“I would much rather spend my time in the quiet, on my knees weeding, than listening to a noisy mower.”

From mower to flower grower

Dan Perkins has transformed his lawns into gardens boasting beautiful blooms, sculptures and a bit of whimsy

Good morning! Summer in Maine -oh, what a wonderful thing. With all the rain that has come our way, the lawns are still green, and the flowers don’t look nearly as tired as they usually do in August. And neither do we since we aren’t spending our time dragging hose and setting sprinklers.

This kind of weather makes for good road trips for flower lovers, with people’s gardens and roadsides bursting with lilies, black-eyed Susans, Queen Ann’s lace and goldenrod (sorry to those of you with allergies). We recently headed to Rangeley to spend the day with friends and the scenery along the way was gorgeous.

While my husband and our friends were on a fishing expedition, I snuck in a visit to Dan Perkins and his garden in Rangeley Village (OK, OK and a quick stop at all those interesting little village shops as well).

Some of you in the Lewiston/Auburn area may remember Dan from his family’s plumbing business back about 25 years. He and his wife, Carol, moved from Auburn to Rangeley in 1985 because, according to Dan, the place was getting “just too busy.”

Dan’s gardens started out as lawns. When the couple purchased the house, it was surrounded by them. There was just too much to mow, he said. “I would much rather spend my time in the quiet, on my knees weeding, than listening to a noisy mower.”

So, the gardens just keep expanding. He has to stop soon, he says, but then launches into an explanation of his new plans and projects since buying the house next-door. This is a refrain I have heard from so many friends and fellow gardeners that I only smile and nod when I hear it, yet again. I know gardeners who weed with walkers, so I don’t think the spirit behind that kind of dedication disappears with logic, tiredness or age.

So Dan’s lawns have, foot by foot, turned into gardens with paths and swings tucked in shady nooks and stonewalls that allow for beds on different levels as the land slopes. When I visited at the end of July, the Asiatic and Oriental lilies were in their glory not only at his house but in dozens of gardens around town. When I asked how he had escaped the red lily leafed beetle, he told me they hadn’t appeared there. Since they are devastating lilies all over Androscoggin County, I can only assume they have not yet been transported further north. I hope that continues because I miss seeing those gorgeous flowers in exuberant abundance in our area.

Dan plants a lot of annuals that he seeds out and grows in his greenhouse. His hollyhocks, including one that is almost black, would make the best gardener a little envious. But, he has his battles. The day I was there, he pointed out an entire row of sunflowers that had fallen victim to deer. And I had to laugh when he said, “Can you imagine that, right here in the middle of the village with all these houses?” I told him it was happening in the middle of housing developments in Lewiston and Auburn so I wasn’t at all surprised.

His garden, like most, reflects other parts of Dan’s life. There are garden sculptures that speak to his plumbing background and little gnomelike creatures called “Laffs” peeking out from various plantings. Just a bit of whimsy.

On our way home that night, after a lovely day with friends, laughter and gardens, we had an upclose and nearly disastrous meeting with a very large moose. Thankfully, for both he and us, he decided to make a U-turn about 4 feet from our car. So, take those “moose caution” signs seriously because not only are the flowers flourishing up that way, so is the wildlife.

Until next time, take a road trip and enjoy the beauty all around you. Cut back those spent summer flowers unless you want them to spread for next year. Savor the dahlia blooms and enjoy those fireflies.

Happy gardening!

Jody Goodwin has been gardening for more than 20 years. She lives in Turner with her husband, Ike, her two dogs and two cats. She can be reached by writing to her in care of the Sun Journal, 104 Park St., Lewiston, Maine, 04243-4400 or by e-mail at [email protected]