At the Uhlein Farm greenhouse, the Ausable Conservation Nursery staff explained their progress and goals for growing native plant stock to support the restoration projects of the Ausable Freshwater Center. With an increase in the number of projects in the northeast came a demand for more native plant stock, so ACN was established just two years ago. The plant stock grown here will serve other restoration groups beyond AFC and eventually property owners.

Larger species such as sugar maple, red maple, silver maple and birches are being prioritized at the greenhouse while a large hoop house is constructed. These fast growers help stabilize the river banks, while other natives can become established for the longer term. They are also valued for combatting invasive species from taking over in newly disturbed watersheds. The resilience of maturing vegetation is greater when grown and climatized in the area being restored.

Members were shown tools and processes for starting the young trees from locally collected seeds and several propagation methods. A simple hand magnifier is helpful in seed identification. Preparing them in tubes as bare-root seedlings, ACN can produce a greater number for distribution to their projects as well as add to their growing field. A ten foot high fence was constructed on acreage near the greenhouse to protect the young trees from the local deer population. These young trees will be more successful when transplanted into newly disturbed watersheds.

The public will have an opportunity on Thursday, June 26, to attend similar demonstrations and tours by AFC at Uhlein Farm greenhouse on Bear Cub Road. Register to participate by emailing events@ausablecenter.org.

On one of our few sunny, dry days, GCLP members enjoyed Horsford Gardens and Nursery, a 132 year old nursery in Charlotte, Vermont. The program focused on plant additions that are beneficial to butterflies. While milkweed is well known and an ideal host plant for butterflies in the egg laying and larvae stages, the flower is important as an immediate nectar source. Swamp milkweed is a good garden choice, because unlike common milkweed, it does not spread out of control. Common milkweed is great for large areas that can remain untouched. The butterflies need nectar throughout their life cycle. Members were shown butterfly bush, salvia, violets, black eyed susan, yarrow and geum as examples. Labrador violets, native to Vermont, and geum were perennials less familiar to club members. The flowers of spice bush, button bush and mock orange are larger shrubs providing good food sources. Swallow-tail butterflies favor spice bushes. Oak trees also provide nectar to pollinators. Any sweet smelling annual or herb, will attract butterflies throughout the growing season. Alyssum, lobelia, dill and parsley were specifically mentioned. The visit included a tour of their gardens where early summer perennials were in bloom, including showy peonies bordering a small pond.

This spring GCLP also accomplished their commitments to the Adopt a Highway program and the Triangle Garden. Players Sports Bar and Generations were sponsors of two recent work sessions.

Residential gardeners are waiting for some warmer and drier weather to support growth and bloom of annuals. Wet soil and cold night temperatures prevent tender plants from setting a strong root system in containers and gardens. The developing rot makes them more susceptible to disease. Wilting, yellowing leaves are an early sign the plant is struggling.

Some potted plants can easily be brought inside, but those that are going to remain outside may need extra attention. If you dig one to check the root structure you may find a solution. If only an inch or two of roots are trying to support a long trailing petunia, the plant may respond if it is cut back. While you sacrifice the flowers, it can spare pitching the plant. Strong light and reduced moisture can help the plant recover with stronger roots. This season’s temperatures do bring gardeners to declare, “this is the last time!” We hope a quick change in weather patterns will soon bring beautiful color into our gardens.

Pat Hofbauer is a member of Garden Club of Lake Placid. Photos provided by GCLP.