Before much of Hawaii became so commercialized, the one thing about several of the islands which left a lasting impression on us was its beautiful flowers. They’re everywhere. We were reminded of this abundance of flowers and shrubs this past weekend while driving around the peninsula, showing it off to out-of-town friends.

As is so often the case, we don’t appreciate what we have in our own back yard, and it’s especially true when it comes to the first impression most visitors get when they arrive here. Most homes are neat and tidy, as are our business establishments, and flowers, shrubs and ornamental trees are abundant. It sends out very special vibes, in our opinion.

We enjoyed a comment made by a native when she returned from wintering down south. She said she sensed a new energy in the community. Well put. It seems to grow each and every year. It’s as if we’re all competing to see who can improve his or her property the most, either building or landscaping-wise. There’s a lot going on, including: The office building at the top of Boothbay House Hill now owned by Two Salty Dogs has undergone a transformation,  as has the Meadow Mall, and former businesses are coming back to life like East Boothbay’s Carriage House Restaurant. Our beloved footbridge has taken on a whole new look, with flowers galore on both ends, and still to come are planned improvements in the footbridge parking lot on the in-town end as well as changes at the Community Field. Everywhere you look, flower beds greet you, like those at the new Boothbay Harbor Country Club entrance at Boothbay Center, the home of the Hauptfleishes opposite the store in East Boothbay, in front of several of the Ocean Point cottages, as well as scores of other properties throughout the peninsula.  Whatever the reason for the new burst of energy, the results are impressive.

Bus tours used to comment on the profusion of flowers and color everywhere, even in front of homes in need of sprucing up, where the owners still put their best foot forward with flowers. Many are surprised that here in Maine, with its limited growing season, folks still take the time to put on their “Sunday best’’ for the short summer season. Who knows, maybe being home to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has rubbed off on all of us!

Most readers travel throughout the peninsula on a regular basis, and we encourage you all to take a close look at your home town and truly appreciate it.