Dear Sun Spots: Could some reader please tell me how to care for cyclamen and azalea plants? – J.D., Canton.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, garden columnist Jody Goodwin kindly provided the following assistance, which you and other readers might want to check out, especially with spring somewhere around the corner and the promise of sunlight and flowers. You should note that there are several varieties of both of these plants.

Most cyclamens are not hardy in Maine gardens. A few cultivars are good to zone 5 which includes some of central Maine but not all of it and our winters frequently drop us below temperatures for a usual zone 5. Cyclamens can be grown as a houseplant and require rich, loose soil and bright, indirect light. They like to be moist but not wet and will enter a period of dormancy for all or part of the summer and fall. Leaves of the autumn-blooming cultivars usually last from winter through spring and, if this plant came from a nursery or grocery store recently and is in bloom, it is a good bet you have an autumn-blooming cultivar. The tag in the plant, if there is one, should give you some insight as to which cultivar you have.

Azaleas are a bit tougher, without further information about yours, Goodwin says. Some azaleas are hardy in Maine, others are not. Some will grow in the house, but many will not. If it has an identification tag with a cultivar name, you can go online and get information concerning the specifics. In general, azaleas are acid-loving plants, love sunshine and a good, but not overly rich soil. You can plant an azalea outside this summer but without knowing the specific cultivar, there are no guarantees it will be there the following spring.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m a disabled woman living in a trailer park. This winter was difficult for me when I needed a fuel tank. Through the grace of God and many caring Sun Spots readers, my prayers were answered. However, according to park rules, I need special steps built to go over the tank. The park is threatening to evict me if I don’t meet the rules. Is there anyone who could help build these steps? I will be forever grateful. I may be reached at (207) 753-1596. – Debra Wilbur, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I love your column and read it every day. I have helped when I could with yarn and patterns. Now I have a request. The advertisement on television for Carnival Cruise has a theme song I’ve been looking for for years. Can you or anyone help me find a tape? I would be glad to pay for a copy or tell me where to buy it. Thank you for any help. – Oliver Waterman, Fryeburg.

Answer: Sun Spots corresponded with Paul Motter, president of CruiseMates Inc., who says the song you’re seeking, “Beyond the Sea,” was a big hit for Bobby Darin in the 1960s and it’s now the title of Kevin Spacey’s movie about Darin. Motter kindly provided the following lyrics:



Somewhere beyond the sea

Somewhere waiting for me

My lover stands on golden sands

And watches the ships that go sailing

Somewhere beyond the sea

She’s there watching for me

If I could fly like birds on high

Then straight to her arms

I’d go sailing

It’s far beyond the stars

It’s near beyond the moon

I know beyond a doubt

My heart will lead me there soon

We’ll meet beyond the shore

We’ll kiss just as before

Happy we’ll be beyond the sea

And never again I’ll go sailing

I know beyond a doubt

My heart will lead me there soon

We’ll meet (I know we’ll meet) beyond the shore

We’ll kiss just as before

Happy we’ll be beyond the sea

And never again I’ll go sailing

No more sailing

So long sailing

Bye, bye sailing.



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