A rural hillside residence in Downeast Maine serves as a model for regenerating fragmented native plant communities and restoring damaged site systems. Sensible land management practices guide the homeowner’s efforts to rehabilitate expansive areas of mown lawn. Spaces carved from the landscape overlook stunning panoramic regional views, while new plantings define edges and thresholds. Brilliant seasonal drama is heightened along mown paths meandering through a rich tapestry of managed native meadow.
Plan your fall garden. Before you plant anything new in your garden, make a list of plants you want to try (perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and vegetables) and make sure you know the proper planting times for each one in your area. Use graph paper to plot out any new garden beds — doing so will help you to accurately plan plant quantities and spacing. Determine if any organic matter is needed to amend your existing soil. Then use peat, compost, compost manure or sand to get the desired consistency for plant health.