Spring has finally arrived at the Laudholm Native Plant Gardens, and we say good riddance to snow, sand, mud, and all other winter messes. Evergreen plants begin to morph from their winter browns to green as the ground thaws, thus allowing roots to absorb water to resume photosynthesis. All is as it should be… Or is it?

As I walk along the garden edge, I see that the deer that I thought were so beautiful in winter have run a chainsaw along the shrubs, nipping off aronia buds, and “pruning” the summersweet, viburnums, and fothergilla (also called witch alder). I do wish that this witch would cast a spell over the deer and redirect them to other people’s gardens! To the deer’s credit, they thoughtfully left well-placed mounds of fertilizer throughout the garden.

Now here’s a question. Is deer scat actually good for gardens? Deer are herbivores, after all. It turns out that those little pellets are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - so the answer is yes, but they should be composted first to remove pathogens. We have plenty to share if you are so inclined.

The University of Maine York County Master Gardener Volunteers, who lovingly care for the gardens, are ready and waiting with trowels, weeders, clippers, buckets, sunblock, and insect repellent. We begin our work when the soil dries out a bit. Meanwhile, check out the garden’s edge by the walkway, where evergreen leaves are changing color, soon to be followed by sweet yellow barren strawberry flowers and fuzzy pussy toes. Oh, and if you see deer, please tell them that the plants in the next yard are far tastier!