By Lisa Freeman This project began in early 2023 when I learned that a Habitat for Humanity house was going to be built in Wiscasset. I contacted the director of Habitat for Humanity in Topsham, Adam Lacher, to see if my club could donate the landscape plants. Adam was delighted with our offer. After getting approval from the GCW Board, Robin Grant helped me draw up the landscape plan, which Adam approved. The house construction was finally finished in late spring, and I met with the new owner to see if she had any plant preferences. She wanted low maintenance, a flowering tree at the back of the house, and a fir tree to block a neighbor’s “not very attractive” shed.
In late June, I purchased the trees, shrubs, a few perennials and collected other perennials donated by my club members. After installing edging for the beds around the house and adding compost to the soil, Habitat arranged for a group of volunteer students from Spain to help plant the trees and shrubs. It was challenging because most of them spoke little English and had never touched a shovel! But we got everything planted, mulched, watered, and I hope they all learned a lot. I certainly appreciated their help. Robin Grant, Sherry Lyons, and Sheila Scott, GCW members, helped me plant all of the perennials.
Some of the plants we used: Arborvitae, Abies Canaan, Rhododendron, Juniper, Holly, Dwarf Spruce, Cornus kousa, Lilacs, Forsythia, Phlox, Perovskia, Iris, Echinacea, Coreopsis, Hosta, Astilbe, and Daylilies.
I’m pleased to say that the owner joined the Garden Club of Wiscasset!
And GCW was just given a grant from the Garden Club Federation of Maine for $1407.25 to cover the cost of plants and supplies. Thank you GCFM!
(A version of this article was also published in THYME TO GARDEN! January - February 2025 Newsletter)
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