Helen was on hand to welcome us to her gardens.

Despite the threat of rain, many members took the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful gardens in Harpswell — the lovely gardens of long time member Helen Norton.  As you walk down the very long, shaded driveway, with Middle Bay as a backdrop, you know you’ve arrived at a special place!  Helen has acquired an impressive array of sculptures — some of which you’d recognize as being done by the same artist who has supplied pieces for both Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the entrance to the Portland Jetport.  She has placed them in perfect spots where they can be admired, surrounded by beautiful gardens.  We were lucky to be able to visit with Helen during the tour.  She noted that many of her flowers were blooming early and that they seemed to be more magnificent this season.  Helen has a green thumb when it comes to many plants, particularly her lavender garden.  We asked how she keeps the deer from ravaging her gardens.  She said she uses solar based devices which are triggered by motion.  When they sense the motion of an animal such as a deer, they emit an array of red lights which scare the deer off.  This is something many of us are going to see if we can find and buy for ourselves!