May 2013
Spring has finally sprung, and it's time to bring some much-needed color and
greenery to the garden beds at Pine Tree Hospice. To help get us started, Bob’s
Farm Home & Garden in Dover-Foxcroft has donated 2 bags of compost to begin
sprucing them up. If you are interested in lending your hands and muscle to some
garden work (pulling up old plants, edging beds, planting and mulching) let me
know. And if you'd prefer to assist in non-physical ways, we'd love it if you'd
consider donating a plant or two. Read on...
Dividing perennials? We'll happily accept divisions of hardy species like
daylilies, hosta, iris, rudbeckia, and yarrow. Hardy herbs, too, like chives or
catmint, would do well here.
Putting in annuals and have a few left over? We'll take them! One of our
existing beds (under the Pine Tree sign) gets a lot of sun and is well-drained.
The other bed (the shallow raised bed by our entry ramp) is shadier and will
tend towards dry soil. Pansies, lobelia, impatiens, and alyssum would do well
here.
We're also pondering the possibilities for a few hanging baskets along the
entryway ramp and porch. The biggest challenge here is with watering during dry,
hot weekends. If you have ideas for plants that would weather some spells of
dryness and tolerate the partial shade of the location let me know. I also know
there are special "self-watering" planters out there; if you've had any
experience with them, feel free to weigh in with an opinion.
If you have plants you would like to donate to PTH please let me know by calling
the office 564-4346 or emailing us at
wecare@pinetreehospice.org so
that we can arrange a drop-off or pick-up time.
