Summer at the Land & Garden Preserve was full of bright blossoms, engaging conversations, careful work, and many moments of joy and wonder experienced by visitors from across the island and around the world. Touring a garden, joining a focused activity, participating in one of our collaborations, and getting a behind-the-scenes tour, were among the opportunities to engage and make memories at the Preserve this summer.
Enjoy reflecting on some of the warmth and beauty of the summer captured in these photos and in stories in this newsletter.
Little Long Pond Paddles
A new addition to our slate of summer field walks took participants onto Little Long Pond. Tate Bushell and Dave Oullette led groups of paddlers on two explorations to share the ecology of the pond by boat.
Lantern Stroll at Asticou Azalea Garden
During the biennial Lantern Stroll at Asticou Azalea Garden in July guests found special vantage points and moments to enjoy and reflect. Floating lanterns, gently lit pathways, rock dragons, and glowing orbs delighted attendees throughout the evening.
Photos by Sue Ann Hodges.
Pollinators in the gardens
From left to right:
Pipevine Swallowtail
The August sighting of a pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor, was an exciting and rare moment at Thuya Garden. The only other confirmed report of this butterfly in Maine was 20 years ago. Margaret Handville, our woodland gardener, planted Dutchman’s Pipevine, Aristolochia tomentosa, a host plant for the larva of this butterfly, several years ago.
Monarch Chrysalis
The pattern of the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, can be discerned through the exoskeleton of the chrysalis. Many visitors were enthralled by the caterpillars, chrysalides, and adult monarchs in the gardens. The butterfly emerged the day after this photograph was taken.
Black Swallowtail
As the gardeners incorporate more native plants into the landscape, the diversity of native insects is increasingly supported. The black swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polyxenes, was among the species of pollinators spotted at Thuya Garden.
Eastern Comma Butterfly
The eastern comma, Polygonia comma, was another butterfly seen at Thuya Garden. The host plants for the larva include elms and nettles, the adults primarily feed on sap and rotting fruits.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden and Thuya Garden
Visitors marveled at the form, texture, and colors of flowers at the gardens this summer. Several walks and talks at Thuya Garden and Asticou Azalea Garden were offered for members; pictured here is Wendy Dolliver, Head Gardener at Thuya, sharing information about the border plantings. The profusion of blossoms, sweet fragrances, flitting hummingbirds, and new discoveries with each path taken in the gardens were a delight throughout the summer.