Springtime in Maine - Maine Maple Sunday 2020

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE

Springtime in Maine Maine Maple Sunday

®

MARCH 22, 2020

ALWAYS THE 4TH SUNDAY IN MARCH

VISIT PARTICIPATING SUGARHOUSES FOR SAMPLES, TOURS, DEMOS & MORE!

Inside!

A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, March 13, 2020

Morning Sentinel • Kennebec Journal • Sun Journal Times Record • Portland Press Herald • Bangor Daily News

Details about the 2020 Maine Flower Show!

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Springtime in Maine brings many opportunities to celebrate the countless ways that agriculture is important to our state and our everyday lives. We are fortunate to have a rich natural resource base to support such talented and dedicated farmers and horticulturists amongst us who produce a diverse array of products from fiber, to food, to ornamental plants.

This is the time of year when sprouts push up through the soil and buds on trees begin to awaken, and you can really feel the excitement beginning to build, which energizes maple enthusiasts to line up for maple snow cones on Maine Maple Sunday and causes horticulture lovers to flock to the Maine Flower Show to be wowed by Maine’s landscape and nursery professionals.

In fact, I encourage you to mark your calendars, as Maine Maple Sunday, which takes place on the fourth Sunday each March, is happening this year on March 22. I invite everyone to join in the fun by visiting a participating sugar shack for a tour, tasting, and to stock your cupboards with maple products for the months ahead.

Like Open Farm Day and Maine’s fairs, and many other agricultural celebrations, Maine Maple Sunday is a great event for people of all ages. It features opportunities to enjoy delicious Maine-grown products and to learn about our agricultural heritage, as well as the important impact our innovative maple producers have on our state’s economy. Our maple industry’s annual statewide economic contribution, including multiplier effects, is an estimated $48.7 million in output. It also provides more than 800 full- and part-time jobs – clearly, Maine maple production is an important and vibrant type of agricultural activity in our state which deserves to be celebrated.

Also coming up on March 26–29 is the Maine Flower Show, which is the largest horticultural event in the state and features inspiring floral and landscape displays by premier designers and other Maine landscape and nursery professionals. This event is a place to dream big and take away new ideas for your own gardening and landscaping activities, or just to enjoy being amongst these creative designs.

It is also an ideal setting to hear from Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) staff and other professionals about innovative techniques for erosion control or to learn about edible landscapes and native plants (and how to combat non-native invasive plants). Overall, the Flower Show is an event where you will find abundant ideas, technical assistance, and other resources that can enhance your own horticultural knowledge.

At DACF, we take great pride in promoting our hard-working farmers of all types and sizes, and our Maine landscape and nursery professionals. Through these events and so many others, we aim to help cultivate enjoyable and educational opportunities for everyone to appreciate and embrace Maine’s rich agricultural heritage, and to let our producers know how much we all appreciate everything they do to make life in Maine so special.

Thank you,

Amanda Beal, Commissioner Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

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Planning your Maine Maple Sunday® Trip…

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xperience a real Maine tradition as you tour Maine’s maple sugar shacks and learn about how Maine’s official sweetener transforms from sap to syrup.

What to do: Maine Maple Sunday® is a nearly 40-year old tradition. Check the most updated listings online for full descriptions of dates and activities.

A sample of activities at participating sugar shacks: • Tours of sugarhouses and stories from families who make syrup • Tastings—syrup, crème, sugar on snow—maple taffy, and even craft beverages!

• Pancake breakfasts • Syrup making—evaporating maple

Androscoggin Jillson Farm Sugarhouse 143 Jordan Bridge Road, Sabattus Contact Info: info@jillisonfarm.com 207-375-4486

Maple Hill Enterprises 748 Newell Brook Road, Durham Contact Info: buchertribe@yahoo.com 207-576-8997

sap to transform it into pure Maine maple syrup • Games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and more!

Visitors can taste and shop for a variety of Maine maple products.

When to visit: On Maine Maple Sunday®—always the fourth Sunday in March, most sugar shacks open to visitors in the morning— often around 9 or 10 a.m., and remain open until 3 p.m.

Don’t miss the 8 a.m. start times— those locations often start their day with a pancake breakfast! Dine with family, friends and neighbors as you savor the sweetness of syrup and begin a tour!

Have a busy fourth Sunday in March?

Consider a Saturday!

Many hosts open both Saturday and Sunday the fourth weekend in March.

Some open weekends throughout the sugaring season—“whenever the sap boils!” is the phrase. Give a call and find a time to visit.

Keep in mind: • Each location offers a different experience. Plan to visit a few different sites in your area for a memorable day.

• If you’re traveling with a group, know that some have plenty of parking for large group and bus tours—but call ahead to help with planning.

• Some locations might have a short walk to the sugar shack—those locations

are ideal for groups and families on a multi-stop tour.

• Some locations provide a full experience that includes a bit of a hike through the sugarbush—the maple trees—before you arrive at the sugar shack.

• No matter the location, dress for the weather, wear boots that are easy to walk in as you tour.

Made when the sap runs, Maine maple products are available year-round. If you’re looking to buy local, be sure to learn where you can buy, and the many ways you can enjoy Maine’s official sweetener!

Share your visit with #MaineMapleSunday and have fun!

Washburn-Norlands Living History Center 290 Norlands Road, Livermore

Contact Info:

norlands@norlands.org • 207-897-4366

Aroostook Doak’s Maple Ridge Farm

Rural Pride 181 Sealander Road, Woodland Contact Info: 603-493-5991

Maxwell's Maple Syrup

Spring Break Maple Farm 3315 US Route 2, Smyrna

3142 Lee Road, Lee Contact Info: amax69@hotmail.com 207-794-5465

291 Margison Road, Woodland Contact Info: 207-227-6173 pandjdoak@live.com

Contact Info:

info@mainemapleandhoney.com • 207-757-7373 www.mainemapleandhoney.com

Cumberland

Contact Info:

Bradbury Maple Farm

Sunny Crest Maple Farm

Balsam Ridge

admin@nezinscotfarm.com • 207-225-3231 www.nezinscotfarm.com/farm-events

202 Bootfoot Rd, Bridgewater Contact Info: bradburymaple@yahoo.com 207-551-5227 • www.bradburyMaple.com

334 Maine St, Reed Plantation Contact Info: pcushman.baskco@gmail.com 207-456-7520

140 Egypt Road, Raymond Contact Info: lloy@fairpoint.net • 207-655-4474 www.balsamridgechristmas.com

Northwoods Nectar

Bakers Maple

Greene Maple Farm

1426 Sly Brook Road, Eagle Lake Contact Info: northwoodsnectar@yahoo.com 207-231-2265

26 North Road, Shirley Contact Info: bakersmaple@gmail.com 207-717-7372

77 Bridgton Road, Sebago Contact Info: phillipviewfarm@gmail.com 207-787-3391

Nezinscot Farm 284 Turner Center Rd, Turner

Russell Farm Bakery & Maple Products 46 Russell Rd, Poland, Maine 04274 Contact Info: thebeckerco@gmail.com 207-415-7767 www.RussellFarmMapleBakery.com

Continued on page 4...

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Learn the Lingo Sugarbush:

Continued from page 3...

Maple Valley Farms, Inc.

Wolf Creek Maple

Jackson Mountain Farm

1304 Franklin Road, Jay Contact Info: icouture@roadrunner.com 207-645-2328

3252 Middle Rd, Sidney

Woods that have sugar maples trees that can be tapped for sap.

In Maine, sugarbushes are a source of a natural sweetener, wildlife habitat, pulpwood, firewood, jobs, sustainable incomes and sustainable forest management for communities.

73 Sisquisic Trail, Yarmouth Contact Info: jhodgkins5@myfairpoint.net

Sugar maple: A species of maple tree

Nash Valley Farm

native to hardwood forests of eastern and north central North America.

Sugar maples have bright fall foliage.

They are the most common source of sap to make maple syrup. Scientific name is Acer saccharum.

79 Nash Road, Windham Contact Info: 207-892-7019 nashvalleyfarm@myfairpoint.net

Run: When the sap flows. Maple season begins when the night temperature is below freezing, and the daytime temperatures are 40-45-degrees Fahrenheit.

(Ideal is 40-degrees Fahrenheit in the day and 20-degrees Fahrenheit at night.) The season usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks with about 15 good sap flow days.

Sap:

A clear liquid that gives water and nutrients to plants and trees prior to buds and leaves opening in spring.

Sap can spoil, so sugar makers collect it quickly to boil into quality syrup.

Spout/Spile:

A tube placed into a tree’s tap hole to drain sap from the tree. Spouts/spiles may have a hook to hold a bucket.

Bucket: Container on the spout to collect sap at the tree.

Tap: The hole put into a tree to extract sap. Maine has around 1.89-million taps cared for by nearly 500 licensed maple producers.

Jo's Sugarhouse / Hartwell Farm 443 Sebago Lake Road (Route 237), Gorham

Contact Info:

jojohartwell@gmail.com • 207-671-2189

Maple Hill Farm 390 Titcomb Hill Road, Farmington

Doom Forest Distillery 29 Chadwick Lane, Pittston

Contact Info:

doomforestdistillery@gmail.com 207-462-1990 www.chadwickscraftspirits.com

Bacon Farm Maple Products, LLC 415 Goodhue Road, Sidney

Parsons Maple Products

985 US Route 2 West, East Dixfield Contact Info: rodney@hallfarms.com 207-645-2862

322 Buck Street, Gorham Contact Info: 207-831-4844

JB Farm

Sweet William's

140 Stinchfield Hill Road, Chesterville Contact Info: jbfarm15@gmail.com 207-399-7652

66 Spiller Road, Casco Contact Info: ssymonds@maine.rr.com 207-627-7362

Pineland Farms 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester Contact Info: pr@pinelandfarms.org 207-688-4800 • pinelandfarms.org

Coopers Maple Products 81 Chute Road, Windham Contact Info: gmcooper81@aol.com 207-892-7276 • www.coopersrhf.com

Contact Info:

to allow sap to flow from the tap to a storage tank.

Long Drive Acres Maple Farm 319 Temple Road, Wilton Contact Info: longdriveacres@gmail.com 207-778-9618

56 Mitchell Rd, Richmond Contact Info: mcmeagher@gmail.com 207-229-2590

Contact Info:

98 Townhouse Rd, Whitefield

898 Batteridge Rd, Clinton Contact Info: andymiller_09@yahoo.com 802-236-6894

taryn@sheepscotgeneral.com 207-549-5185

Cobbs Hill Sugarhouse 945 North Road, Mount Vernon Contact Info: hardwoodnectar@gmail.com 207-620-2326

Contact Info:

399 Farmington Road, Strong

Maine-iac Maple Farm

Batterridge Syrup

Black Acres Farm

Day Mountain Maple Products

shelley@baconfarmmaple.com 207-314-8289 • www.baconfarmmaple.com

Sheepscot General Store and Farm

Mikes Maple House

123 Black Road Wilton Contact Info: blackacresbeef@gmail.com 207-491-5443

Contact Info:

Kennebec

Franklin

Tubing: Long tubes attached to spouts

fore it is boiled into syrup.

132 Borough Road, Jay Contact Info: plaisted.farm@gmail.com 207-578-0713

wolfcreekmaple@gmail.com 207-530-2807

Hall Farms Maple Products

daymtnmaple@yahoo.com 207-778-2716

Tank: Equipment used to store sap be-

Plaisted Maple Products

Contact Info:

8 Gayton Lane, Winthrop mikesmith207@gmail.com 207-377-2501

Raider's Sugarhouse 148 Bog Brook Road, China

Contact Info:

gailtbbtts@yahoo.com 207-968-2005

Wilson Family Maple Syrup 652 Bentan Road, Albion

Contact Info:

maplesyrup@roadrunner.com 207-453-6969

Did you know?

Maine’s maple industry has an annual statewide economic contribution, including multiplier effects, of an estimated $48.7 million in output, 805 full-and part-time jobs, and $25.1 million in labor income. Approximately 500 sugar shacks across Maine work to produce Maine’s official sweetener.

Each spring, more than 100 of Maine’s sugarhouses generously invite the public to learn more about this natural product from Maine as we celebrate Maine Maple Sunday®.

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Knox

Lincoln

Oxford

Swain Family Farm

Blueberry Fields Bed & Breakfast

Goranson's Farm

Bragg's Maple Syrup

Contact Info:

673 Razorville Rd, Washington

250 River Road, Dresden

156 Bonney Road, Sumner

Contact Info:

ruelswain@gmail.com 207-357-9504

cydzeig@gmail.com 207-446-2408 www.BlueberryFieldsBandB.com

goransonfarm@gmail.com 207-737-8834

cbraggconstruction@gmail.com 207-333-1900

The Farm at Rowe Hill

Sweet Woods Farm 144 Lynch Road, Newcastle

Dunham Farm — Velvet Hollow Sugar Works

sweetwoodsme@yahoo.com 207-380-5228

29 Dunham Road, Greenwood Contact Info: dunhamfarm@msn.com 207-665-2967

BlackOwl Maple Products

Road’s End Farm

21 Woodchuck Way, Jefferson

358 Canton Mountain Road, Canton Contact Info: roadsendmaine@gmail.com 207-491-9408 • www.roadsendfarmme.com

Contact Info:

Riley Gold 73 Warenton Road, Rockport

Contact Info:

todd.martin@rileyschool.org 207-930-9995

Rock Acer Works

Contact Info:

Contact Info:

634 Barnestown Road, Hope

Contact Info:

andrew.n.pease@gmail.com 207-356-4965

blackowlmaple@gmail.com 207-215-9471 www.facebook.com/BlackOwl-MapleProducts-778058219254334

Contact Info:

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185 West Bethel Road, Bethel

Sap Hound Maple Company 414 Center Conway Road, Brownfield Contact Info: corrie@saphoundmaple.com 207-776-0578 • www.SapHoundMaple.com

231 Rowe Hill Road, Greenwood

Contact Info:

rgo817@gmail.com • 207-576-5104

Colonial Hill Farm 201 Mill Hill Road, Waterford

Contact Info:

colonialhillfarm@yahoo.com 207-583-2318

A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm 106 Black Mountain Road, Sumner

Contact Info:

info@awrinkleinthymefarm.com 207-212-4058

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Have you been considering purchasing a greenhouse?

From our 100% solar powered, self-contained and self-tending models that make for an almost “hands-off” experience, to our smaller, less sophisticated styles, we are sure to have a greenhouse that will fit you needs!

Call us at 207-613-2973

www.mainegarden.com · info@mainegarden.com

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Learn the Lingo at the Sugarhouse Sugarhouse: A building with tools and supplies to turn maple sap into syrup.

Maine has the third largest syrup industry in the United States, and Somerset County is the largest maple producing county in the country!

Evaporator: Large shallow metal pans to boil sap into syrup. In the boiling and filter-

Continued from page 5...

Cabane A Sucre Bergeron 431 Merrill Hill Rd, Hebron

Contact Info:

jbergeron@infabrefractories.com 207-576-3003

ing, all the nutrients remain in the syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of pure syrup—but the specific yield often depends on the sap.

Penobscot

Reverse Osmosis, “R/O” Machine: A tool that filters maple sap, and reduces

Bemis Family Farm

water in maple sap by approximately 75 percent before it is boiled into syrup. This is an energy efficient way to process sap.

102 Merrill Road, Corinna Contact Info: bemisfamilyfarm@gmail.com 207-924-4123 On Facebook: @BemisFamilyFarm

Syrup/front/finishing pan: Part of the evaporator where final sap evaporation happens. It slowly cooks sap to avoid burning in the final steps.

U.S. Grade A: All Maine maple syrup commercially sold is U.S. Grade A quality.

The syrup is further classified by flavor and color characteristics.

Grade A – Golden Color with Delicate Flavor: A fine pronounced sweetness with a delicate maple flavor. This syrup is desirable for pancakes, waffles, French toast, and as an ice cream topping.

Grade A – Amber Color with Rich Flavor: A slightly stronger flavor with a noticeable darker color. This grade has a rich full-bodied taste. A popular choice for all-purpose syrup.

Grade A – Dark Color with Robust Flavor: Much darker in color and a stronger, more robust maple flavor. Preferred in baking and cooking because of its strong flavor. This syrup is great to pour over baked apples or squash or use as a glaze on meats and vegetables.

Grade A – Very Dark Color with Strong Flavor: Generally, very late season syrup. It is great in cookies, breads, and baked beans to provide a stronger maple taste.

Maple syrup: Syrup commonly made from the sap of sugar maple trees. Pure maple syrup is a 100% natural food. Pure maple syrup has distinct flavors, and retains all its nutrients in the boiling and filtering process. It is Maine’s official sweetener.

Maple sugar: Sugar made when sap is boiled longer than syrup. Maple sugar tex-

Nutkin Knoll Farm & Sugarworks 269 Chapman Rd, Newburgh Contact Info: nutkin@uninets.net 207-234-7268 www.Maine-Christmas-Trees.com

Pelletier Farms 96 Lincoln Road, Enfield Contact Info: pelletierlenrena@gmail.com 207-732-3907

Maple Hill Sugar House

Contact Info:

andrewteebow@gmail.com 207-522-1646

Somerset Haulk's Maple 882 Lakewood Road, Madison Contact Info: haulksmaple@gmail.com 207-474-8047 • www.HaulksMaple.com

Hay's Maple Shack 54 Lords Hill Circle, Athens Contact Info: galhay@tds.net • 207-654-3804

Moscow Maple 1451 Old Canada Road, Moscow Contact Info: moscowmaple@gmail.com 207-592-5220

Smith Brothers Maple 52 Rowe Road, Skowhegan Contact Info: smithbromaple@gmail.com 207-474-3491

Strawberry Hill Farm LLC

leahdgerry@gmail.com • 207-793-2773

163 Rowe Rd, Skowhegan Contact Info: mainemaple@aol.com 207-474-5262

Piscataquis

Eureka Farms

Contact Info:

Bob's Sugarhouse

Maple cream: A spreadable confection, made when syrup is heated to a tempera-

252 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft Contact Info: bob@mainemaplesyrup.com 207-564-2145 • www.mainemaplesyrup.com

Sources: Cooperative Extension, International Maple Syrup Institute, Maine Maple Producers.

24 Shellenbarger Road, Topsham

93 Hicks Road, Newfield

ture is like table sugar.

ture of 22 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit above the boiling point of water and then cooled and stirred. Approximately one quart (4 cups) of Grade A Golden Color with Delicate Flavor pure maple syrup will make 2 pounds of maple cream. Careful measurements and handling creates a creamy treat with distinct maple flavors.

Red Door Sugar Shack

220 Shy Road, Palmyra Contact Info: tpr533@gmail.com 207-944-2186

Corson Farms

Sagadahoc

Po Box 673, Norridgewock Contact Info: a_corson@hotmail.com 207-841-5636 • www.corsonfarms.com

Cafro's Maple

Tupper & Friends Maple

288 Chopps Cross Road, Woolwich Contact Info: adam@cafrosmaple.com 207-730-3870 • www.CafrosMaple.com

60 West Ridge Road, Cornville Contact Info: tfmaple207@gmail.com 207-215-5493

Maple Rush Sugar House 123 Webster Corner Road, Sabattus

Contact Info:

maplerushsugarhouse@gmail.com 207-740-4460

Waldo Beaver Hill Plantation 130 Sibley Rd, Freedom

Contact Info:

beaverhillplantation@gmail.com 207-382-6129 www.beaverhillplantation.com

Simmons and Daughters Sugarhouse 261 Weymouth Rd, Morrill

Contact Info:

simmonsmaple@gmail.com 207-342-2444

Sweet Freedom Maple Syrup 345 North Palermo Road, Freedom

Contact Info:

markboudreau4@gmail.com 207-314-5123 On Facebook: sweetfreedommaple

Washington Chandlers Sugar Shack LLC.

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Back Fields Farms

Thurston & Peters Sugarhouse, LLC

58 Odiorne Lane, Eliot Contact Info: jmeyer9197@mac.com 207-438-9197

299 Bond Spring Road, West Newfield

Chase Farms 1488 North Berwick Road, Wells

Contact Info:

info@chasefarmswells.com 207-646-7888 • www.ChaseFarmsWells.com

Dads Maple Sugar Shack 1061 Naples Rd, Harrison

Dunn Family Maple 419 Chicopee Rd, Buxton

251 Old Alfred Road, Arundel

Hidden Roots Maple Farm

Jim's Sugar House

Williams Family Farm — Hadley's Maine Maple Syrup

296 Maple Ridge Road, Harrison Contact Info: jimssugarhouse@hotmail.com 207-449-6511

Contact Info:

Morin's Sugar House

ewilliams@myfairpoint.net 207-949-1653

45 Morin Road, Li, Mainerick Contact Info: 207-793-8420

Contact Info:

207-468-0051 On Facebook:207Tappers

farmmaine@gmail.com 207-929-4088

Douston Maple and Honey

maplelanesugary@gmail.com 207-454-3455

125 Dennett Road, Biddeford

Contact Info:

dunnfamilymaple@gmail.com 207-671-4262 • www.dunnfamilymaple.com

Contact Info:

207Tappers

hilltopboilers@myfairpoint.net 207-793-8850 hilltopboilersmaplesyrup.com

Contact Info:

159 Elm Street, Newfield Contact Info: mbryant71@live.com 207-793-8850 hilltopboilersmaplesyrup.com

York

Contact Info:

135 Anderson Road, Dayton

Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup

46 Airline Road, Clifton

159 Elm Street, Newfield

dadsmaplesugarshack@yahoo.com 207-890-8025

bart@chandlerssugarshack.com 207-796-2724

9 Maple Ln, Robinston

Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup

Harris Farm

Contact Info:

Maple Lane Sugary

taps@metrocast.net • 207-793-8040 www.thurstonandpeters.com

Contact Info:

28 Tufts Lane, Limerick Contact Info: storermaple@gmail.com 207-206-5206 • www.HiddenRootsMaple.com

PO Box 14, Topsfield

Contact Info:

Pingree Maple Products 90 High Road, Cornish Contact Info: tpingree@myfairpoint.net 207-625-8584 www.PingreeMapleProducts.com

Contact Info:

doustonmapleandhoney@hotmail.com 207 284-5562

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Celebrate Maine Maple Sunday

®

Find more recipe suggestions on the Maine Maple Producers website, mainemapleproducers.com.

These recipes are adapted for maple syrup, Maine’s official sweetener.

Maple Custard Serves 8

Ingredients 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar 1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt 3 egg yolks 2 whole eggs 1⁄2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved 1 1⁄2 cups milk 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream 1⁄3 cup amber Grade B maple syrup Whipped cream for garnish

Instructions Heat oven to 350°. Combine brown sugar, salt, egg yolks, whole eggs, and vanilla bean in a medium bowl until smooth. Add milk, cream, and maple syrup, and whisk until smooth; pour through a fine strainer into a large glass measuring cup, and divide among eight 4-oz. ramekins or custard cups. Place ramekins in the bottom of a large roasting pan and place in oven; pour boiling water into pan until it comes halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake until custards are set on top but slightly loose in the middle, about 1 hour.

Remove from water bath and let cool; refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Learn...

Discover native plants, find out about landscaping exclusively for Maine, and get hands-on advice from experts whose regional expertise includes protection from native pests, planting indigenous trees and shrubs, and all the colorful trends in Zone 5 perennials.

See...

Get inspired with landscaping experts, get a first look at spring in Maine with the brilliant designs of our display gardens, see demonstrations by gardening experts, and discover home-grown resources and native culture supported by horticultural businesses, and organizations that are rooted right here in Maine.

Meet...

Join us and be part of the tradition that creates our unique state!

Gather with other Mainers to talk one-on-one with master gardeners, local dealers, garden center owners, horticulturalists and farmers. MFS is the place to get insider advice from the people that live and work in our backyard (and help beautify it too!).

PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF THE MAINE FLOWER SHOW AND MARNIE MACLEAN (ABOVE & LEFT) COURTESY OF THE MAINE FLOWER SHOW

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

2020 Schedule

Premiere Night: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 | 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM Show Dates:

Thursday, March 26 | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday, March 27 | 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday, March 29 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Display Gardens: Enter Colorful, Innovative Worlds Walking through a Display Garden at the Maine Flower Show is like entering another world of native plants, burbling brooks, and stunning stonework that envelops visitors with its inspiring natural habitat. There is simply no question that the Display Gardens are a Maine Flower Show central attraction. For four days following Premiere Night, many of Maine’s masters of stonework, masonry, plants, trees, and shrubs will show off their distinctive garden and landscape designs with stunning color, creativity, humor, and innovation. Come to the Maine Flower Show in 2020 and lose yourself in an array of unique natural Maine landscapes!

Seminar Schedule: View the full descriptions and presenters online at maineflowershow.com/2020-seminar-speakers.

Thursday, March 26 10:30 Finding Common Ground – Sustainable Landscaping 12:30 Growing Healthy Landscapes – Case Studies for More Sustainable Land Care Practices

2:30 Non-Stop Color from Exceptional Flowering Shrubs 4:30 How to Install Your Own Paver Walk or Patio

Friday, March 27 10:30 Splendor in the Grasses

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE MAINE FLOWER SHOW

Saturday, March 28 10:30 6 Simple Steps to Successful Rose Gardening 12:30 Delectable Dahlias & Other Easy-to-Grow Edible Flowers 2:30 Intelligent Tinkering: How to Boost Biodiversity in the Home Landscape

4:30 Creating Your Own Mini Meadow

Sunday, March 29 10:00 Garden Designs for the Senses/Tips for Tending Your Garden’s Color

12:30 Spring is Here, and So Are the Ticks!

12:00 Permaculture Design and Edible Landscapes

2:30 COLOR YEAR-ROUND: Four Seasons of Fabulous

1:30 7 Keys to Organic Gardening in Short Seasons

4:30 Why Native Plants Matter

3:00 Growing Irises in Maine

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Honk and Read for Maine!

E

ach spring, supporters of Maine agriculture volunteer to read stories to help students learn more about the value of agriculture in our lives.

The annual Read “ME” Agriculture event, organized by Maine Ag in the Classroom and supported by the Maine agricultural specialty license plate, is a memorable program that brings real-world experience to participating Maine classrooms for a day. Farmers and others working in Maine agriculture volunteer to visit classrooms to read a book, answer questions about farming, and share their insights about the role of Maine farms in rural communities.

This year, students will learn about Maine horticulture, with a special book, Plant Something for ME!. The book was created by the Maine School Garden Collaborative. The MSGC members include Maine Nursery and Landscape Association, Independent Garden Centers of Maine, Plant Something Maine, Maine School Garden Network, ReTree US and Maine Agriculture in the Classroom! Plant Something for ME! explores the importance of plants, careers in the field, and encourages students to PLANT SOMETHING!

The Read “ME” Agriculture program reaches more than 100,000 pre-k through fourth grade students in more than 700 classrooms across the state since it began in 2008. Classrooms receive the book as a donation, along with lesson plans.

In addition to Read “ME” Agriculture, MAITC provides other agricultural education opportunities for Maine classrooms. Grants are distributed to educational programs for over $60,000 in four different categories including: school gardens and greenhouses, agricultural awareness and agricultural leadership.

Learn more about the Read “ME” Agriculture program and MAITC, and find volunteer opportunities at agclassroom.org/me.

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

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M A R K E T Y C R G N E V E S A C U S L

W L V Q O L I R T G K A Y R W R B T E I

K A R J I M J P O L L I N A T O R S V M

P L A N T I N G F J H G I F I P L O D A

P A S T U R E H S E R F L L J A J F T T

S N O I L E D N A D R C I D X V X L M E

Y G O L O C E Y K G J N V L B E M Q F I

BEES FARMSHARE NEW Find the following Springtime on the Farm words: BOILING FILLY PASTURE BOTTLING PLANTING BEES EGGS FLOWERS KIDS RAIN CALVES FOAL POLLINATORS BOILING EVAPORATOR KITTENS SAGE CHANGE FOOD PRODUCE BOTTLING FARMLAND LAMBS SAP CHICKS FRESH PUPPY CLIMATE GREENHOUSE RAINSEEDLINGS CALVES FARMSHARE MARKET COLT GROWING CHANGE FILLY MICROGREENS SAGESOIL COMMUNITY HERBS SAP CHICKS FLOWERS MUD SUNSHINE DANDELIONS KIDS SEEDLINGS CLIMATE FOAL KITTENS NEW ECOLOGY SOILTROT ECONOMY SUNSHINE COLT FOOD LAMBS PASTURE WARMER EGGS MARKET TROT COMMUNITY FRESHMICROGREENS PLANTING WOOL EVAPORATOR WARMER DANDELIONS GREENHOUSE POLLINATORS WOOL FARMLAND MUD

ECOLOGY ECONOMY

GROWING HERBS

PRODUCE PUPPY

O Y W P W C C O L T G Y H K L I O S H L

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

“REAL MAINE” Refresh

“REAL MAINE”: A New Look

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has a new name and fresh look for promoting Maine foods and farm products. “Real Maine” will promote Maine grown and produced food and the farmers and processors who grow and make them. Consumers will see the refreshed look in farmers’ markets and grocery stores, at agricultural events and trade shows, throughout Maine, New England and nationally.

Why a Refresh?

“Real Maine” is the foundation of an increased marketing and advertising initiative led by DACF to generate a broader awareness and interest in Maine-sourced foods.

The original program, “get real. get Maine!” was created in 2001. Through feedback from producer groups and critical partners, and a series of focus groups with consumers, farmers and producers, the refresh gained traction and support.

The Refresh Process

Several logo options were vetted among members of the agricultural industry that included consumers, farmers and food producers, and the DACF staff. The chosen logo was the top choice across all audiences.

The refreshed logo aims to broadly represent Maine agriculture. It is supported by a new tagline, “Foods & Farms, Fresh & Local.”

Launching this Spring

A new “Real Maine” website will be launched in spring 2020 to coincide with the official launch of the refresh, along with a robust social media, advertising and promotional strategy.

In coordination with the launch of the new website, DACF will also introduce a new searchable list of Maine farmers, producers and agritourism sites. If you are someone who should be included in this searchable list, please keep an eye out for instructions on how to update your information in our system.

Sign up to receive more information: www.surveymonkey.com/r/RealMaine.

Questions?

If you have questions about the “Real Maine” refresh process or what’s launching this spring, please reach out to Director of the Division of Agricultural Resource Development, Leigh Hallett, at Leigh.Hallett@maine.gov.

SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

MAINE PRODUCE

WHY BUY AND ENJOY

PRODUCE? produce is about quality.

• Maine-grown Healthy soils. Healthy crops. Committed people growing something you can be proud to enjoy again and again.

produce is available • Maine-grown year-round. Eating seasonally means you get what you pay for: a flavorful food that stays fresh longer.

is a wide variety of produce • There grown in Maine. Eat the rainbow. Enjoy fruits and veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner—or as Mainers say, suppah!

Maine-grown produce offers variety.

• There’s something for everyone! the farmers who grow • Supporting Maine produce is vital to maintaining Maine’s working landscapes and the families working generation to generation as stewards of our land.

www.getrealmaine.com

WHAT’S IN SEASON JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Apples Asparagus Beans (Snap, Wax) Beets Blackberries Blueberries, High Bush Blueberries, Wild Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cantaloupes Carrots Cauliflower Corn (Sweet) Cranberries Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Grapes Kale/Collards Leeks Lettuce/Spinach/ Mixed Greens Mushrooms (Cultivated) Onions Parsnip Peaches Peas Pears Peppers Plums Potatoes Pumpkins Radishes Raspberries Squash (Summer) Squash (Winter) Strawberries Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Turnips Watermelon Available from Storage

Harvest Season

For more information, visit

www.getrealmaine.com

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SPRINGTIME IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 13, 2020

Mix it up with MAPLE Using Maple Syrup as a Sweeter Substitute in Recipes:

To substitute maple syrup in a recipe, use ¾ cup of syrup for a cup of sugar and decrease the dominate liquid, milk or water, by 3 tablespoons. Decrease the cooking temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit because baked goods brown quicker as syrup caramelizes. You can also use maple sugar to replace table sugar made from sugar cane. Typically, ½ cup of maple sugar can replace 1 cup of table sugar in baking.

Find more recipe suggestions on the Maine Maple Producers website, mainemapleproducers. com. These recipes are adapted for Maine’s official sweetener from the recipes of bakers in the agricultural resource division.

Save the Dates!

Maine Maple Sunday®

31st Open Farm Day

March 22, 2020 Always the fourth Sunday in March! • Statewide

July 26, 2020 Always the fourth Sunday in July! • Statewide

Maine Flower Show

National Farmers’ Market Week

March 25-29, 2020 • Portland, Maine

August 2-8, 2020

Read ME, Maine Ag in the Classroom

Maine Building Exhibition at The Big E!

March 2020 • Statewide

September 18 - October 4, 2020 West Springfield, Mass.

KidsNew England Livestock Expo (NELE) May • Windsor Fairgrounds

Maine Fiddlehead Festival May 2, 2020 • Farmington

Maine Fiber Frolic

Buckwheat Ploye Layer Cake

with Maple Crème Filling, Maple Walnut and Sugar candy garnish This recipe is a Maine twist on the popular crepe layer cakes. Buckwheat is grown and harvested in Aroostook—The County—and maple confections and dairy items are available throughout the state!

Filling 11 ounces fresh Maine cheese—cream cheese, chevre or ricotta softened 1/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt 6 Tbsp. maple crème (or substitute with maple syrup)

Filling preparation

well after each addition. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Spread thin with back of spoon. Cook until bubbles break on surface: flip and cook on other side about 30 sec. or until cooked through.

Repeat for each ploye. Set aside the ploye on wax or parchment paper. Allow to cool before stacking.

In a large bowl, whip the cheese with an electric mixer. Add the Greek yogurt, and then maple crème, whip until combined.

Test for taste and consistency. *Alternative filling: try the maple custard (recipe on page 8) as a filling, and whip heavy cream sweetened with syrup as a garnish topping!

It should be the consistency of whipped frosting. Set aside and prepare ployes.

Assembling the ploye layer cake:

Buckwheat Ployes Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup French Acadian Buckwheat Flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg beaten 1¼ cup milk 2 Tbsp. melted butter

Instructions

Preheat skillet or electric griddle. Spray with cooking oil lightly. Mix dry ingredients together. Add egg, milk and butter, mixing

Place the first layer onto a serving platter and spread about 3 Tbsp or 1 ice cream scoop of filling between each layer.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours or until fill is has firm.

To serve, garnish top of cake with maple sugar candies, and maple candied walnuts.

Optional Garnish: Maple Candied Walnuts 2 cups walnut halves 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat a dry skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the walnuts, maple syrup and salt.

Cook, stirring frequently, until syrup is caramelized, and nuts are toasted, about 3 minutes. Let cool. Store in airtight container.

Can be made ahead.

June 6-7, 2020 • Windsor Fairgrounds

Maine Agricultural Fair Season

Open Winery Day September • Statewide

Maine Cheese Festival Sept. 13, 2020 • Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery

Open Creamery Day October 11, 2020 • Statewide

June through October • Statewide

80th Maine Agricultural Trades Show

Maine Artisan Bread Fair

January 12, 13, 14, 2021 Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine

July 25, 2020 • Skowhegan, Maine

Learn more about these events and many more that celebrate Maine agriculture at www.getrealmaine.com