The Garden Club Federation of Maine recently hosted an open garden visit in Augusta. Laura Boyett’s hillside garden was a lovely place to visit on a very warm summer day. Flowers were everywhere, greeting us as we walked onto the driveway, and on every side as we made our way around the house to the wooded garden on the hillside behind the house. Small sculptures captured our attention, too.

Astilbe in Laura’s wooded garden.

GCFM President Harriet Robinson and our hostess, Laura Boyette.

Petite glads in a bouquet

Two Harpswell Garden Club members at Laura Boyette’s Augusta garden: Nina Kass and Laura Crawford.

Nancy Atwell at work.

Many of the day’s visitors had come from points south, including a few from Harpswell. Becky Gallery, Nina Kass and Laura Crawford enjoyed the garden sights, and learned a bit from Jason Allerding of All Things Landscape and Stonework in Hallowell. Jason presented the group with his philosophy on garden design and tips to keep your gardens looking their best. His best advice today: water the gardens, especially newly planted shrubs and perennials. As the garden’s architect, Jason’s work speaks volumes about his garden design talents.

The day concluded with a floral arranging demonstration by Carol Smith of Brewer and Nancy Atwell of Cape Elizabeth.  Their use of flowers blooming in their gardens was proof that home-grown flowers can make wonderful bouquets and arrangements.