DEAR SUN SPOTS: I had two dozen lady slipper flowers that bloomed every spring under the trees in my back yard. Last year and this year so far, there have been no lady slipper plants at all. I have not changed anything in their environment. Also, many perennials have grown leaves, but no blossoms. I am hoping that you have experts to consult with regarding this situation. Thank you for the great column you produce — Donna, Auburn.
ANSWER: Lady slippers are wildflower members of the orchid family that generally bloom between May and July, according to the USDA Forest Service website. The plants have a finite lifespan of about 20 years or so, and without certain conditions to promote reproduction, such as a certain fungus in the soil and the presence of bees, they could eventually disappear. In some places, lady slippers are actually considered endangered. Chances are most likely, however, that deer have found your lady slippers. If this is the case, then they could return next year, provided the deer leave them alone.
As for your perennials that are failing to blossom, is it possible that they have become overcrowded? If they are fighting with too many other plants for nutrients, then they may not have the nutrients required to support blossoms, though the stems and leaves would still be able to grow. Perhaps some of Sun Spots gardener friends would care to weigh in? Readers would love to hear from you.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are the first thing I read in the newspaper. All of us appreciate all the hard work you do in finding answers for us. Can you tell me if Lewiston-Auburn area will have a garden tour in the future. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say we miss it. Thank you for your help. — No Name, No Town.
ANSWER: Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a garden tour scheduled for the Lewiston-Auburn area in the upcoming months.
The last home and garden tour, which served as a major fundraiser for the Maine Music Society, took place in 2009. An ambitious group of volunteers organized the popular annual event, but lives and time eventually overtook the energy required to pull off the tours. Perhaps one day, the tour will be revived by some other group of local garden enthusiasts, any volunteers?
In the meantime, there are still places in Maine that do host home and garden tours. Check with the Garden Club Federation of Maine or visit The Garden Spotter’s website at http://thegardenspotter.com/the-list-maine-garden-tours-2016/ for some upcoming scheduled tour information.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering how to go about applying for a paper route job. If you could get back to me as soon as possible, that would be great. Thank you. — Miguel, No Town.
ANSWER: Please come in to the customer service office at the Sun Journal location at 104 Park St. in Lewiston, and ask for Earl Barker or Joe Martin. They will be happy to assist you.
Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.
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