PARIS — National Garden Day on Friday, May 11, is the kick-off to the McLaughlin Garden’s Wildflower Celebration during Mother’s Day weekend. A number of special events will take place in addition to the opening of the garden’s annual plant sale. Hours of the celebration will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 11-13.
The mid-May weekend is usually a prime time to see Bernard McLaughlin’s collection of wildflowers. However, warm weather this spring prompts horticulturist Kristin Perry to anticipate that some lilacs may be blooming. Donations will be accepted to help maintain the historic property.
Perry and trained volunteers will lead tours in the garden. This will give visitors a chance to learn the names of some of the flowers and ask questions on how to grow them. In addition, a scavenger hunt will provide families and individuals the opportunity to track down some of the interesting features in the garden.
A special exhibit from the New England Wildflower Society will be on display throughout the month. The beautiful photographs document native pollinators and the flowers they visit.
Another unique opportunity will use the garden’s stunning spring bloom as a backdrop for family photos. Oxford Hills native and Portland based photographer Emily Delamater is scheduling photographic sessions May 13 and 14. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the garden. Further information is available from Delamater at 615-9069 or at www.emilydelamaterphotography.com.
The plant sale offers the opportunity to purchase perennials, especially wildflowers, which are not readily available. Included in this year’s offerings are Virginia bluebells and celedine poppy as well as divisions of McLaughlin originals including Canadian ginger, black cohosh, mayapples, trillium, Uvularia grandiflora (largeflower bellwort) and maidenhair fern.
The gift shop is now open for the season. In addition to gardening items such as gloves, tip bags, birdhouses and pots, the shop also has specialty soaps, jewelry, hand towels and other interesting items.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
