Perennial flowers and plants are often favored by gardeners because they can be counted on to return each year. The same can be said of local gardener Gail MacPhee, who, as a professional gardener, has returned to area gardens for the past 35 years.  

MacPhee will be sharing her knowledge of perennials at the Community Center on May 26 at 2 p.m. Her 90-minute class will focus on simple techniques for gardeners to lengthen a flower’s bloom and maintain its height. She will also share suggestions for gardening tools and for dealing with weeds. Beginner through intermediate gardeners are welcome and the class is limited to 10 people. Jane Good, community center director, is thrilled that MacPhee agreed to give the class, noting that she is a “fabulous gardener.”

MacPhee started gardening when she was just a child in Damariscotta. Along the way, she has taken classes, studied and “learned as I went along.” She smiles when she notes that she still uses a dandelion tool that she’s had since high school.

In a recent interview with the Register, she shared her expertise. Asked what five things a beginning gardener should avoid, first on her list was, “Don’t expect perfection at the beginning. You learn from mistakes. Just enjoy the work and if you don’t like it, change it.”

That was followed by:

- Don’t use plants that spread too much

- Limit the types of plants you use. Pick five types in different heights – tall, mid and lower.

- Use long-blooming plants

- Pick hardy perennials that don’t need to be covered in winter

On MacPhee’ list of favorites was the gardening book, “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden” by Tracy DiSabato-Aust, which she highly recommends to gardeners and said is “full of good ideas and suggestions.” And her favorite plant? “That would be Filipendula ‘Kahome’ – otherwise known as “Dwarf Meadowsweet” and which resembles astilbe and holds it color for a long time.

Those interested in attending the perennials class may sign up by stopping in or calling the community center at 633-9876.