Press Release

CONNECTICUT SPECIALTY FARMS CATER TO GARDENING ENTHUSIASTS
HARTFORD, Conn. (May 01, 2007) – Impressionist artist Claude Monet once observed, “More than anything, I must have flowers always… always!” As spring unfolds in Connecticut, farms throughout the state leap to meet the challenge of serving up the impressive array of annuals and perennials required to meet the May gardening demands of those who share Monet’s passion for Nature’s artwork.

While many farms carry a wide range of flowering plants to satisfy conventional gardeners, Connecticut also boasts a few with highly specialized offerings. Prides Corner Farms is one such nursery with a niche: sustainable landscaping using native plants. In simple terms, this means creating backyard habitats for wildlife – like butterflies and songbirds – using plants that are native to Connecticut.

“There is a very strong connection between certain native plants and insects and songbirds,” explained Mark Sellew, owner, Prides Corner Farms, a family-operated wholesale nursery located in Lebanon. “For example, the butterfly perennial serves an important function in the lifecycle of the Monarch butterfly, which migrates between the United States and Mexico every year. After wintering in Mexico, the butterfly makes it way back through the northern states, relying on the nectar of the butterfly perennial’s beautiful orange flowers. The flowers contain a unique glycoside that makes the Monarch less palatable to predators.” Native phlox, available in variety of colors and forms, provide nectar for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, according to Sellew. And native vibernums, such as the American cranberry bush, give cover to songbirds.

In addition to serving a critical role as a food source or natural covering for Connecticut’s fauna, native plants are gaining popularity as a means of protecting habitats invaded by exotic plants such as Japanese honeysuckle and Russian olive.

“The invasiveness of exotic plants is a primary environmental issue in Connecticut right now,” Sellew stated, “because many insects and songbirds are seeing their natural habitats destroyed. Native plants not only restore damaged or destroyed habitats, they are also tough and resilient enough to flourish in difficult garden conditions, such as dry shade.”

To assist gardeners in creating an appealing sustainable landscape, Prides Corner Farms created a program called American Beauties in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation. The program allows gardeners in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic States and Midwest to obtain information about the nursery’s native plant program. For Connecticut gardening enthusiasts intent on creating the perfect May/June sustainable masterpiece, Sellew recommends incorporating the following native plants: marsh marigold, wild red columbine, wild geranium, Mountain Laurel (Connecticut’s state flower) and dogwood. Interested in learning more? Visit the Prides Corner website at www.abnativeplants.com or stop by the nursery at 122 Waterman Road, Lebanon, Conn.

Peonies from Heaven
Experienced gardeners – as well as those who simply appreciate the beauty of a simple blossom – seeking a memorable May flowering experience should mark their calendars for the annual Peony Festival at Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston, Conn. Open to the public from May 1 through June 10, the festival encompasses six acres of fragrant flowering East Asian shrubs, most notably the Chinese tree peony – all displayed in a terraced, woodland setting. The farm’s 200 varieties of Chinese tree peonies are expected to peak in mid to late May this year, with different peonies blossoming every week during the festival’s five-week period.

“Peony lovers from near and far converge on our little piece of heaven every spring,” noted Kasha Furman, who together with her husband, David, has been treating visitors to this visual extravaganza since 1993 to promote an understanding of the peony.

“Tree peonies are so beautiful,” she said, “and it’s quite unusual to see such an extensive collection. Plus, it gives us great pleasure to share our joy in these magnificent plants with others.”

One of only half a dozen enterprises in the entire country to raise and sell Chinese peonies, Cricket Hill represents another of Connecticut’s specialty farms. What began as a hobby back in 1989 literally blossomed into a full-time pursuit and passion, and the Furmans are now considered an important source of information on tree peonies. In fact, they have supplied more than 20 botanical gardens across the country, including Duke University and the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, with these spectacular plants.

The Cricket Hill Peony Festival is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions or more information, visit the farm’s website at www.treepeony.com.


Many family-friendly activities and healthy-eating alternatives can be found at farms across Connecticut, and are being promoted by The Connecticut Agricultural Business Cluster (CAB). Launched in March 2002, CAB seeks to raise the level of competitiveness and increase profitability of individual agricultural businesses while maintaining responsible stewardship of the state’s natural resources. Connecticut’s agriculture industry represents more than $2.2 billion in combined revenue and employs more than 228,000 part-time, full-time and seasonal workers. For more information about the Connecticut Agricultural Business Cluster, contact Kelly Fuerstenberg at (203) 440-3092.