploration, with layers of texture, color, and movement that lead the eye toward striking focal points. From our reflection pool and pond fountains to the commanding presence of Dawn Redwoods and the delicate peeling bark of our Paperbark Maple, every planting and design choice is meant to create an immersive botanical retreat.
The Power of Viewpoints in Garden Design
When designing our gardens, we considered how visitors would interact with the space—whether strolling along a winding path, pausing at a secluded bench, or taking in a panoramic view from the greenhouse. By carefully selecting plants and hardscape elements, we created sightlines that naturally draw the eye toward key features, such as:
A serene reflection pool that mirrors the sky and surrounding foliage, adding depth and tranquility.
Fountains within the pond, where the sound of water enhances the sensory experience.
Carefully placed trees and shrubs, including the standout Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum), with its striking cinnamon-colored peeling bark, and Dawn Redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), whose feathery green foliage turns a brilliant copper in the fall.
These focal points help to create distinct garden rooms, offering a mix of open spaces and intimate nooks for visitors to enjoy.
The Role of Boxwoods in Structure and Design
One of our first major plantings at 19 Birch Lane was Boxwood (Buxus). These evergreen shrubs serve as the backbone of our design, defining pathways, creating natural fences, and offering a sense of formality amidst the looser, wilder plantings of perennials. Over time, they have matured into lush green walls that guide movement through the space, acting as a living framework for seasonal plantings.
Boxwoods also serve a practical role—offering winter interest and helping to protect more delicate plants from wind exposure during Maine’s colder months. Their versatility allows us to shape them into low borders, hedges, or even sculptural topiaries, adding an element of artistry to the garden.
A Celebration of Perennials
Perennials are the heart of our planting philosophy, offering seasonal beauty and resilience in our Zone 6 Maine climate. By layering perennials with different bloom times, textures, and heights, we ensure the garden remains dynamic throughout the growing season. Some of our favorites include:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A staple in our garden, its fragrant blooms attract pollinators while adding a soft, silvery contrast to the deep greens of Boxwood hedging.
Coneflowers (Echinacea) – These tough, colorful perennials provide long-lasting summer blooms and serve as a valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Roses (Rosa spp.) – From classic heirloom varieties to more modern, disease-resistant cultivars, roses add elegance and fragrance to our perennial borders.
Ornamental Grasses – Grasses such as Miscanthus, Panicum, and Pennisetum create movement in the garden, catching the light and swaying gently with the breeze.
Beyond these, we integrate a variety of seasonally inspired plantings, ensuring that from spring’s first buds to autumn’s fiery finale, there is always something beautiful in bloom.
Gardening in Zone 6: Embracing Maine’s Seasons
Maine’s Zone 6 climate presents both challenges and opportunities in plant selection. We focus on plants that can withstand cold winters yet thrive in the warmth of summer, ensuring a garden that remains visually interesting year-round. Our use of perennials, combined with the strong architectural presence of Boxwoods and trees like the Paperbark Maple and Dawn Redwood, allows us to create a balanced, four-season landscape.
Each year, we experiment with new plant combinations, always looking for ways to enhance the experience of walking through 19 Birch Lane’s gardens. Whether it’s the shimmer of water in our reflection pool, the rich hues of a late-summer coneflower meadow, or the elegant frame of a Boxwood hedge, our goal is to create a space that feels timeless, inviting, and ever-evolving.
Come experience the garden for yourself—there’s always something new to discover.
Hellebores: A Timeless Beauty -In the Garden @19 Birch Lane
Hellebores @19birchlane
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, nestled in the heart of Mid Coast Maine, we take pride in cultivating a landscape that blends elegance with the natural beauty of the seasons. Among the many botanical treasures in our gardens, Hellebores hold a special place. These resilient and breathtaking perennials, often called Lenten Roses, bring early-season charm with their long-lasting blooms and striking foliage. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just discovering the magic of hellebores, let’s dive into everything you need to know about their seeds, propagation, and care—especially in Zone 6.
Hellebore Seeds & Propagation: Patience Rewards the Gardener
Growing hellebores from seed is a labor of love, requiring patience and the right conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Collecting Seeds
Hellebores produce seed pods in late spring to early summer, and if left undisturbed, they will often self-sow in the garden. However, for controlled propagation, it’s best to collect seeds once the pods turn brown and begin to split.
2. Sowing Fresh Seeds
Unlike many perennials, hellebores have a short viability window, meaning they should be sown immediately after collection. Fresh seeds have the highest germination rate. If stored, they require a cold stratification period to break dormancy.
3. Germination Timeline
Hellebore seeds need a warm period (70°F) for about six weeks, followed by a cold period (40°F-50°F) for another six to ten weeks. This cycle mimics natural seasonal changes and is key to successful germination.
4. Transplanting Seedlings
Once germinated, seedlings should be grown in pots until they develop a strong root system. Expect blooms in two to three years, as hellebores are slow to mature but well worth the wait.
Growing Hellebores in the Garden
Once established, hellebores are incredibly low-maintenance and provide year-round interest in the garden.
Ideal Conditions for Healthy Hellebores
Light: Partial shade to dappled sunlight is best, though they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly alkaline to neutral.
Watering: Moderate moisture; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Fertilizing: A top dressing of compost or slow-release fertilizer in early spring promotes healthy growth.
Dividing Hellebores for More Blooms
While hellebores can self-seed, another method of propagation is division. Mature plants (about five years old) can be divided in early fall or late spring, ensuring each section has a strong root system. This method speeds up the process compared to seed-grown plants.
Growing Hellebores in Zone 6: A Perfect Match
Mid Coast Maine, home to 19 Birch Lane, sits in USDA Planting Zone 6a, making it an ideal environment for hellebores to thrive. Their cold hardiness ensures that they remain one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, often pushing through the last remnants of snow.
Winter Protection in Zone 6
While hellebores are cold-hardy, young plants benefit from a light mulch layer in winter to protect against deep frost. However, avoid excessive mulch in the spring, as it can encourage rot.
Pairing Hellebores with Other Garden Favorites
At 19 Birch Lane, we love pairing hellebores with:
Hostas for contrasting textures in shade gardens.
Ferns to enhance the woodland aesthetic.
Spring bulbs like daffodils and snowdrops for an early-season display.
Why Hellebores Belong in Every Garden
Hellebores are deer-resistant, long-lived, and effortlessly elegant, making them a staple at 19 Birch Lane. Whether grown from seed or divided from mature plants, they reward gardeners with year-round beauty and a resilient nature that stands up to the unpredictable seasons of Zone 6.
Are you growing hellebores in your garden? Let us know in the comments below! And if you ever visit 19 Birch Lane, keep an eye out for these stunning blooms in our shaded garden beds. 🌿✨
Transforming Landscapes with Perennial Grasses
Grass and fountain at 19 Birch Lane
In the Garden @19BirchLane: Transforming Landscapes with Perennial Grasses
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane
Gardening is an art form, a delicate balance between color, texture, structure, and movement. While flowers often steal the show, perennial grasses bring an entirely different dimension to a garden, creating drama, rhythm, and elegance throughout the seasons.
At 19 Birch Lane, we have embraced ornamental grasses not just as fillers or background plants but as focal points, capable of transforming the landscape in ways few other plants can. Their ability to capture light, sway with the wind, and create a sense of wild beauty makes them an essential feature in our Mid Coast Maine gardens.
The Power of Perennial Grasses in Garden Design
Perennial grasses are more than just supporting players in the garden—they anchor spaces, add vertical interest, and bring a soft, naturalistic feel to any landscape. Whether used in large sweeping drifts or as isolated accents, grasses can make a bold impact.
Here’s how they can elevate any garden:
1. Creating Movement and Energy
Unlike static shrubs or perennials, grasses bring life and motion to a garden. As the wind flows through, their feathery plumes and arching blades sway, creating a mesmerizing, ever-changing display. Even in the stillness of winter, frost-covered grasses add texture and visual intrigue.
2. Adding Architectural Structure
Grasses come in a variety of forms—some upright and statuesque, others cascading and fluid. They can define borders, add contrast to traditional plantings, or create a natural privacy screen. Tall varieties like Miscanthus and Panicum make for striking vertical elements, while lower-growing selections like Prairie Dropseed work beautifully as ground covers.
3. Four Seasons of Beauty
Unlike many perennials that fade into dormancy by late summer, ornamental grasses continue to shine well into fall and winter. Their golden hues, delicate seed heads, and frost-kissed blades create a stunning seasonal display, ensuring that even in the colder months, the garden remains full of life and interest.
4. Effortless Elegance with Minimal Maintenance
One of the greatest advantages of perennial grasses is their low-maintenance nature. Once established, they require little watering, resist most pests and diseases, and don’t demand constant attention. They thrive in poor soils, tolerate drought, and are adaptable to various garden styles—from modern landscapes to naturalistic meadows.
Choosing the Right Grasses for Your Garden
For gardeners in planting zone 6a, selecting the right grasses is key to ensuring year-round beauty and longevity. Here are some of our top picks at 19 Birch Lane:
Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) – A versatile native grass that adds vertical interest, tolerates wet or dry soils, and boasts stunning golden-red fall color.
Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass) – An elegant, upright grass that offers early-season blooms and remains structured through winter.
Miscanthus sinensis (Maiden Grass) – Known for its dramatic arching foliage and feathery plumes that emerge in late summer.
Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed) – A low-growing, fragrant grass that creates soft mounds of texture.
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – Adds striking blue-green summer tones that transform into fiery oranges and purples in the fall.
Designing with Grasses: Inspiration from 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, we have used grasses in various ways to enhance the natural beauty of our gardens. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your own landscape:
Focal Points: Instead of relying solely on flowers for impact, consider using bold grasses like Miscanthus or Switchgrass as striking centerpieces. Their height and movement create an eye-catching display.
Borders and Pathways: Feather Reed Grass lines pathways and garden beds beautifully, offering structure without feeling too rigid.
Wild, Naturalized Plantings: Mix grasses with flowering perennials like Echinacea, Black-Eyed Susans, and Russian Sage to create a meadow-like effect that feels effortless yet refined.
Softening Hardscapes: Planted alongside stone walls, patios, or around the vintage Lord & Burnham greenhouse, grasses help blend man-made structures with nature.
Drought-Tolerant Solutions: If you have a dry, sunny area, grasses like Little Bluestem and Prairie Dropseed thrive with minimal irrigation.
Caring for Perennial Grasses
While these plants are wonderfully low-maintenance, a little care goes a long way in keeping them at their best:
✔ Cutting Back: In early spring, trim grasses down to 4-6 inches to encourage fresh new growth. Avoid cutting in the fall—leaving them up through winter adds beauty and provides habitat for wildlife.
✔ Dividing: Every 3-5 years, divide clump-forming grasses to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.
✔ Watering: Newly planted grasses need regular watering, but once established, most can handle drought conditions with ease.
✔ No Heavy Feeding: Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, floppy growth. A light compost dressing in spring is all they need.
Bringing a Timeless, Natural Look to Any Garden
The magic of ornamental grasses lies in their ability to elevate a landscape with little effort. Whether you’re creating a modern minimalist garden, a cottage-style haven, or a sprawling meadow, grasses offer texture, movement, and year-round appeal.
At 19 Birch Lane, we have seen firsthand how these plants bring a sense of harmony and effortless beauty to any space. As we continue to evolve our gardens, we remain inspired by the way grasses capture light, dance in the breeze, and transform with the seasons.
If you’re looking for a way to redefine your garden with a touch of wild elegance, consider incorporating perennial grasses—you may just find them to be the most enchanting plants you’ve ever grown.
The Benefits of Landscape Lighting
The Benefits of Landscape Lighting
Enhancing the Beauty of 19 Birch Lane: The Benefits of Landscape Lighting
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, our gardens are designed to dazzle during the day—but the magic doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Thoughtfully planned landscape lighting transforms our outdoor spaces into an enchanting wonderland, extending the beauty and usability of our gardens into the evening hours. From illuminating paths to highlighting architectural and botanical features, our hard-wired LED lighting system plays a key role in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for our guests.
Let’s dive into the benefits of using landscape lighting in your garden and explore how we use path lights, spotlights, and uplighting at 19 Birch Lane to enhance our botanical haven.
The Benefits of Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting is more than just a decorative addition—it’s a practical investment that offers a host of benefits:
1. Safety and Navigation
Well-lit paths and walkways reduce the risk of trips and falls, especially in the evening. At 19 Birch Lane, path lights guide guests as they explore the gardens after dark, creating a safe and enjoyable experience for evening weddings and events.
2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Strategically placed lights draw attention to the most beautiful features of your garden. Whether it’s a majestic tree, a charming pergola, or a serene pond, lighting can turn these elements into nighttime focal points.
3. Increased Usability
Landscape lighting allows you to enjoy your garden after sunset, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, relaxing outdoors, or celebrating a special occasion. It extends the functionality of your space, making it accessible and inviting at all hours.
4. Security
A well-lit property can deter trespassers and provide peace of mind. Lighting dark corners and entryways adds an extra layer of security to your outdoor spaces.
5. Energy Efficiency
Modern LED lighting systems, like the one we use at 19 Birch Lane, are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They provide brilliant illumination while keeping electricity usage low, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
How We Use Landscape Lighting at 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, our lighting strategy focuses on enhancing the natural beauty of our gardens while creating a magical ambiance for evening celebrations. Here’s how we do it:
1. Path Lights: Guiding the Way
Path lights are essential for illuminating walkways, guiding guests through our gardens safely and elegantly. We’ve placed these lights along the main pathways leading to our ceremony pergola, outdoor dining areas, and greenhouse. The soft glow from these fixtures highlights the edges of the paths without overwhelming the surrounding landscape, ensuring that the garden’s natural beauty remains the star.
2. Spotlights: Showcasing Key Features
Spotlights allow us to draw attention to specific garden elements, such as statues, fountains, and architectural features. For example, our vintage Lord and Burnham greenhouse looks stunning at night when lit with spotlights, its intricate details casting soft shadows that enhance its timeless charm.
We also use spotlights to highlight our flower beds, particularly those featuring vibrant dahlias, hydrangeas, and heirloom mums. The focused beams of light bring out the colors and textures of these blooms, creating a striking visual effect.
3. Uplighting: Highlighting Trees and Vertical Elements
Uplighting is one of the most dramatic ways to enhance a garden. By placing lights at the base of trees or tall structures, we create a stunning upward glow that emphasizes height and form. At 19 Birch Lane, we use uplighting to showcase our majestic trees, like the eastern redbuds and crabapples, as well as to accentuate tall trellises and garden arches.
This technique adds depth and dimension to the garden, making it feel larger and more dynamic. It’s particularly breathtaking during evening events, where the interplay of light and shadow creates a magical atmosphere.
Why We Choose Hard-Wired LED Lights
While there are many types of landscape lighting available, we’ve chosen hard-wired LED lights for their reliability, efficiency, and quality. Here’s why:
Energy Efficiency: LED lights consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, reducing our environmental footprint while saving on electricity costs.
Longevity: LED lights have a longer lifespan, which means fewer replacements and less maintenance over time.
Consistent Performance: Hard-wired systems are dependable, delivering consistent illumination without the need to replace batteries or recharge.
Customization: Hard-wired systems allow us to create tailored lighting effects, from dimming pathways to spotlighting specific features.
Tips for Incorporating Landscape Lighting in Your Garden
If you’re considering adding landscape lighting to your garden, here are some tips to ensure success:
Plan Your Layout: Walk through your garden at dusk to identify areas that could benefit from lighting. Consider safety, aesthetics, and functionality.
Use Layers of Light: Combine different types of lighting—path lights, spotlights, and uplighting—for a balanced and dynamic effect.
Choose LED Fixtures: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights to minimize maintenance and reduce energy costs.
Highlight Unique Features: Focus on elements that make your garden special, such as statues, water features, or dramatic plants.
Avoid Overlighting: Subtlety is key. Too much light can wash out the beauty of your garden, while well-placed fixtures can create an elegant and inviting atmosphere.
A Bright Future for 19 Birch Lane
Landscape lighting has become an integral part of our gardens at 19 Birch Lane, helping us create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Whether it’s an evening stroll through the glowing pathways or a wedding reception illuminated by the soft light of uplighted trees, our lighting design ensures that every moment feels magical.
As we continue to refine our gardens, we’re excited to explore even more ways to use lighting to enhance the beauty and functionality of our space. If you’re inspired by what we’ve done at 19 Birch Lane, we encourage you to experiment with landscape lighting in your own garden—it’s a simple way to elevate your outdoor spaces and enjoy them to the fullest.
If you're interested in some of the outdoor lighting that we use, check out this link. https://benable.com/aricodone/garden-lighting/details?detail_id=8384381
“Landscape lighting brings our gardens to life after dark, adding a layer of beauty and magic that transforms every evening into something extraordinary.”
– Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener, 19 Birch Lane
For more tips and inspiration, visit us at www.19birchlane.com. Whether you’re planning a wedding or simply looking to enhance your garden, we’d love to share our expertise with you! 🌟
Brighten Your Winter Days: Growing Amaryllis Indoors at 19 Birch Lane
Winter in Maine, especially in planting zone 6, often feels like it stretches endlessly. The bare branches, snow-draped landscapes, and gray skies can leave us yearning for a pop of color and a reminder of the vibrancy of spring. At 19 Birch Lane, we’ve discovered a delightful way to bring joy and warmth into our lives during these chilly months: growing Amaryllis indoors.
Why Amaryllis?
Amaryllis bulbs are a winter gardener’s dream. Known for their stunning, trumpet-shaped blooms in bold reds, pinks, whites, and even variegated patterns, they offer a vibrant splash of color when we need it most. Easy to grow and maintain, they’re a perfect choice for seasoned green thumbs and beginners alike. Their elegant blooms not only brighten your space but also uplift your spirit, providing a tangible reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Bulbs
When selecting Amaryllis bulbs, bigger is better. Large, healthy bulbs produce more stalks and blooms, giving you the most dramatic display. At 19 Birch Lane, we recommend varieties like “Red Lion” for classic red flowers or “Apple Blossom” for a soft pink-and-white palette. Look for bulbs that are firm to the touch and free from blemishes or mold.
Planting Your Amaryllis
Here’s how to get your Amaryllis bulbs started indoors:
Choose the Right Container: Select a pot that’s about 1-2 inches wider than the bulb and deep enough to accommodate its roots. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Plant the Bulb: Fill the pot with well-draining potting soil, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed above the soil line. Firm the soil gently around the bulb to keep it stable.
Water and Place: Water the bulb lightly after planting and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. A south-facing window is ideal.
Care and Maintenance:
Water sparingly until you see growth, then increase watering as the stalks and leaves emerge. Avoid letting the soil become soggy.
Rotate the pot occasionally to encourage straight growth.
Watching the Magic Happen
In just 6-8 weeks, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular blooms. To extend the flowering period, move the plant out of direct sunlight once the flowers start to open. If you stagger the planting of multiple bulbs, you can enjoy a continuous display of color throughout the winter.
After Bloom Care
Once your Amaryllis finishes blooming, don’t toss it away! With a little care, you can coax it to bloom again next winter:
Cut the flower stalks back to just above the bulb, but leave the leaves intact.
Continue watering and feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer.
In late spring, move the plant outdoors to a sunny spot. Bring it back inside before the first frost, and let it rest in a cool, dark place for 8-10 weeks before starting the cycle anew.
Adding a Touch of 19 Birch Lane’s Magic
At 19 Birch Lane, we believe in making every space a sanctuary. Consider displaying your Amaryllis in a vintage pot or pairing it with evergreen cuttings and fairy lights for a festive touch. These small details create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that reflects the charm of our botanical garden setting.
Embrace the Joy of Indoor Gardening
Growing Amaryllis indoors during the winter is a simple yet impactful way to bring color, life, and happiness into your home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your plant journey, these stunning blooms are a reminder that even in the coldest, darkest seasons, beauty can flourish.
At 19 Birch Lane, we’re always inspired by the resilience and joy that gardening brings. We hope you’ll find as much happiness in growing Amaryllis as we do, and we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your indoor gardening adventures with us, and let’s keep the spirit of growth alive, even in the depths of winter.
Heirloom Mums: Timeless Beauty @19 Birch Lane
Heirloom Mums: Timeless Beauty at 19 Birch Lane
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, we celebrate every season in our gardens, but there’s something truly magical about the fall. As the crisp autumn air settles in, one plant stands out for its vibrant colors, rich textures, and timeless elegance: heirloom chrysanthemums, or “mums.” These classic beauties are more than just a garden staple—they’re a statement of history, resilience, and unparalleled charm. Whether used as a garden accent or a cut flower for indoor arrangements, heirloom mums shine in Maine’s grow zone 6a.
Why Heirloom Mums?
Heirloom mums have been cultivated for centuries, cherished for their intricate blooms, variety of forms, and rich colors. Unlike modern hybrids bred for uniformity and mass production, heirloom varieties retain their unique characteristics, offering a softer, more natural look. Their robust stems, intricate petal structures, and ability to thrive in cool climates make them ideal for both ornamental gardens and floral arrangements.
At 19 Birch Lane, we love heirloom mums for their ability to extend the beauty of our gardens well into the fall. These late bloomers bridge the gap between summer’s fading flowers and the quiet dormancy of winter, providing a vibrant display when most plants have finished their show.
Heirloom Mums as a Garden Accent
1. Stunning Autumn Displays
Heirloom mums are perfect for creating dynamic fall displays. Their wide range of colors—deep reds, warm oranges, golden yellows, and soft pinks—complement the changing foliage of autumn. We use them to line pathways, enhance borders, and frame garden features like pergolas and fountains.
Their mounded growth habit and abundant blooms make them excellent companions for ornamental grasses, asters, and sedums. The combination of textures and colors creates a garden that feels alive with the season's energy.
2. Low-Maintenance Elegance
One of the reasons we recommend heirloom mums is their relatively low maintenance. Once established, they require little more than well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain their shape. At 19 Birch Lane, we prepare the soil with compost before planting to ensure healthy growth and strong blooms.
3. Wildlife-Friendly Blooms
Heirloom mums are not just beautiful—they’re also beneficial to pollinators. In late fall, when other nectar sources are scarce, bees and butterflies flock to their blooms. Planting heirloom mums supports local wildlife while adding a dynamic layer of activity to the garden.
Heirloom Mums as a Cut Flower
1. Long-Lasting Blooms
One of the standout features of heirloom mums is their longevity as cut flowers. When properly harvested and cared for, they can last up to two weeks in a vase. Their sturdy stems and vibrant colors make them a favorite for floral designers and home decorators alike.
At 19 Birch Lane, we often incorporate heirloom mums into wedding arrangements, autumn centerpieces, and bouquets. Their intricate blooms add texture and drama to any floral design.
2. Harvesting Tips
For the longest vase life, we harvest mums early in the morning when the blooms are just beginning to open. After cutting, we strip the lower leaves and place the stems in clean water with a floral preservative. This simple process ensures that our mums remain fresh and vibrant for days.
Growing Heirloom Mums in Zone 6a
Maine’s grow zone 6a provides the perfect conditions for heirloom mums, with its cool fall temperatures and well-defined growing seasons. Here are some tips we follow at 19 Birch Lane to ensure our mums thrive:
1. Planting Location
Heirloom mums thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. We choose locations with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, which can affect mums in humid conditions.
2. Soil Preparation
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for heirloom mums. We amend our soil with compost and organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
3. Pinching for Fuller Growth
In late spring and early summer, we pinch back the growing tips of our mums to encourage bushier plants with more blooms. This simple technique results in a more abundant and compact display.
4. Winter Protection
Although many heirloom mums are sometimes hardy in zone 6a, we take extra precautions to protect them during harsh winters. A layer of mulch or straw around the base of the plants helps insulate the roots and prevent frost damage. Along with those precautions we also dig up a few plants and over winter the in our basement as a add way of saving our stock for the next growing season.
Favorite Heirloom Mums at 19 Birch Lane
Here are a few of our favorite heirloom varieties that thrive in Maine’s climate:
‘Sheffield Pink’: Soft, peachy-pink blooms that bring a romantic touch to fall gardens.
‘Clara Curtis’: Bright pink flowers with a daisy-like appearance, perfect for borders and arrangements.
‘Old Gold’: Golden-yellow blooms with a rich, warm tone that complements autumn foliage.
‘Bronze Elegance’: Deep bronze flowers that add a dramatic flair to both gardens and bouquets.
The Legacy of Heirloom Mums
Heirloom mums carry a sense of history and tradition, connecting us to gardeners of the past who cherished these timeless blooms. At 19 Birch Lane, we honor that legacy by incorporating them into our gardens and floral designs, showcasing their beauty and resilience.
Whether you’re planning a garden redesign, hosting an autumn event, or simply looking for a way to brighten your home, heirloom mums are a versatile and rewarding choice. Their vibrant colors, intricate blooms, and seasonal charm make them a standout addition to any space.
“At 19 Birch Lane, heirloom mums remind us that beauty can thrive even in the waning days of the season. They bring warmth, elegance, and timeless appeal to our gardens and celebrations alike.”
– Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane
Turning Waste into Wonder: The Benefits of Composting at 19 Birch Lane
Turning Waste into Wonder: The Benefits of Composting at 19 Birch Lane
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, we believe that the heart of a thriving garden lies in the soil, and the secret to healthy soil is compost. As stewards of our lush botanical gardens in Maine’s grow zone 6a, we are always exploring ways to enhance the beauty and productivity of our landscape. Composting is not just a sustainable practice; it’s a cornerstone of how we care for our gardens and the planet.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to implement an expanded composting program at 19 Birch Lane, enriching our gardens while reducing waste. Here’s why composting matters and how it will play an even bigger role in our garden care.
Why Composting Matters
Composting transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich material that feeds your soil and plants. It’s one of the most effective ways to support a sustainable garden while reducing your environmental footprint. Here are some key benefits:
1. Improves Soil Health
Compost is often referred to as “black gold” for a reason. It improves soil texture, enhances water retention, and boosts the soil's ability to support plant life. At 19 Birch Lane, compost helps us grow everything from our vibrant flower borders to our lush vegetable garden.
2. Reduces Waste
By composting, we divert kitchen scraps, yard waste, and plant clippings from landfills. This not only reduces waste but also cuts down on methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting aligns perfectly with our mission of creating an eco-friendly venue.
3. Encourages Biodiversity
Compost enriches the soil with beneficial microorganisms, fungi, and worms, creating a thriving ecosystem beneath the surface. These tiny helpers break down nutrients and make them available to plants, fostering healthier growth throughout our gardens.
4. Saves Money
Creating compost in-house eliminates the need for expensive fertilizers or soil conditioners. By using what nature provides, we’re able to reinvest savings into other aspects of our gardens, enhancing the experience for our guests.
How We Plan to Use More Compost in 2025
As we look to the upcoming year, we’re committed to expanding our composting practices at 19 Birch Lane. Here’s what we have in store:
1. Expanding Our Compost System
Currently, we use a three-bin composting system to manage kitchen scraps, garden debris, and fall leaves. In 2025, we plan to add additional bins and streamline our process to handle more organic waste. By scaling up, we’ll generate even more compost to spread throughout our gardens.
2. Enhancing Garden Beds
One of our goals is to improve the fertility and health of every garden bed on our property. Compost will be integrated into our perennial flower borders, rose beds, and vegetable garden. It will serve as a natural fertilizer, boosting blooms, strengthening root systems, and improving plant resilience.
3. Compost for Wedding Spaces
Compost will also play a role in maintaining the beauty of our outdoor wedding spaces. From the lush hydrangea borders lining our driveway to the vibrant flower beds framing our ceremony pergola, compost will ensure these areas are picture-perfect for our couples.
4. Compost Tea for Targeted Feeding
In 2025, we plan to experiment with compost tea, a liquid extract made from steeping compost in water. This nutrient-rich solution will allow us to target-feed delicate plants, such as roses and dahlias, for maximum growth and bloom production.
How to Start Composting in Your Own Garden
If you’re inspired by our plans and want to start composting at home, here are some tips:
1. Choose a Compost System
Compost bins or tumblers are great for smaller spaces, while a three-bin system works well for larger gardens. Place your compost system in a convenient, well-drained location with partial shade.
2. Balance Greens and Browns
A good compost pile needs a mix of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials). Greens include fruit scraps, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. Browns include dry leaves, shredded paper, and straw. Aim for a ratio of about 2 parts browns to 1 part greens.
3. Maintain the Pile
Turn your compost regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition. Keep the pile moist—like a damp sponge—but not waterlogged.
4. Harvest Your Compost
Finished compost will be dark, crumbly, and smell earthy. Use it to enrich soil, as mulch around plants, or in homemade potting mixes.
The Role of Compost in Sustainable Gardening
Composting is more than just a gardening technique—it’s a commitment to sustainability and a healthier planet. By making and using compost, we reduce waste, enrich our soil, and grow stronger, more resilient plants. At 19 Birch Lane, we’re proud to embrace this practice as part of our gardening philosophy.
Our expanded composting efforts in 2025 will not only enhance the beauty of our gardens but also align with our mission of being an environmentally conscious venue. We invite you to visit us and see the results for yourself, from the vibrant blooms to the thriving greenery.
“Compost reminds us that the end of one thing can be the beginning of something beautiful. It’s nature’s way of showing us that growth and renewal are always possible.”
– Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener, 19 Birch Lane
Whether you’re planning a wedding, visiting our gardens, or simply looking for inspiration, composting is a practice that can transform your garden—and your relationship with the natural world. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your garden flourish, just as ours will in 2025.