The Hawthorn

The Hawthorn

Spring 2010

Merryspring Plant Sale Needs Your Help: Looking for Volunteers, Plants, and Garden- Related Items

Do you have time to volunteer at the Plant Sale or during set up the week before? Do you have perennials that need division or extra seedlings? Are your shelves groaning with unused garden books and your shed bursting with duplicate tools?

The donations and efforts of our members always add a special touch to our annual sale, so please help us make this year’s fund-raiser an exciting and successful event.

If you have donations of books, magazines, serviceable tools, and garden ornaments, they may be dropped off at the Ross Center any week day.

Plant donations can be dropped off during the week of May 17. Labels should indicate species and color. Donors of perennial divi-sions are asked to place divisions in plastic bags with adequate soil to keep roots cool and moist. Volunteers will be standing by to accept donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the days before the sale. If a volunteer is not available, seedlings may be placed in-side the greenhouse on the potting bench or floor and perennial divisions may be placed in the shade near the greenhouse.

Merryspring’s annual Plant Sale has been offering Midcoast gardeners professionally grown and locally dug annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees for three decades.

Our featured plant will be false indigo (Baptisia australis), the Perennial Plant Association’s 2010 Plant of the Year. This shrubby, easy-going American native stands about four feet high and flaunts foot-long racemes of deep blue, pea-like blossoms for three weeks in the spring. Eye-catching inflated seedpods turn charcoal black—great for flower arrangers. Deer give it a pass.

We also have hellebores (Helleborus orientalis)—wonderful as a ground cover in Maine gardens. The strain we are offering, Royal Heritage, sports gorgeous blossoms in shades of pink, cream, and yellow in early spring. Foliage stays evergreen beneath the snow and looks great all year long. Plants self-sow freely yet politely. No deer or slug problems. This is the perfect plant for high-shade fringe areas at the edge of woodlands.

Other highlights include perennial divisions and dahlias from the gardens of Merryspring and its members; divisions from the Maine Daylily Society’s collection; trees, shrubs, and perennials generously donated by Plants Unlim-ited; and vegetable seedlings, tomato plants, and herbs.

In conjunction with this year’s Plant Sale, the Maine Rhododendron Society will be holding its annual auction of select rhododendrons at Merryspring on Satur-day, May 22. This will be a wonderful opportunity to purchase hard-to-find varieties.

Children are welcome and are certain to have fun making their own flower pots out of folded newspaper and planting them with a choice of fast-growing seeds.

Merryspring’s perennial and herb gardens are the source of many Plant Sale divisions. (photo by Rachel Potter)

2010 Plant Sale

The sale begins Friday, May 21 (4 to 6 p.m., Merryspring Members Only) and continues on Saturday, May 22 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). There will be no sales before 4 p.m. on Friday. For more info call 236-2239 or visit www.merryspring.org.

The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 2

Plant Sale 1

Environmental Educator 2

Wish List 2

Education Calendar 3-4

Kitchen Tour 5

New Board Members 5

Volunteer Handbook 5

Donor Thanks 6-7

Skunk Cabbage 8

Inside this issue: Merryspring Nature Center P.O. Box 893, Camden, ME 04843 Tel: (207) 236-2239 Fax: (207) 230-0663 Email: info@merryspring.org www.merryspring.org

Mission Statement

Merryspring’s mission is to practice, teach, and advocate sound principles of ecology, conservation, and horticulture in order to protect our natural environment and to provide natural landscapes and cultivated areas for public enjoyment.

Hours of Operation The park is open free of charge from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Our offices and library are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.

Membership Fees Individual $35 Family $50 Business $50-100

Board of Trustees Ray Andresen, President Kathleen Kull, Vice President Margaret E. Barclay, Vice President Richard Ailes, Treasurer Frank Callanan, Secretary Rebecca Clapp Susan Dorr Cynthia Dunham Joanne Fagerburg James Sady Susan Shaw Carol Woodbury -Witham

Staff Toni Goodridge, Administrative Mgr. Gail Sutton, Buildings & Grounds Mgr. Bill Sutton, Buildings & Grounds Assist.

AmeriCorps Environmental Educator Leo Maheu

Wish List:

Vinyl Venetian blind slats

Craft supplies

wine corks

white birch bark

grapevine wreaths

Folding chairs

Loppers

Hand pruners

Visit Merryspring’s Facebook page, where you can check on upcoming programs and events. Go to http://www.tinyurl.com/merryspring-facebook/. We hope you’ll become a fan.

You can sign up for our eUpdates at www.merryspring.org to re-ceive the latest news on pro-grams and events.

Leo Maheu is the new AmeriCorps Environmental Educator at Merryspring. A native of Berkeley, California, Leo began his 10-month volunteer term at Merryspring in early February and will be with us through mid-December.

Leo’s primary role at Merryspring will be working with our volunteers and staff to expand the park’s environ-mental education offerings to include more hands-on, in-the-field programs for children. He will also be available to lead school field trips at Merryspring and to supervise our existing educational programs and events.

Leo is a 2008 graduate of California State University at Chico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Certification in Environmental Education. An Eagle Scout and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scouts of America, he previously served as the Nature Program Director at Camp Wolfeboro in the High Sierras of California. Among his varied interests are astronomy, backpacking, and scuba diving.

“As a Boy Scout, I learned at a very young age the importance of environmental values, and I am constantly striving to assist others in finding their own love for the outdoors,” Leo said. “This opportunity to work as an environmental educator will enable me to continue to educate others through exhibits, festivals, hands-on activities, and other events.”

Leo comes to Merryspring via the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC), which places AmeriCorps volunteers throughout the state to work with non-profits and other organizations with a focus on conservation and environmental education.

Create a Lasting Legacy for Merryspring Nature Center

Merryspring has a permanent Endowment Fund to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the wonders of nature exhibited and taught at Merryspring. We encourage donors to consider making be-quests that will increase this fund.

Please consult your personal financial and legal advisors on what method or methods will be in your best interest and fulfill your wishes.

If you would like more informa-tion on Merryspring’s endow-ment fund, please call us at (207)236-2239 or send us an email to info@merryspring.org.

Welcome Leo: New AmeriCorps Volunteer Joins Merryspring

The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 3

2010 Spring/Summer Education Calendar SPRING TUESDAY TALKS

Noon on Tuesdays; bring a bag lunch. Members & Children Free, Others $5

April 6 Grow More, Work Less with Square-Foot Gardening—Shelley Johnson, Breatheasy Farm

April 13 NO TALK SCHEDULED

April 20 Going Green: Small Changes for a Big Impact—Keith Crowley, Chewonki Foundation

April 27 Trees for the Maine Landscape—Doug Fox, Unity College

May 4 Alpine Primula—Richard May, Evermay Nursery

May 11 Plant Fever: Tips for an Organized Growing Season—Rebecca Jacobs, Gabriella’s Gardens

May 18 NO TALK SCHEDULED

SUMMER TUESDAY TALKS

May 25 Soil Health in Plain English—Mark Hutchinson, UMaine Cooperative Extension

June 1 Tending the Perennial Garden I—Wendy Andresen

June 8 Butterflies and Lupine—Richard Lenfest

June 15 NO TALK SCHEDULED

June 22 Sustainable Landscaping—Dr. Lois Berg Stack, UMaine Cooperative Extension

June 29 Rose Day 2010—Glenn Jenks

July 6 Tending the Perennial Garden II—Wendy Andresen

July 13 Mushrooms—Greg Marley

July 20 Growing Greens in Maine All Winter Long — Judy Berk

July 27 Invasive Insect Species—Rebecca Jacobs

August 3 Tending the Perennial Garden III—Wendy Andresen

August 10 Japanese Gardens—Lee Schneller

August 17 NO TALK SCHEDULED

August 24 Ferns and Mosses – speaker to be announced

August 31 Planting and Care of Rhododendrons – speaker to be announced

FREE PUBLIC EVENTS

Green Fair at Plants Unlimited: Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. —Visit Merryspring’s family educational activity booth to make a biodegradable newspaper flower pot and plant it with a seed of your choice.

Astronomy Evening co-sponsored by Central Maine Astronomical Society: Saturday, April 24, 8 - 10 p.m. —Mark your calendar for this annual event when astronomers share their joy of astronomy with people of all ages.

Film “Lurking in the Trees”: Wednesday, May 19, 4 p.m.—A 30-minute documentary about the devastating effect of the Asian longhorn beetle in Worchester, MA, followed by a Q&A about invasive species in Maine with District Forester Morten Moesswilde.

What’s Bugging You? co-sponsored by Knox County Soil & Water District: Wednesday, June 23, time TBA—Entomologist Mark Darlington will be on hand to discuss problem insects and their control. The public is invited to bring samples for identification.

Daylily Day co-sponsored by Maine Daylily Society: Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. —View the Maine Daylily Society’s spec-tacular demonstration garden at its peak, learn about daylily breeding and propagation, taste daylily foods, and more.

(continued on the next page)

The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 4

SCHOOL BREAK ECOLOGY DAY CAMP

Monday-Friday, April 19-23, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, ages 9-11 years; $60 for Members/$75 for Non-members—AmeriCorps Environ-mental Educator Leo Maheu will lead a full week of activities, projects, and outdoor discovery covering basic aspects of the envi-ronment including air, water, vegetation, wildlife, and the human impact on these elements.

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS

Second and Fourth Sundays, May through September, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. unless noted otherwise

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshops are offered if weather permits. In case of rain, please check for cancellation.

Dates: May 9 & 23; June 13 & 27; July 11 & 25; August 8 & 22; September 12 & 26

Sign up for e-Updates at www.merryspring.org to be notified of upcoming workshops. Potential themes include:

Outdoor Basics—An introduction to camping skills and trail and campsite games that will keep children engaged and sharpen their observation skills.

Animal Signs—Learn about observing and protecting local birds and animals. Join a guided nature walk around the park to look for the homes and signs of animals and learn how to track animals in your own backyard.

Bug Safari — There is a whole world of activity in the soil and air around us – a bug’s world! We will make our own simple bug boxes and then travel through the gardens and forest to search for insects of all shapes and sizes.

Geocaching Festival—Newbies and experienced Geocachers alike will have fun navigating Merryspring’s 66 acres on a mystery trek. Join us to learn more about this fun family sport and navigating equipment.

Fort Building & Fairy Houses—Come and build your own secret fortress in the forest or construct a tiny home for forest dwellers. Merryspring will supply building tips and supplies; you supply the creativity.

Trees—Trees provide us with food, fuel, shelter, shade … and so much more! Come meet the trees in Merryspring’s forest and learn how to identify some of Maine’s common varieties.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Space is limited. Call 236-2239 for more information or to pre-register.

Wilderness First Aid with Coleman Griffith: Saturday & Sunday, May 15-16, Time to be Determined; $100 Members/$115 Non-members. Whether you are involved in serious back-country recreation or are a first responder, this course will teach you valuable skills to aid the ill and injured in remote locations.

GPS Workshop with Morten Moesswilde, Maine District Forester: Saturday, June 5, Time and Cost to be Determined. GPS can do so much more than guide your car travel. Learn how to use satellite technology to guide you off road, to map trails, to manage a forest, and more.

Designing Continuously Blooming Gardens with Lee Schneller: Friday, July 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $30 Members/ $40 Non-members. Join a popular author and garden expert for a workshop on garden design. The required text, The Ever Blooming Flower Garden by Lee Schneller, may be purchased through Merryspring upon registration for $19.95 (members receive 10% discount). Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Mushrooming with Greg Marley: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Oct. 3; $150 Members/$175 Non-members. Acquire the skills to identify and collect common mushrooms of the Maine woods with a noted mycologist. A field guide is included with registration.

Some dates may be subject to change and additional workshops and field trips will be added. Be sure to check our website www.merryspring.org for the latest postings. If you’d like to be sent news of new programs and reminders of upcoming events, send your name and email address to info@merryspring.org. We will not share or sell your email address.

The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 5

Merryspring would like to thank the entire community for giving us the wonderful gift of making our 2009 Holiday Bazaar the most successful yet, a huge boost to our operating budget in these challenging times.

A very big thank you goes out to everyone who supported Merryspring’s education programs and parkland by shopping at the Bazaar and to the local media and organizations who helped publicize the event. We are especially grateful for the generous raffle donations by both Lily, Lupine & Fern and Lynette Walther, and for the sponsorship by both Long’s Land-scaping and Scholz & Barclay Architecture. We also wish to thank Plants Unlimited for inviting Merryspring to sell Bazaar items as part of its own Holiday Fair, and to Reny’s and Endless Summer Flower Farm for contributing goods to the Bazaar.

Congratulations and a big thank you also to our Holiday Bazaar volunteers — led by co-chairs Carol Woodbury-Witham and Judy Block — who harvested, crafted, cooked, decorated, promoted, clerked, and otherwise made the Bazaar possible. This fantastic group of volunteers and staff included Wendy & Ray Andresen, Meg Barclay, Jane Bennet, Frank Callanan, Mimi Chamberlain, Beryl Charlton, Carol Daigneault, Joanne Fagerburg, Toni Good-ridge & Richard Lermond, Dorothea Graham, Florence House-holder, Bonnie Janicki, Joyce Knox, Stevie Kumble, Edie Kyle, Aileen Lubin, Dorothy Magnuson, Kay Ouradnik, Gail Palmer, Carol Robinson, Jim Sady, Susan Shaw, Lisa Sprague, Gail & Bill Sutton, Priscilla & Bart Wood, and all those mysterious elves that make things happen or appear magically.

Kitchen Tour

Save the Date: August 4

2009 Holiday Bazaar Was the Best Yet!

Mark your calendar! This year’s Merryspring Kitchen Tour, sponsored by EBS Style Solutions, will be held Wednesday, August 4, and the list of stunning kitchens is already taking shape. If you’d like to volunteer for a half-day as a host/hostess, cashier, or parking attendant, please contact Kathie Kull at 236-2947. Volunteers receive tickets at half-price.

A New Year Brings New and Returning Faces to the Merryspring Board Joining Merryspring’s Board of Trustees this year are Cindy Dunham, Rebecca Clapp, Susan Dorr, and Joanne Fagerburg.

Cindy Dunham, along with her husband, Jim, was a founding Director of Tanglewood 4H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville, where she worked for the past 26 years developing nature-based summer camp experiences and youth environmental education pro-grams. A Master Gardener, Cindy believes strongly in the importance of na-ture education and is excited to be returning to the board of Merryspring af-ter more than 20 years to help expand our youth education programs.

Becky Clapp is an educator and former Director of Development for the Riley School. She has a strong commitment to community service and an interest in sustainable landscapes and low-impact plantings. She is enthusiastic about supporting Merryspring as a community resource and valuable habitat.

Susan Dorr and her husband, Greg, once lived in the little red house just outside the Merryspring gate. Susan has been active in the park as a board member, fundraiser, and grounds volunteer. She can often be found in the North Meadow walking with her dog Ramsey. Susan returns to the board after Peace Corps service in Malawi.

Joanne Fagerburg is a familiar face to Merryspring regulars and returns to the board after a year’s absence. Joanne has experience in administering com-plex organizations (both public and private), in grant writing, and in continu-ing education. She is a long-time member of the Wednesday Volunteers and is known for her expertise with a riding mower.

Volunteer Handbook is Ready For the past year the Volunteer Committee has been creating a new Volunteer Handbook, organizing a Volunteer Database, and updating the Volunteer Policy. All this work will soon make it easier to for volunteers and staff to match talents and interests with assignments, coordinate activities, and communicate quickly and easily.

Volunteers will be given a copy of the new Volun-teer Handbook after they fill out a new on-line Volunteer Survey Form that will help us better coordinate the tremendous efforts and contribu-tions of all our volunteers.

Cindy Dunham (left) and Joanne Fagerburg

The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 6

PATRON ($5,000 +): Doris Salzman

PARTNER ($2,500-$4,999): Mrs. Robert Black Jr.

CONSERVATOR ($1,000-$2,499): Amy & Robert Campbell, Rev. & Mrs. Dewey Fagerburg, Edie & Ned Kyle Jr., Hilliard & Aileen Lubin, Joseph D. Messler, Jr.

STEWARD ($500-$999): Laurie Adams, Wendy & Ray Andresen, Donna & Tillman Crane, Dorothea & Charlie Graham, Wheeler Griffith, Dr. & Mrs. Charles Kava, Stephanie A. & Alan S. Kumble, Linsey Low, Carol Arone & Mark Lutz, Sarah Rheault, Diana Rigg

DONOR ($250-$499): Ann B. Bixler, Brinkley Thorne & Mazie Cox, Mr. & Mrs. Charles W.H. Dodge, Maurice F. & Janet K. Granville, Sandy Millar & Frances Hitchcock, Patrisha & Don McLean, Pat Whitney Messler, Wayne & Caroline Morong, Kay Ouradnik, Thomas C. Prescott, Antje Roitzsch, Lynette L. Walther, Taylor Allen & Martha White, Thomas & Dennie Wolf, Barton & Priscilla Wood.

FRIEND ($100-$249): Mr. & Mrs. Donald Abbott, Susan Junge & Richard A. Ailes, Kathleen Allain, Alex & Lana Arau, Paula & Alexander Armentrout, JoAnne & Michael Bander, Henriette Binswanger, Gray Brott, John H. & Susan T. Buck, Susan Morrissey & Frank Callanan, Mary J. & Peter A. Chamberlain, Helen Shaw & Bill Chapman, Mrs. Charles Chatfield, Charlotte & William Cook, Tracy Jalbuena & James Cook, Jock & Day Cowperthwaite, Frank & Nancy Cummings, Carol & Dan Daigneault, Anne Dixon & Nancy Delp, Michael & Pamela Dufour, John & Karin Duncan, Anne C. Edmonds, Peter & Sally Enggass, Sarah R. & Richard M. Evans, Rebecca Sawyer-Fay & Joe Fay, Mr. & Mrs. Allen Fernald, Dr. David Field, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Furman, Diana R. Gay, Mary B. Glennie, Bernard Guerlain, Debra & Robert Hall, Linda Mairs Holt, Donald & Renee Hotchkiss, Bonnie & Matt Janicki, Faith Getchell & Glenn Jenks, Elizabeth E. & Paul J. Killoran, Mr. & Mrs. James Kinsella, Dr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Kugelman, Joan S. & Edward Ladd, Mr. & Mrs. R Chase Lasbury, Patsy Latham, Louise D. & Richard W. Ledwith, Jr., Jean B. & R. Michael Lenderking, Emily Saltonstall Lewis, Linda L & Philip C. Lewis, Mr. & Mrs. Doug-las Linder, Richard & Wanda Macnair, Lila Magie, Marguerite Cutroni & David J. Maki, Mark W. & Debra J. Masterson, Steven & Ursula McAllister, Marion & James G. McCully, Carolyn P. Miller, Audrey R. & Roger Moody, Susan K. & Robert G. Mossman, Taylor Mudge, Mr. Frank Murphy, Jose & Kathy Ocariz, Whitney & Tony Oppersdorff, Thomas & Gray Payne, Rosemary Peacock, Thomas & Lys McLaughlin Pike, Lois D. Rice, Stephen & Pamela Ross, Ann P. Rutherford, Mr. & Mrs. James Sady, David Wiggin & Diane Schetky, John & Judy Sherman, Liv Rockefeller & Ken Shure, Selma & Melvin Shure, Mr. & Mrs. Irwin Spalding, Susan St. John, Sharon A. Staz, Gerry & Joe Steele, Enid W. Stone, Edith C. Groden & Hugh Stubbins, Frank Trautmann, Mary Beth Van Alstine, David Waldron, Mark Wallack, Peg & John Way, Clifford H. & Ruth B. Wells, Irene Wolf .

FAMILY ($50-$99): Patricia B. & James J. Algrant, Tom and Mary Amory, Pauline R. & Robert E. Anderson III, Roberta B. Axelson, Marion & Frank Baer II, Nicholas Snow & Catharine Baker, Bland C. Banwell, Mr. & Mrs. J. Kennedy W. Barclay, Tom & Joanne Barksdale, Katie Bauer, Penny Baum, Joyce & Kevin R. Bedford, Lena & Hans Bengtsson, Barbara & William Bentley, Richard L. Bern-hard, Callie Black, Martha M. & Sidney Block, Lark & Edward Blum, Gordon Bok & Carol Rohl, Margaret M. Boyajian, Ed & Nancy Boylan, Hathaway and Galen Brewster, Conrad & Kathleen Brooks, Philip & Donna Caron, Jane & Alan Carr, Ragan & John Cary, John & Barbara Charters, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Clark, Phyllis Coelho, Catherine & Ellis Cohn, Richard & Tufts Colwell, Dr. Sally Coo-per, Dr. Catherine Cornell, Sally Cowan, Stephen V. & Sylvia Crane, Jean Craw-ford, Gayle & Jim Curtis, Harriet & John DeHoff, Kathy Deupree, Dwight John-son & Marsha Domench, Greg & Susan Dorr, Ruth & Robert Dreher, Richard J. & Barbara Ann Dubocq, Jim & Cindy Dunham, Mimi Dye & David Dunham, Cheryl Liechty & Mark Eggena Family, Marilyn A. & Robert M. Ellsworth, John & Louisa Enright, Laura & Eric Evans, Sarah Price & Stephen

Florimbi, Alexandra Wolf Fogel, Mary Ellen Foyo, Susan B. & William H. Freeman, Jr., Barbara & Bart Furey, Franciscus & Levina Magdalena Gerritsen, Janet Goss, Terry & Ned Gruener, Mrs. Ann Guild, Faith E. & David C. Hague, David & Elena Hamilton, Sara & Arthur Hayes, Elizabeth Henry, Claudia & Peter Hill, Mary & David Holster, Mary D. & Ross S. Holt, Jr., Carolyn Horn, Richard W. & Florence Householder, Mary Joe Hughes, Les Hyde, Jean & Robert Jacobs, Kathie & Marc Johnson, Hilary Carr & David Jones, Barrie Keegan & Gretchen Ebbesson-Keegan, Ed & Ruth Kenney, Robert W. & Lorraine C. Kerwin, Elaine and George Keyes, Rolanda Klapatch, Ned & Loel Kline, Nancy & Fred Kneedler, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Lamb, Molly Larson, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Libby, Kat Logan & Jim Loney, Cynthia & Michael E. Lucas, Robert & Edith K. Kelley Manns, Roslyn & George Marcopulos, Steven & Catherine Marin Family, Sally A. Marki, Richard & Irene Maxcy, David & Lori Maxwell, William F. & Kathleen T. May, Ann H. & Richard A. McKittrick, Ellen & Bob McMullen, Elizabeth P. McRae, Barb & Steve Melchiskey, Howard & Gladys Miller, Ronald H. & Mary H. Miller, Lolly & Jim

Mitchell, Cara Moody, Susan Moore, Nina Paul & Keith Morgan-Davie, Jean & Don Morrison, Russell & Erica Morton, David Corbin & Nan Moss, Corallie H. Murray, William & Vivian D. Newman, Gail Galloway- Nicholson, Barbara L. & David G. Noyes, Judith H. & Douglas O'Dell, Dianne & Kenneth Oelberger, Diane Pendleton, Connie & Etienne Perret, Michael & Elaine Pew, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Pluecker, Rachel Potter, Bob & Mary Rackmales, Sylvia Reed, Rachel Riefe, Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd Roberts, James & Marilyn Rockefeller, Diane & James Rose, Robert C. & Marion Walsh Rowell, Amy Russell Family, Tace F. Schmidt and Family, Lee A. Schneller, Melody & Warren Schubert, Nancy Seibert, Renee R. & Robert Shulman, Jean S. Silva, Harry & Marsha Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Kendrick Smith, Pat Snow, C. Richard & Nancy T. Soderberg, Dimitri & Charlotte Stancioff, John F. Steele, Mei Ling Cheung & Chris Steiner, Lorraine & Philip Streat, Paul & Claudia Sullivan, Ann & John Surovek, Shirley Burnell & Emmett Sutton, Ann

Sziklas, Judith & Tom Tarbox, Rebecca Thompson, The Van Den Bossche Family, Judith & Lisa Van Lunen, Arthur Warren, Merritt & Helen Webster, Dr. Thomas W. & Virginia H. Williams, John G. & Lucille A. Williams, Robert H. & Claire P. Yackel, Lisa & Richard Young, Hilje J. & Art D. Zur Muhlen.

INDIVIDUAL ($35-$49): 3 Anonymous, Joanne Alderman, Lori Alexander, Marcia B. Anderson, Grete Bailey, Daniel Baker, Hayes Baker, Arlene Barnhart, Michele Beckstrom, Jane P. Bennett, Joan Bennett, Peter L. Berke, Elizabeth Kononen Berry, Judy Kove Block, Carol Bosken, Marion Bowman, Shaunna Brown, Dale K. Bruce, Helen Burlingame, Deborah Chapman, Marcella Mace Christensen, Mrs. Lauralee Clayton, Josephine B. Clough, Nan Cobbey, Marlene Cohn, Ruth Cole, Mary Baldwin Collins, Susann B. Conover, Linda A. Cox, Judy Crosby, Lisa Cummings, Gregory B. Currier, Betsey Dauzier, Loraine Davis, Sally Demeter, Colette Dickey, Leann R. Diehl, Marcia Dietrich, Loraine Dubeau, Kathie Duncan, Julianne J. Edmondson, Maureen Egan, Richard C. Einsel, Jean E. English, Jerry Fales, Charlotte W. Faller, Linda Farwell, Amy Faunce, Antoinette Federle, Nicole M. Fici, Abby Fitzgerald, Sue Fleming, Mrs. Richard Foxwell, Judith F. Getman, Kathaleen M. Giurtino, Carolyn J. Giustra, Rosalee Glass, Carol Goodridge, Karen Goodwill, Barbara Goos, David Grant, Olivia Griset, Greta Z. Gulezian, Hall Family, Jayne Hall, Dorothy Hokkanen, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hopps, Carol Howe, Anne Jenkins, Shelley Johnson, Norma L. Jones, Karen Keller, Elaine Kennedy, Barbara Kerwin, Marcia Kimpton, June Kincade, Margaret A. King, Dorothy J. Klie, Elinor Klivans, Ann Blair Kloman, Regina Knight, Robin Kruger, Kathleen Kull, Kathy Lawrence, Jacqueline Lee, Ellen Leidenthal, Gretchen Leone, Carol & Jim Lewis, Louise Avery Lewis, Dora Lievow, John Lippman, Harrah Lord, Mary Lou Lundy, Barbara Malone, Carole Mathews, Jean Y. Matlack, Marjorie E. Maxcy, Mrs. Warren H. Maxfield, Marian F. McAleenan, Ann McKendry, George McKiernan, Maura L. Melley, Abigail Morrison, Anton Mueller, Linda Nash, Judy Newenham, Colin Page, Lola Perkins, Kit Pfeiffer, Kathy A. Phillips, Lauren Pieri, Martha M. Porter, Harriet Potter, Douglas M. Prescott, Bridget Qualey, Marietta Raneri, Karin Rector,

Merryspring gratefully acknowledges the contributions made by all in 2009

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 7

(contributions continued)

Martha Reed, Gail Whitaker Ribeck, Jenny Roberts, Carolyn Robinson, Lucia Robinson, Valerie Rock, Judy Rohweder, Stacey Rossiter, Sheila Buchanan Ruyle, Sandie Sabaka, Michael Salmon, Maria Salvaggio, Alexandra Samaras, Aurora Marie Santerre, Marina F. Schauffler, Jane Schroeder, Ms. Cynthia Seefahrt, Steve Seidell, Julie K. Sells, Joanne M. Sharpe, Estelle B. Shevis, Jane Shields, Meg Sideris, Anita Siegenthaler, Lois Sprague, Nancy J. Stevick, Chris Stewart, Johanna Stinson, Pam Stone, Jane M. Strauss, Brenda L. Sullivan, Mary Sweeney, Melissa Sweet, Barbara Sweitzer, Jan B. Taft, Barbara Talley, Joan Thibault, Anne-Marie Thomas, Nancy Thompson, Frances A. Torresen, Marcia T. Turner, Elizabeth D. Tutein, Lynn Van Reich, Ingrid Van Steenburg, Nadine Varrin, Constance Wallace, Cherrie Waxman, Priscilla Weatherwax, Dee Webster, Judith E. Webster, Nina Woolston & Tracy Wheeler, Katrinka Wilder, Mariah Williams, Christina Wohler, Susan M. Worden, Gloria Young, Laura Zalewski.

MERRY DOGS: Abigail Horn, Archie & Chloe Morrissey-Callanan, Barkley McCully, Beau Grant, Billie Sells, Chai Brown, Copper Perret, Cruiser Ross, Digby Mitchell, Ellie Boylan, Ernie Scholz & Sami Martin, Evita Ocariz, Fife Oppersdorff, Flynn Magoo, Habibi Roberts, Izzy Johnson-Domench, Lucy Lewis, Marmee Sideris, Maxx Arau, Molly & Archie Goodale, Murphy Louise VanReich, Neville Anderson, Nyssa Scholz & Ripple Barclay, Ruby Lutz, Sam Cummings, Sammy & Boomer Black, Sparrow Leidenthal, Stirling Hall, Suzie Charters, Zephyr Corbin-Moss.

COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS: Annemarie Ahearn, Laura Cabot, Louise & Dick Cadwgan, David Cooke, Barbara & John Davidson, Janet Redfield & Scott Dickerson, Leigh-Anne & Cresson D. Fraley, Fraley Family, David Hill, Lisa Sojka & Patti Kissinger, Lawrence Klang, Carol Pelletier, Lynette & Larry Platt, Melissa Carr, Jill and Michael Roy, Mark Senders, Lani Temple, Jennifer Thieme, Johanna Tutone, Steve Watts, Jack & Tina Williams.

GIFT MEMBERS: Ellen Began, Marie Malin & Wing Goodale, Lucie Scholz & Tom Martin, Melanie Ellsworth & Patrick McManus, Becky Neves, Rockwell & Althea Potter, Carolyn Small, Susan Wincklhofer Family.

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: Daniel Baker, Frances Wheeler Berta, Kathleen Gass, Ava Goodale, Joshua Hixson, Elizabeth C. Parker, Jean & Donald White.

GIFTS IN KIND: Wendy & Ray Andresen, Amy & Robert Campbell, George Chappel, Carol & Dan Daigneault, Jean E. English, Rev. & Mrs. Dewey Fagerburg, Amy Fischer, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Furman, Dorothea Graham, Bonnie & Matt Janicki, Faith Getchell & Glenn Jenks, Regina Knight, Stephanie A. & Alan S. Kumble, Edie & Ned Kyle, Jr., Aileen Lubin, Pat Whitney Messler, Whitney & Tony Oppersdorff, Kay Ouradnik, Elizabeth C. Parker, Connie & Etienne Perret, Rebecca Sawyer-Fay, Joanne M. Sharpe, Rebecca Thompson, Wagner Family, Lynette L. Walther, Arthur Warren, Judith E. Webster, Debbie Whittet, Susan S. & Rufus M. G. Williams, Jr., Barton & Priscilla Wood, Susan M. Worden, Livka Y. Farrell & Martha E. Yandle.

Merryspring is very grateful for the support the local business community gave us in 2009. If you appreciate Merryspring, we hope you will extend your thanks to these businesses that help fund our work and provide valu-able goods and services to our community.

BUSINESS SPONSORS ($1,000 +): EBS Style Solutions, The First.

BUSINESS PARTNERS ($2,500-$4,999): Plants Unlimited, Scholz & Barclay Architecture.

BUSINESS STEWARDS ($500-$999): Long’s Landscaping, McGraw-Hill Com-panies, Inc.

BUSINESS DONORS ($250-$499): Paolina’s Way, GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program

BUSINESS FRIENDS ($100-$249): Camden Real Estate Company, Cedar Crest Motel, Country Inn at Camden/Rockport, Data Pro North East, Inc., David Waldron Trash Removal, Dominic Paul Mercadante Architecture, Francine Bistro, Green Thumb, Holland & Foley Architecture, Johnson's Arboriculture - Treekeepers LLC, Lily, Lupine, & Fern, Long's Landscaping, Longfellow's Greenhouses, Mathews Brothers Optimum Performance Personal Training, SolarMarine LLC, Wheelwright Real Estate, Windsor Chairmakers, York's Hardy Rhododendrons.

BUSINESS SUPPORTERS ($50-$99): 17-90 Lighting Showroom, A. E. Sampson & Son, Ltd., Agren Appliance, Allen Agency / Allen Financial Group, Atlantic Baking Company, Bayview Gallery, Beckstrom Architecture & Planning, Bench Dogs, Inc., Bernhard & Priestley Architecture, Brown's Appliance & Mattress, Inc., Camden National Bank, Chatfield Design, Classical Wood Floors, Inc., Cold Mountain Builders, Crestwood Kitchens & Bath Design Center, Dan Eaton's Landscape Services, David C. Olivas, DDS, Dennis J. King Masonry,

Inc., Distinctive Tile & Design, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware, Inc. / Atlantic Design Center, Endless Summer Flower Farm, Freshwater Stone, Handle It!, Hughes Realty, Inc., IBM Corporation, Matching Gifts Program, John Gillespie, Architect, John Morris Architects, Kelsey's Appliance Village, Inc., Landmark Construction, Landworks Design, Laurel Wood Floors, Lee Schneller Fine Gar-dens, Liberty Cabinet & Design, Lincolnville Family Dentistry, Logan Wood-bridge Inc., Lorraine Construction, Maine Coast Construction Corp., Metaphor Bronze Tileworks, Morningstar Marble & Granite, New View Interiors, North-port Bath, Oliver Builders Inc., Once a Tree; Party Fundamentals, Peter T. Gross, Architects, P.A., PHI Home Designs, Pro Source Installations, Inc., Qualey Granite & Quartz, Rankin's, Inc., Rockers, Inc., Schelble Bros., Inc., Silverio Architecture + Design, Stancioff Building & Design, Inc., Surroundings, Taylor-Made Builders, Inc. / Cornerstone Kitchens, The Good Table, The Store, Viking Lumber, Inc., Well Tempered Kitchen.

MERRY DOG BUSINESS SUPPORTERS: Arf & Running; Pro Source Installations, Inc.

BUSINESS GIFTS IN KIND: FEDCO; Fernwood Nursery & Gardens; Green Thumb; Megunticook Market; Scholz & Barclay Architecture.

2009 Business Support

Foundation and Organizational Support

In 2009, our programs received crucial financial support from a variety of organizations, municipalities, and private foundations. Of special note, Merryspring received a gift of $1,500 from the Mid-Maine Rose Society, which disbanded in 2009 after more than two decades of activity and distributed their funds among a number of horticultural institutions. We thank the following institutional supporters for their help during the past year:

Aldermere Farm, Camden Garden Club, Camden Rotary Club, GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Maine Daylily Society, Mid-Coast Audubon, Mid-Maine Rose Society, Otter Island Foundation, Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation, Thendara Foundation, Town of Camden.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

P.O. Box 893 Camden, ME 04843

Why the Big Stink? Meg Barclay

Poking up through last year’s decaying vegetation in marshy woods and bog margins, the skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) may be Maine’s earliest wildflower. It achieves its primacy by being one of the very few plants to exhibit thermogenesis, generating temperatures of up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit even when the air temperature is below freezing, melting its way through frozen ground, snow, and ice, and using as much metabolic energy as a small rodent.

So why the big stink? The “skunk” epithet in the common name derives from the plant’s rank odor.

The odor of the flower (a hood-like spathe contains within its cavity a globular spadix of minute flowers) imitates decaying flesh. This scent, made more volatile by the thermogenic heat, attracts spring-emergent, carrion-feeding insects, which find a warm shelter within the spathe and act as pollinators.

While the odor of the flower is not particularly strong, when the plant is bruised or cut, the odor is quite fetid. This may serve as a natural defense against damage or disruption by large mammals.

The flower is the first part of the plant to appear. The large, yellow-green, cabbage-like leaves, which begin as a tightly coiled spike, do not unfurl until the flower has been pollinated, and the pea-sized seeds ripen in September.

This heavy-rooted perennial native is not without aesthetic appeal. The bold teardrop shape of the spathe, with its purple and green mottling set in contrast against the bright green of the one to two-foot leaves, provides sculptural interest and color in the dull brown of the springtime woods. Skunk cabbage can easily be cultivated in moderately acidic, mucky, shaded areas and readily reproduces itself by seed.

Fully formed skunk cabbage spathes and emergent leaves in marshy deciduous woods in March