Getting A Jump Start

We dug, divided, and stored more Dahlia tubers than ever last fall, remember?  It is a task for the determined and partially insane depending on how many plants you grew and intend to grow each year. In Maine our growing season is certainly not in our favor,  so in order for us to enjoy the amazing blooms of the Dahlias sooner, we will pot up individual tubers indoors and place them in a sunny spot.

We start by bringing all of our stored tubers up from the chilly temps of our cellar on the 1st of March. Each tuber will be checked thoroughly for signs of rot,  and if so we will discard them. This year has proven to be nearly 100% successful. The tubers are in the same form as when we stored them. No rot or shriveling.

We will come back to inspect them within 2 weeks to see if any have “eyed up” (signs of life). This example of Dahlia tuber Ken’s Rarity (below), the tuber has advanced beyond the “eye” stage and a shute is ready to burst out of  its wrapping (3 weeks later). Some cultivars eye up quicker than others therefore we will inspect them more regularly.

Sunny window space is limited so we pot up our tubers in small containers to get as many cultivars started as possible.  After each pot is filled half way with potting soil the tubers are placed with the “eyes” facing up and topped off with additional soil.

Large tubers are cut prior to potting so they will fit in the containers.

All plants are labeled identifying the variety.

Potted plants are placed wherever there is sun and left untouched,  meaning no water,  until we see growth popping up from the soil.  Premature watering can promote tuber rot. Not good!

We have potted 260 dahlias to date and will keep a close eye on their progress, stayed tuned.

Part 2

As we near Little Cape Point we look back at Cape Cove and admire the natural beauty that surrounds us. On our first visit to this preserve, the shore was in full bloom with a sea of purple Iris Hookeri and wild pink Sweet  Peas. The Iris is just one of many rare plants that thrive in these harsh conditions.

Approaching the point you will find an abundance of sealife.

Along the Maine Coast rock formations display many examples of Dikes, this particular area provides a good example. The southern end of the island where the rock drops steeply into the sea is what The Nature Conservancy explains as the  ”Fundian Fault”, “a long crack in the earth’s crust that extends from the Bay Of Fundy to the coast of New Hampshire.”

Many varieties of seaweed line the shore.

This one reminds us of a horse’s tail that has been wrapped with a bandage.

A cute fawn is unaffected by our presence.

Blue blazes and cairns mark the trail.

Soon we will be reaching the Mud Hole trail.

The trail hugs the shore where there are many tricky areas to be mindful of. Slippery rocks, deep crevices and a few areas that require minor rock scaling.

Our coastal walk has come to an end. The Mud hole trail brings us back into the deep forest and winds along a picturesque fjord-like cove .

A last glance at the stunning scenery before heading back through the woods.

Lots of discoveries in the woods. Here a fungi is growing off of the bark of a pine tree.  Are there any fungi enthusiasts out there?  Would love to know the name of this species.

The moss and lichen covered forest silences your footsteps which creates an extremely tranquil setting.

Great Wass Island Preserve is one of the many gifts of nature. Thank you Nature Conservancy for protecting and preserving this treasure.