Wednesday, June 10th 2026

Geranium maculatum in bloom at Maine Audubon, Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME

Made a rug delivery and pick-up in Portland today and stopped at Gilsland Farm to check out the newly opened Native Plants Education Center. I was both heartened (because I’m not the only one) and disheartened (the spread of disruptive species is so overwhelming) to see so many disruptive species around the property, the most prolific seemed to be bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) - I can relate!

In addition to the invasives (disruptive species) there were many beautiful native species as well. Falmouth is slightly ahead of us up here in South Bristol, the Pagoda dogwood (Swida alternifolia) and viburnum species seem to be a little further along in their flowering. The blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) was in full bloom, but was also in full sun - the wild populations I track around here are in almost full shade (light-dappled sun).

Upper left: Flowering Pagoda dogwood (Swida alternifolia) Lower left: Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) Upper right: Eastern white oak (Quercus alba) Middle right: Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) Lower right: Highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus)

I was only able to stop briefly, but it was a nice visit. The Native Plants Education Center didn’t seem to be active and I was too afraid to see if the doors were unlocked. I’ll go back and check it out another day. I’m curious to learn more about how this big new space will be used!

Whorled bedstraw (Galium mollugo) in a field at Gilsland Farm - Not native but still pretty!