Now’s the time to plant a perennial garden
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Planting a garden isn’t just a springtime activity; late summer and early fall is the perfect time to plant a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and trees.
“The Presque Isle Garden Club just held a meeting at Myrtle Tree Garden Center and learned about daylilies and lilies that are now blooming profusely,” said Roberta Griffiths, club member. 
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PERENNIALS ON DISPLAY — Myrtle Tree owner Donna Keegan shows off some of the many daylilies on display at her business, located on the Fort Road in Presque Isle. Keegan said now is the perfect time to plant these and many other perennials.
Griffiths said the facility, located on the Fort Road at Myrtle Tree and owned by Donna Keegan, has a vast display of flowering perennials suitable for any garden.
“Most gardeners are excited about spring gardens after a long winter but seeing perennials blooming throughout the season in a natural setting, such as Donna offers, is a wonderful experience. She has beautiful perennials that will give gardeners good ideas for filling in gardens where there are ‘holes’ or no bloom throughout the gardening season,” said Griffiths, noting this was the topic of her club’s latest gathering.
“There really is a long season here; if we know what the natural succession is of plants,” there are a variety of options available, said Griffiths.
During a recent tour of the business, Griffiths referred to the site as an “oasis of pleasure.”
“Donna has such a gift. She knows how to set up a display to make people feel good,” said Griffiths, as she showed one of the display sheds featuring floral arrangements, decorative fixtures and soothing music playing in the background.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PLANTING TIME — It might be nearing harvest time for potatoes, but now’s the perfect time to plant perennials, like these lilies on sale at Myrtle Tree in Presque Isle.
Numerous display gardens await visitors.
“Donna carries mostly perennials. It’s a nice spot to visit anytime. You can come throughout the summer and see what’s available,” she said.
The selection includes such favorites as phlox, turtlehead and a wide selection of lilies.
Griffiths was quick to point out Keegan’s experience in the business.
“Donna has such a touch – creates such a pleasant little spot. She has a lot of knowledge and creates such wonderful attractions, like her little elf house. Donna has so many ideas on how to display flowers,” noted Griffiths.
It’s little wonder Keegan knows so much about flowers, having been in the business for decades.
“This is my business’s 20th anniversary. I started with a little building and it’s expanded over time,” said Keegan.
“I now carry herbs and annuals, as well as perennials, a few trees and a variety of fruits,” continued Keegan.
When she started the business, Keegan noticed the difficulty local gardeners had in getting perennials.
“Back then to get perennials after MPG’s garden center closed, you had to go downstate. The fact is perennials can be planted year-round. You don’t have to plant your whole garden in the spring,” she said. “Fall’s a great time to plant — gives things time to root before the frost hits.”
Now’s the ideal time to plant perennials, noted Keegan.
“In the spring, the ground is cold; now’s the perfect time for planting a garden. I have dozens of varieties — all zone hardy,” Keegan said, who noted that her granddaughter would tell people everything’s her gram’s favorite, although Keegan acknowledges lilies hold a spot in her heart.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ROBERTA GRIFFITHS is pictured with a cone flower, one of several display gardens found at Myrtle Tree on the Fort Road in Presque Isle.
Keegan said she’s recently rented space to Deb Ames who operates Ravenswood on site – a business featuring a wide array of collectibles and decorative items. Plans are also in the works for an upcoming open house.
“I hope to have an open house in late summer to kick off mum season. It’s a great time to purchase more additions for your garden,” said Keegan, adding she’s planning a few specials to mark the 20th anniversary.
She’s pleased to be able to offer a wide selection of fruit.
“I’ve noticed a swing toward more family gardens. People are taking more of an interest where their food comes from. I have a lot of small fruit — gooseberries, cranberries, grapes, strawberries, apples, cherries and plums,” Keegan said, adding she was recently visited by someone from the Aroostook County Tourism office who was interested in the wide variety of vegetation offered at the Fort Road facility, located next to the golf course.
In addition to the display gardens and plant sales, Keegan said she also offers other services.
“I do teas, workshops, garden tours by appointment, as well as flowers for bridal showers and floral arrangements for weddings. I have two coming up later this year. I also do cut flowers in season,” said Keegan, noting she’s a floral designer by trade. “If anyone’s interested in cut flowers, all they have to do is bring me a vase.”
Keegan also does garden consultations and some landscaping, with the assistance of her husband.
“I design and my husband plants — he does a great job,” said Keegan.
Business hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 764-4980.
