The dilemma – how to address the emptiness surrounding a newly built house in the woods? Contractors assume everyone wants lawn – but not in this case! Having cleared an acre of the 5.5-acre lot for construction, this homeowner felt a need to create a complementary habitat (also known as rewilding). With little landscaping knowledge but filled with determination NOT to have a traditional, high-maintenance, monoculture lawn, she dove into every native plant resource for the NE area to learn how to rewild her lot.

In just four summers, Sarah filled large areas around her home with native plants. She now loves showing off her gardens and sharing her knowledge in hopes that others will be inspired to plant native plants, whether in pots on your porch or across several acres.  All the flowers, shrubs (woody plants), trees and ground covers she has installed have made her landscape wonderfully alive with birds (migratory and year-round) including hummingbirds, as well as pollinators (butterflies, moths, native bees, wasps) caterpillars, amphibians and more.  

“My favorite thing is knowing that I am benefiting wildlife, using much less water than needed for cultivated plants and traditional lawns, and utilizing climate-resistant, low-maintenance plants. Oh! And you should see the chrysalises!”

The location is in Brunswick. The rain date is Aug. 10. If the first date is not rained out, Sarah is willing to host a second tour on Aug. 10.

Registration opens in early June. Location details will be sent to registrants in confirmation details after registration opens.