Haute Hostas

Hostas sure are hot according to us! These shade-tolerant foliage perennials have been a buzz on the horticulture scene for decades. This genus native to northeast Asia has around 45 species. Hybridization within and among species and cultivars has produced over 3,000 registered and named varieties, and perhaps as many more that are not as yet registered.
Although we appreciate the traditional solid blue and green varieties the unique striped and dwarf specimens we offer are what we here at Snug Harbor Farm are coining "Haute Hostas"!

Hostas prefer shade but can take morning sun and vary in height from 2 inches to 4 feet tall. Mid to late summer they produce tubular or trumpet-like flowers of white or lavender and are rarely fragrant. Foliage colors are green, yellow, white and blue, and  a center or edge variegation is what we think is "Haute". The leaf shapes can vary from rounded to oval, heart-shaped to strap-like. Immature or juvenile hostas do not exhibit adult leaf shape or color. Adult foliage characteristics develop three or more years after planting.
So with that little summary; below are pictured just some of our favorite varieties we offer. We grow so many different varieties that we have a whole shade house dedicated to them. Stay tuned; for next season our miniature and subtle striped collection of hostas will be expanded!

 

Above are some of our choice larger leaved varieties. Clockwise from the right H. Regal Splendor; H. Thunderbolt followed by H. Paradigm.

These are some of the exciting blue- green and chartreuse leaf types we offer. Clockwise from top left, H. Dreamweaver; H. Lakeside Shore Master; H. Brim Cup; H. High Society; H. Brother Stefan.

Personal favorites of ours are the white variegated ones pictured above. Clockwise from top, H. Revolution; H. Patriot; H. Independence; H. Striptease; H. Blue Ivory.

Finally here are some of the miniature and small-leaved varieties that we love. Clockwise from top, H. Appletini; H. Blue Mouse Ears; H. Half And Half; H. Orange Marmalade; H. So Sweet; H. Kiwi Full Monty; H. Pandora's Box.

So we hope you can make a trip to the farm this summer and check out all the lovely varieties showcased here on our blog plus the dozens more that we have available. We will be more than happy to show you around our "Haute Hosta" house!

 

Frances Palmer Pottery At Snug Harbor Farm

 

 

 

Frances Palmer Pottery

At

Snug Harbor Farm

 

Artist Reception

Saturday June The 22nd

11 O'clock In The Morning

Pottery Will Be Available For A Fortnight Following

 

 

87 Western Avenue, Kennebunk, Maine

207-967-2414

 



 

We have been so fond of Frances Palmer's pottery here for years. Her detailed earthenware and porcelain pieces are timelessly classic; perfect for anyone's home or table! Each one is a unique original, hand-crafted by Frances who has been throwing pottery since 1987. Not only is Frances a ceramic artist, but also an avid gardener so it's no surprise her work expresses that love and combination to the organic world around us.

 

We are pleased to announce that Frances' pottery will be on display and available for purchase here in our newly refreshed shop for two weeks. We invite you to join us here at her artist reception and come take a view at her beautiful pottery while it is here.

 

 



Summer Workshop Series

We are proud to announce our 2013 Summer Workshop Series here at Snug Harbor Farm. We are offering a good range of different courses designed to educate, have fun and take your own handmade treasure home. Our instructors are extremely talented and knowledgeable in their field so bring your notebooks, a few friends and be prepared to have a great time! Please register early and contact Todd Carr for additional information at todd@snugharborfarm.com

Topiaries With Tony
Instructor: Tony Elliott; Karen McElmurry; Carol Fleming

I'm sure you love our topiaries here at Snug Harbor Farm and now is your chance to learn how to make your own from the best in the business, owner Tony Elliott! You will learn about all the types of different plants that can be trained into a topiary, styles, methods, tools, and care. Then you will have the chance to prune and take home your very own topiary in a little terra-cotta pot. Larger plants are available for an additional cost.

June 29th 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
July 20th  12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
August 10th 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Tuition and Materials Fee: $60.00

The Art Of Bonsai
Instructor: Glen Lord

If you have ever wanted to learn the art form of Bonsai; the ancient Japanese method of growing, pruning, and caring for a miniature tree in a small pot then look no further! Glen Lord is an authority on the subject after working years at Bonsai West, Glen has been actively growing, collecting and educating students about Bonsai for 15 years. Students will learn the history, methods and tools used in Bonsai. Glen will then instruct you while you create your own indoor Bonsai in a Snug Harbor Farm pot. Instruction, Bonsai plant, tools, soil, and pot are all included in this one day event! Register early for your one chance to learn from this master this summer!

July 20th 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuition and Materials Fee: $65.00

Inside A Garden Grows: A Terrarium Workshop
Instructor: Todd Carr

This is a great workshop for anyone whom wants to create a little world under glass. Terrariums have been becoming popular again over the past few years due to their easy care and simple beauty. They look great in any style home and they are a blast to create! Todd has been creating terrariums since he was young boy as taught by his Mother. He now creates all the beautiful ones sold here in our Garden Shop.

The workshop includes one small plant, moss, soil, gravel, demonstration on creating a terrarium, and discussion on tools, care, and types of plants to be used. Students may feel free to bring their own clear glass container or purchase one here at the shop.

Additional plants and decorations including miniature furniture for the terrariums are a la carte.

June 15th 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
July 6th 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
July 27th 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
August 24th 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
August 31st 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Tuition and Materials Fee $30.00

Farm To Table Flower Arranging
Instructor: Tony Elliott; Todd Carr

We have been creating unique floral designs here on the farm for weddings and events for years. We have a loose whimsical look that captures a moment and leaves an impression! Join us here at the farm on one Saturday morning and we will walk the flower field and grounds in search of unique blooms and texture. We will gather our bounty and stroll to the barn and get our creative juices going
creating your own special floral arrangement.

We will discuss different styles, techniques, appropriate flowers, and filler foliage. Please bring a container that holds water no larger then 10" diameter. We also have beautiful containers here in our garden shop available for purchase.

Instruction, flowers, filler material, shears, and oasis are all included.

June 29th 10:00 to 12:00 p.m.
July 13th 10:00 to 12:00 p.m.
August 10th 10:00 to 12:00 p.m.
August 31st 10:00 to 12:00 p.m.

Tuition and Materials Fee: $40.00

Lively Welcome: Creating A Living Wreath
Instructor: Emily Lesperance; Todd Carr

What better way to greet guests to your home or garden than with a living welcome. Living wreaths are becoming a new trend these days and you and your friends can create your very own for either sun or shade. They will look charming on your front door, garden fence or out-building, and can give you years of enjoyment. Dependent on where your wreath will reside we will suggest either an unusual assortments of succulents for a sunny spot or ferns and mosses for a shady placement.
The workshop includes instruction, one square or round wreath form, soil, and 9 small plants either suited for sun or shade.

Please note that your wreath will not be as full as the ones pictured above as they will need time to grow and fill in. Additional plants are available for an additional cost if you are looking for instant gratification.

July 6th 3:00 to 4:00
July 27th 3:00 to 4:00
August 31st 3:00 to 4:00

Tuition and Material Fee: $65.00

Haute Hypertufa
Instructor: Emily Lesperance; Todd Carr

We have been crafting hypertufa pots here before it was trendy and in all the big garden magazines. Now it's your turn to learn how to make these versatile planters for your own home with the help of our experts. They look great with succulents and alpines in full sun and will moss up nicely in a shady spot in your garden. Students will begin the morning by learning all the right materials, proportions and consistency of our hypertufa formula. Then you will get your hands dirty and mix your own batch and shape it into molds of your choice. Each student will be able to make a few pieces depending on size. The class fee includes instruction, hypertufa ingredients, rubber gloves and molds.

NOTE: The pots will need a day to cure so students will have to return the next afternoon to pick up their finished pot.

July 24th 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
August 24th 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuition and Material Fee: $50.00


 So, as you can see we have a great line up of specific garden-oriented workshops this summer! Feel free to contact us with any questions or if you need additional information.

207-967-2414

todd@snugharborfarm.com

 

On Garden Ornamentation

We love garden ornaments here at Snug Harbor Farm; and no wonder, they have been used since the times of the ancient Romans and Chinese to decorate their gardens and landscapes. A garden ornament can be anything from a stone or metal sculpture to a sundial or birdbath. Here are just a few of the many garden ornaments we have here at the farm.

Above is a beautiful stone bench surrounded by hand carved volcanic-stone spheres. We carry two sizes, a 12-inch and an 18-inch diameter. If they are placed in a shade garden they will moss up nicely.

We have a slew of iron armillary, obelisks and trellises. They are perfect on their own in the garden, or planted with a vine at the base and trained upwards. Remember too, they are perfect for winter interest in the landscape.

This is a hand-crafted massive cedar trellis created by a local artist here in Maine. It's rustic and it's sturdy appearance makes it the perfect choice for many garden styles. We also love pottery here at the farm, either planted or put in the garden just as a statement as pictured below.

Water in the garden is a must, whether a small fountain or pond to a beautiful birdbath. Another local artist here in Maine hand carved with Maine granite the water bowls above and his beautiful cantilevered birdbaths below.

Finials are great in the home, but perfect in a garden setting too. These cast stone pieces can fit perfectly in just about any spot. They even look great just placed on a step as pictured above.

These ceramic fiddlehead ferns are a big hit here in our shop! They are great in the shade garden and will always seem to be growing even in the winter. They would also be fun to bunch in a big pot with moss as an inspiring talking piece in your home.

We are huge fans of stone statuary and we have quite the collection. They can all be left outside in the winter and will develop a fine patina over the years. We have everything from foxes, toads, and koi to Buddhas, angels, and saints.

When choosing your garden ornaments don't forget to be lighthearted and have some fun! The copper praying mantis above looks perfect lurking in the Solomon's seal and the tin goat on a stake goes great in the barn garden theme. Below that is a cast stone frog leaping from leaf to leaf.

Garden ornaments create interest, structure and help tell a story about who you are and what your garden means. Either it be mysterious, enlightening or just plain fun we have it all. Come for a visit to the farm and we would love to help you pick your perfect garden statement!

Annuals have arrived!!

 

We have a gorgeous patchwork sea of annuals out on our front lawn that arrived this morning! Stop by to pick up a few old favorites or try something new!



 

 

Gaura lindheimeri hybrid, pictured below in 'Perky Pink', is beautiful as it sways in the breeze. Gaura thrives in full to part sun, can be used in the ground or in containers, and deadheading is not necessary so it's easy to maintain. It is also a known butterfly attracter!

 

 

Ageratum is known for it's powder-puff flower clusters in one of the truest blues found in an annual. It is a hard worker that blooms from late spring right through until frost!

 

 

If you're looking for something to jazz up a shady spot, you could add a few varieties of coleus to your favorite planter. This year we have 'Colorblaze Sedona,' 'Defiance,' 'Kong Scarlet,' and 'Fishnet Stockings.' Although coleus will produce flowers, it is grown for it's vibrant foliage, and will continue to grow and flourish if the flowers are pinched off!

 

We have multiple annuals that will grow to drape beautifully over the edge of a container or window box. Below is an urn with Colocasia 'Royal Hawaiian Black Coral' edged with Lysimachia nummularia, also known as Creeping Jenny.

 

 

Another draping vine-like idea is Ipomoea batatas, more widely known as Sweet Potato Vine.

 

 

Or try Dichondra hybrid 'Silver Falls' for it's soft silvery presence, a perfect accent to a dark-foliage plant or brightly colored bloom.

 We also have some tried and true favorites including Zonal Geraniums in 'Maestro White', 'Maestro Rich Red', 'Patriot Orange', and 'Candy White Parfait'.

 

 

 
Calibrachoa in either 'Callie Light Blue' or 'Minifamous Perfect White' are another option for spreading and trailing growth. This annual sustains prolific blooms all summer and is a great addition to containers or garden beds where full sun can be utilized.

 

 

 

A more uncommon annual is pictured below, Euphorbia amygdaloides hybrid, also known as Efanthia or Wood Spurge. This annual grows in a tight, well-branched upright habit with burgundy to dark green foliage as well as chartreuse blooms.

 

 

Anisodontea hybrid or Cape Mallow in 'Slightly Strawberry' shade is stunning whether you're looking at the flowers or the foliage!

 

 

We certainly have our favorites, stop by and choose yours!