New England
April, 2005
Regional Report
Shows & Events
Warblers and Wildflowers Festival
Acadia National Park in Mount Desert Island, Maine, has much to offer visitors at any time of year, but their Memorial Day weekend Warblers and Wildflower Festival is a special temptation. From May 25 to 30, the festival features birding walks, naturalist cruises, an arts festival, and garden tours. For info, visit: http://www.barharborinfo.com/warblers/index.htm.
Clever Gardening Technique
Soak Seeds in Aspirin Water
According to research at a university in Turkey, soaking seeds in a dilute solution of aspirin and water can improve seed germination. Salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin) is manufactured by plants to help defend against attack by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. So soaking seeds apparently can help prevent seeds from succumbing to damping off fungus. To make the solution, dissolve three aspirin tablets in 4 gallons of water.
