Boothbay Region Garden Club
NEWS
For Immediate Release
August 8, 2023
First Occurrence of Mile-a-Minute Weed Confirmed in Maine, Urgent Action Required
Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has recently verified the first known occurrence of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) in Maine. This fast-growing invasive vine, native to India, Asia, and the Philippine Islands, poses a significant threat to nurseries, Christmas tree farms, reforestation projects, and restoration areas, as it can smother young plants and trees under its dense growth.
The discovery was made at a private residence in Boothbay Harbor, where the alert landowner reported finding a mile-a-minute weed plant while cleaning up weeds that came with newly installed landscape plants. This invasive species is one of 33 plants listed on the DACF's do-not-sell list, notorious for hitchhiking on nursery stock and spreading rapidly.
Mile-a-minute weed derives its name from its astonishing growth rate of up to 6 inches per day or 25 feet in six to eight weeks. It features distinctive triangular leaves, spikes of pea-sized blue fruits, and recurved barbs along the stems and leaf margins. The vine also displays peculiar circular leaves, known as ocreae, clasping the stem beneath each fruit spike.
Invasive species like mile-a-minute weed have the potential to cause severe harm to Maine's environment and economy. As part of our commitment to controlling and eradicating this invasive plant, the DACF urges the public to report any potential sightings promptly. If you encounter a vine resembling mile-a-minute weed, please visit the Maine Natural Areas webpage for identification information. If the plant matches the description, we encourage you to take photos, note the location, and report the finding via email to Invasives.MNAP@maine.gov or call (207) 287-7545.
"The timely reporting of invasive plants is crucial to our efforts in safeguarding Maine's natural areas," said State Horticulturalist Gary Fish. "With the public's support, we can respond rapidly and take necessary measures to eradicate any other mile-a-minute weed plants in the area."
For more information on mile-a-minute weed and other invasive species of concern in Maine, please visit https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/invasives.htm, Let's cooperate to protect our state's biodiversity and preserve its natural beauty.
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Media Contact: Jim Britt, (207) 480-0558
Boothbay Region Garden Club's newest member, Sue McLeod has much of interest to share with us in the recent Boothbay Register article:
Trends in Gardening 2023: Support the natural landscape"
Sue McLeod, Conley's Garden Center
Thu, 05/11/2023 - 8:15am
BRGC's May 10, 2023 Meeting Location changed to the American Legion Hall 25 Industrial Pk Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537
11:30 Board Meeting
12:30 General Meeting Getting to Know Our Club
List of Plant Sales in Maine
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/map-points-category/2023-plant-sales/
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library Plant sale. June 3 sat 9-12:00 on the
library lawn. If it rains, it will be held at the Boothbay Harbor Fire station.
Master Garden Volunteer Announcements

Master Gardener Volunteers - a few announcements and some inspiration for your weekend in the garden.
Here's an uplifting story about feeding our neighbors. Growing Compassion from Catastrophe - Village Soup
Tonight - Fri, April 21 6:30pm. Starting a No-Till Garden from Scratch with Sharon Turner at the Gibbs Library in Washington. How to create a new garden using simple, no-till organic techniques that you can grow in this season. Turner is a gardening consultant, educator and designer who, with her son Eli Berry, operates Crystal Lake Farm and Nursery. She's also a long-time Master Gardener Volunteer. FMI: Gibbs Library. 40 Old Union Rd, Washington, ME 04574 (207) 845-2663
Sat, April 22 2-4pm Free Seed Swap at the Palermo Community Library. Attendees are invited to bring seeds for vegetables, flowers and ornamentals to share. Please label your seeds and include planting instructions. The library will provide envelopes. (There are never enough Sharpies!) FMI, palermo.lib.me.us or email palermomelibrary@gmail.com 993-6088
Thurs, April 27, 4-7pm "Rockland Volunteer Roundup" at the Flanagan Center. The City of Rockland is proud to host the Rockland Volunteer Roundup, an event designed to match community members with meaningful volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Roundup will feature groups from various sectors, including social services, city committees, education, recreation, environmental conservation, and more. Representatives from each organization will be on hand to share information about their mission and the volunteer opportunities available.
This is a unique opportunity for community members to learn more about the many ways they can get involved and give back. We are delighted to bring together so many inspiring organizations in one convenient place, and we know attendees will find connections with groups that make a difference. Whether you are new to Rockland, or just looking for a new way to support causes you care about, this event is the place to start!
The Rockland Volunteer Roundup is free to attend, and all ages are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend or family member along. Volunteer roles vary widely - regular schedules or one-time events, outdoor work or computer-based tasks, solo projects or group activities, some that require no experience, and others that can use specific talents. Come explore what projects are the best fit for you. Interested in hosting a table for your organization? Email saustin@rocklandmaine.gov for more info!
Sat, April 29 9am - Noon Plant Propagation Workshop at Merryspring Nature Center with John Fromer. Learn how to transplant seedlings, divide and root bulbs and tubers, and propagate cuttings into plants. Participants will practice on a dahlia and lily to take home. The cost is $40 / $35 for Merryspring members. FMI and to sign up: 236-2239 info@merryspring.org
It's PLANT SALE SEASON! Think about donating or buying plants to help libraries, schools, garden clubs and other non-profits. Check this link for organizations and locations, which include the Rockland Library, Vose Library, etc. It also includes garden tours this year! Here are Best Practices for Plant Sale Donors and Buyers in Maine.
Always organized, here's a request for plants from the Belfast Garden Club. The Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 27 from 10 to 1pm at the Boathouse and is one of the biggest fundraiser events. Here's how you can donate plants: 1) Dig and pot plants from your own garden. Please use clean pots and fresh potting soil. 2) Dig plants from your own garden and take to the Garden Club potting area located at Capt. Stevenson Elementary School to have potted for you. Potting services will be available from May 15-May 25th. 3) Purchase plants and take to the potting area where they will be cared for until the plant sale. 4) Donate money to be used by the Club to purchase plants. Let Sue know what you plan to donate at sr8239034@gmail.com. This information will help us plan. Your contributions are essential to the success of this fundraising event. We greatly appreciate your generosity and support! Sincerely, Pat Blakeslee, Chair, Plant Sale Committee pat.blakeslee@gmail.com
Registration is Open for Kids Can Grow, a Family Vegetable Gardening Program at Erickson Fields Preserve! Participants receive materials and mentoring from Master Gardener & Community Volunteers. Feel free to volunteer, and spread the word to families with kids ages 7 - 12. FMI, 236-2739 or aldermere@mcht. Registration by May 8: https://www.aldermere.org/programs/erickson/kids-can-grow/
Project Canopy and the Belfast Free Library offer White Spruce Seedling Giveaway for Belfast residents. FMI: Contact Stephanie Holman. 338-3884 x 26.
Volunteer at Healthy Lincoln County's Food Hub! Each week, Jess B. works with a team of volunteers at the TVFF Community Food Hub in Damariscotta. They help vegetables make their way to our Share Tables, Food Pantries, and ultimately the families in our county! Do you want to get involved with the Community Food Hub? Email Jess at: jbreithaupt@healthylincolncounty.org, and she will reach out.
UMaine Extension Publications for Spring. Browse the publications catalog. You'll be amazed at what you find!
#2518, Best Practices for Plant Sale Donors and Buyers in Maine
Governor Mills Proclaims April 2023
Maine Native Plant Month
Join us in celebrating native plants. Maine Governor Mills:
“I urge all citizens to recognize the importance of native plants to Maine’s rich biological heritage.” — Maine State Governor Janet. T. Mills on declaring April 2023 Maine Native Plant Month | March 31, 2023
Home and Garden Tour
2023
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
New Emergency Order Area Announced as Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Continues Spread into Central Maine
March 31, 2023
For more information contact: Jim Britt at: Jim.Britt@maine.gov
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) announced the expansion of its Emergency Order restricting the movement of ash trees, green ash waste, ash firewood, and any other materials that may be a means of emerald ash border (EAB) transportation. The expansion follows the discovery of EAB infestations in Corinna and Newport in Penobscot County and Andover and Woodstock in Oxford County. The infestations are suspected to be the direct result of human movement of EAB.
The expanded Emergency Order covers Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Waldo Counties and parts of Aroostook, Franklin, Oxford, Penobscot Piscataquis, and Somerset Counties. The expansion is in addition to areas described in the existing state quarantine, Maine DACF, Agriculture Rules, Chapter 275, which includes regions of Maine and other states and Canada.
Regulated ash items include:
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All life stages of the EAB
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Rooted ash (Fraxinus spp.) for planting (excluding mountain ash)
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Hardwood firewood that has not been certified heat treated
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Ash logs (i.e., roundwood and pulpwood) and green lumber from ash
Frequently Asked EAB Questions
Q: What is MFS's next step?
A: MFS will coordinate listening sessions in April to gather input on EAB regulations in Maine. The sessions will be hybrid, allowing for in-person and online participation. Preliminary plans include meetings in Augusta, Old Town, and Houlton. The MFS calendar of events will list exact locations, dates, and times. Interested parties should subscribe to receive EAB-related news.
Q: How do we slow the spread of EAB?
A: We help slow the spread of EAB and other invasive forest pests using local and certified heat-treated firewood. Everyone is asked to encourage others to do the same and to learn and follow best management practices when handling ash in regulated areas.
Q: What are the signs of EAB?
A: Woodpeckers feeding on overwintering larvae create bright white spots called blonding. In Newport, an alert arborist discovered the woodpecker damage and contacted MFS. In Andover and Woodstock, MFS crews found the damage during routine surveys. Everyone is asked to report suspected EAB damage by emailing locations and photos to foresthealth@maine.gov.
Q: How does this impact the firewood movement from out of state into Maine?
A: The ban on the movement of untreated firewood from out-of-state into Maine remains. Many tree-killing insects and diseases, in addition to EAB, can be moved with firewood. Everyone who burns firewood is asked to purchase local firewood (buy it where you burn it) and certified heat-treated firewood.
Q: Do I need to worry about spreading EAB if I'm only moving ash tree products within the emergency order or quarantine area?
A: Everyone should be concerned with the future of ash trees in Maine. MFS and its partners encourage everyone involved with moving ash tree material within the regulated areas to follow Best Management Practices to reduce the spread of EAB.
Q: Where can I find more EAB information?
A: The MFS EAB webpage is the best resource for everyone concerned about EAB spread in Maine. Email questions about EAB and the Emergency Order to foresthealth@maine.gov or call (207) 287-2431.
More information on firewood can be found on the Maine Forest Service firewood webpage and dontmovefirewood.org. Watch EAB detection in Maine.
Supporting documents
Maine Emerald Ash Borer detections and regulated areas as of March 31, 2023 Maine peeled Ash showing EAB damage
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Maine Ash EAB blonding damage
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