Heirloom Mums: Timeless Beauty @19 Birch Lane

Heirloom Mums: Timeless Beauty at 19 Birch Lane
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane

At 19 Birch Lane, we celebrate every season in our gardens, but there’s something truly magical about the fall. As the crisp autumn air settles in, one plant stands out for its vibrant colors, rich textures, and timeless elegance: heirloom chrysanthemums, or “mums.” These classic beauties are more than just a garden staple—they’re a statement of history, resilience, and unparalleled charm. Whether used as a garden accent or a cut flower for indoor arrangements, heirloom mums shine in Maine’s grow zone 6a.

Why Heirloom Mums?

Heirloom mums have been cultivated for centuries, cherished for their intricate blooms, variety of forms, and rich colors. Unlike modern hybrids bred for uniformity and mass production, heirloom varieties retain their unique characteristics, offering a softer, more natural look. Their robust stems, intricate petal structures, and ability to thrive in cool climates make them ideal for both ornamental gardens and floral arrangements.

At 19 Birch Lane, we love heirloom mums for their ability to extend the beauty of our gardens well into the fall. These late bloomers bridge the gap between summer’s fading flowers and the quiet dormancy of winter, providing a vibrant display when most plants have finished their show.

Heirloom Mums as a Garden Accent

1. Stunning Autumn Displays

Heirloom mums are perfect for creating dynamic fall displays. Their wide range of colors—deep reds, warm oranges, golden yellows, and soft pinks—complement the changing foliage of autumn. We use them to line pathways, enhance borders, and frame garden features like pergolas and fountains.

Their mounded growth habit and abundant blooms make them excellent companions for ornamental grasses, asters, and sedums. The combination of textures and colors creates a garden that feels alive with the season's energy.

2. Low-Maintenance Elegance

One of the reasons we recommend heirloom mums is their relatively low maintenance. Once established, they require little more than well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain their shape. At 19 Birch Lane, we prepare the soil with compost before planting to ensure healthy growth and strong blooms.

3. Wildlife-Friendly Blooms

Heirloom mums are not just beautiful—they’re also beneficial to pollinators. In late fall, when other nectar sources are scarce, bees and butterflies flock to their blooms. Planting heirloom mums supports local wildlife while adding a dynamic layer of activity to the garden.

Heirloom Mums as a Cut Flower

1. Long-Lasting Blooms

One of the standout features of heirloom mums is their longevity as cut flowers. When properly harvested and cared for, they can last up to two weeks in a vase. Their sturdy stems and vibrant colors make them a favorite for floral designers and home decorators alike.

At 19 Birch Lane, we often incorporate heirloom mums into wedding arrangements, autumn centerpieces, and bouquets. Their intricate blooms add texture and drama to any floral design.

2. Harvesting Tips

For the longest vase life, we harvest mums early in the morning when the blooms are just beginning to open. After cutting, we strip the lower leaves and place the stems in clean water with a floral preservative. This simple process ensures that our mums remain fresh and vibrant for days.

Growing Heirloom Mums in Zone 6a

Maine’s grow zone 6a provides the perfect conditions for heirloom mums, with its cool fall temperatures and well-defined growing seasons. Here are some tips we follow at 19 Birch Lane to ensure our mums thrive:

1. Planting Location

Heirloom mums thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. We choose locations with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, which can affect mums in humid conditions.

2. Soil Preparation

Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for heirloom mums. We amend our soil with compost and organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

3. Pinching for Fuller Growth

In late spring and early summer, we pinch back the growing tips of our mums to encourage bushier plants with more blooms. This simple technique results in a more abundant and compact display.

4. Winter Protection

Although many heirloom mums are sometimes hardy in zone 6a, we take extra precautions to protect them during harsh winters. A layer of mulch or straw around the base of the plants helps insulate the roots and prevent frost damage. Along with those precautions we also dig up a few plants and over winter the in our basement as a add way of saving our stock for the next growing season.

Favorite Heirloom Mums at 19 Birch Lane

Here are a few of our favorite heirloom varieties that thrive in Maine’s climate:

  • ‘Sheffield Pink’: Soft, peachy-pink blooms that bring a romantic touch to fall gardens.

  • ‘Clara Curtis’: Bright pink flowers with a daisy-like appearance, perfect for borders and arrangements.

  • ‘Old Gold’: Golden-yellow blooms with a rich, warm tone that complements autumn foliage.

  • ‘Bronze Elegance’: Deep bronze flowers that add a dramatic flair to both gardens and bouquets.

The Legacy of Heirloom Mums

Heirloom mums carry a sense of history and tradition, connecting us to gardeners of the past who cherished these timeless blooms. At 19 Birch Lane, we honor that legacy by incorporating them into our gardens and floral designs, showcasing their beauty and resilience.

Whether you’re planning a garden redesign, hosting an autumn event, or simply looking for a way to brighten your home, heirloom mums are a versatile and rewarding choice. Their vibrant colors, intricate blooms, and seasonal charm make them a standout addition to any space.

“At 19 Birch Lane, heirloom mums remind us that beauty can thrive even in the waning days of the season. They bring warmth, elegance, and timeless appeal to our gardens and celebrations alike.”
– Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane

Turning Waste into Wonder: The Benefits of Composting at 19 Birch Lane

Turning Waste into Wonder: The Benefits of Composting at 19 Birch Lane
By Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener at 19 Birch Lane

At 19 Birch Lane, we believe that the heart of a thriving garden lies in the soil, and the secret to healthy soil is compost. As stewards of our lush botanical gardens in Maine’s grow zone 6a, we are always exploring ways to enhance the beauty and productivity of our landscape. Composting is not just a sustainable practice; it’s a cornerstone of how we care for our gardens and the planet.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to implement an expanded composting program at 19 Birch Lane, enriching our gardens while reducing waste. Here’s why composting matters and how it will play an even bigger role in our garden care.

Why Composting Matters

Composting transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich material that feeds your soil and plants. It’s one of the most effective ways to support a sustainable garden while reducing your environmental footprint. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improves Soil Health

Compost is often referred to as “black gold” for a reason. It improves soil texture, enhances water retention, and boosts the soil's ability to support plant life. At 19 Birch Lane, compost helps us grow everything from our vibrant flower borders to our lush vegetable garden.

2. Reduces Waste

By composting, we divert kitchen scraps, yard waste, and plant clippings from landfills. This not only reduces waste but also cuts down on methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting aligns perfectly with our mission of creating an eco-friendly venue.

3. Encourages Biodiversity

Compost enriches the soil with beneficial microorganisms, fungi, and worms, creating a thriving ecosystem beneath the surface. These tiny helpers break down nutrients and make them available to plants, fostering healthier growth throughout our gardens.

4. Saves Money

Creating compost in-house eliminates the need for expensive fertilizers or soil conditioners. By using what nature provides, we’re able to reinvest savings into other aspects of our gardens, enhancing the experience for our guests.

How We Plan to Use More Compost in 2025

As we look to the upcoming year, we’re committed to expanding our composting practices at 19 Birch Lane. Here’s what we have in store:

1. Expanding Our Compost System

Currently, we use a three-bin composting system to manage kitchen scraps, garden debris, and fall leaves. In 2025, we plan to add additional bins and streamline our process to handle more organic waste. By scaling up, we’ll generate even more compost to spread throughout our gardens.

2. Enhancing Garden Beds

One of our goals is to improve the fertility and health of every garden bed on our property. Compost will be integrated into our perennial flower borders, rose beds, and vegetable garden. It will serve as a natural fertilizer, boosting blooms, strengthening root systems, and improving plant resilience.

3. Compost for Wedding Spaces

Compost will also play a role in maintaining the beauty of our outdoor wedding spaces. From the lush hydrangea borders lining our driveway to the vibrant flower beds framing our ceremony pergola, compost will ensure these areas are picture-perfect for our couples.

4. Compost Tea for Targeted Feeding

In 2025, we plan to experiment with compost tea, a liquid extract made from steeping compost in water. This nutrient-rich solution will allow us to target-feed delicate plants, such as roses and dahlias, for maximum growth and bloom production.

How to Start Composting in Your Own Garden

If you’re inspired by our plans and want to start composting at home, here are some tips:

1. Choose a Compost System

Compost bins or tumblers are great for smaller spaces, while a three-bin system works well for larger gardens. Place your compost system in a convenient, well-drained location with partial shade.

2. Balance Greens and Browns

A good compost pile needs a mix of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials). Greens include fruit scraps, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. Browns include dry leaves, shredded paper, and straw. Aim for a ratio of about 2 parts browns to 1 part greens.

3. Maintain the Pile

Turn your compost regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition. Keep the pile moist—like a damp sponge—but not waterlogged.

4. Harvest Your Compost

Finished compost will be dark, crumbly, and smell earthy. Use it to enrich soil, as mulch around plants, or in homemade potting mixes.

The Role of Compost in Sustainable Gardening

Composting is more than just a gardening technique—it’s a commitment to sustainability and a healthier planet. By making and using compost, we reduce waste, enrich our soil, and grow stronger, more resilient plants. At 19 Birch Lane, we’re proud to embrace this practice as part of our gardening philosophy.

Our expanded composting efforts in 2025 will not only enhance the beauty of our gardens but also align with our mission of being an environmentally conscious venue. We invite you to visit us and see the results for yourself, from the vibrant blooms to the thriving greenery.

“Compost reminds us that the end of one thing can be the beginning of something beautiful. It’s nature’s way of showing us that growth and renewal are always possible.”
– Aric Odone, Owner & Head Gardener, 19 Birch Lane

Whether you’re planning a wedding, visiting our gardens, or simply looking for inspiration, composting is a practice that can transform your garden—and your relationship with the natural world. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your garden flourish, just as ours will in 2025.