Dig these crazy gardens in Starksboro Louis Varricchio writing for the Addison Eagle: Starksboro - Marijke Niles of South Starksboro has designed a series of succulent garden displays which combine nature, recycling, and art. it is worth the trip to see what you can do with recycled items, succulents plants, and a little creativity. You can join a tour and learn how to create your own recycled garden art. Pieces on view include a shoe store, kitchen, touring bike, chick quilt, and the 'willy-nilly" wishing wall. Also on display are many colorful container creations. Niles moved to Vermont 12 years ago and transformed her eight acre property located at 1,500 feet above sea level, into a wild life haven. Called Marijke's Perennial Gardens Plus, the place where the wild things see to grow in harmony with the cultivated things Niles' wildlife gardens are wildlife habitat certified and have also been designated as a bird-friendly habitat by the national Wild life Federation. The 40 gardens are on display through August 12 and are located at 1299 Robert Young Rd. in Starksboro. Niles said the gardens "focus on combining color and beauty, creating spectacular gardens in and incredible mountain setting." Plant are also for sale, they are hardy and field-grown with love by Niles. Small-fruits, succulents and native plants are also on the menu. For a tour schedule, cal 802 453 7590 or visit www.perennialgardensplus.com

Starksboro’s gardens of delight Louis Varricchio writing for the Addison Eagle: “God Almighty planted the first garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.” (Sir Francis Bacon) As Amsterdam-native Marijke Niles, 66, tells visitors to her nursery business located along Robert Young Road in the foothills of Starksboro, she inherited the Dutch way of gardening in harmony with nature. As a young girl growing up in a house along an Amsterdam canal, where flowers appear everywhere, Marijke (pronounced Mah-ree-ka) blossomed quickly—a little bit like the childhood tulip garden she lovingly tended. Now, living an ocean away from her native Netherlands, this certified UVM Master Gardener continues to nurture her life’s passion—that is, turning a myriad of seeds and cuttings into healthy flowering, ornamental and vegetable plants. “I opened Marijke's Perennial Gardens Plus in spring 2007 with no particular blueprint,” Marijke said. “All I knew is that, in my mind’s eye, I wanted to transform the landscape into a nursery that would be beautiful, educational, witty, and in harmony with the environment.” Text continues on original...

Here’s how her garden grows—year round Louis Varricchio writing for the Addison Eagle: Starksboro woman is a master in the garden Vermont certified Gardener and Master Composter Marijke Niles of Starksboro believes gardening never stops, regardless of the season. A native of the Netherlands, Niles inherited the Dutch passion for gardening and all things wild. Nile’s gardens, located at 1299 Robert Young Rd., are open to the public. “My gardens focus on combining color and beauty,” she said. Her unusual gardens encompass several acres in an alpine-like setting with views of nearby Mt. Adams in the Green Mountain Range. Called Marijke’s Perennial Gardens Plus, the Starksboro spread includes 39 exquisite display gardens. The gardens are all certified National Wildlife Habitat, Bird Friendly Habitat, and Wildlife Habitat which them special compared to other commercial gardens. Text continues on original...

Gardeners can learn about plants, diseases in Starksboro A special opportunity to bring all your questions about garden plant diseases and insects will be available Thursday, July 19, at 6 p.m., at Marijke's Perennial Gardens Plus on Robert Young Road in South Starksboro. EMG credits will be given valued a 1.5 hours. Attendees may bring samples in closed containers or bags to be identified by University of Vermont experts, including Ann Hazelrigg, is a plant pathologist and runs the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Hazelrigg is also involved in UVM's Pesticide Education and Safety and IPM projects as well as a wheat research study. She has been at UVM for 30 years. Also in attendance will be Jon Turmel, former state entomologist. He deals with all aspects of entomology from vector management to crop IPM, including garden and landscape pests. Marijke Niles, a Vermont Extension Master Gardener and Master Composter, is the owner of Marijke’s Perennial Gardens Plus, a nursery that specializes in hardy field-grown perennials. Attendees are invited to come early to stroll the gardens, have a picnic in the gardens, or check out plants for sale.

Discover Lincoln's hidden gardens on upcoming tour Summer has arrived in Addison County and the gardens are in full bloom. On Saturday, July 11, from noon-5 p.m., the Sheldon Museum presents its fourth annual Garden Tour. The tour offers a unique opportunity to visit seven glorious garden vistas, all in Lincoln. In addition, look for local well-known artists painting en plein air in the gardens. The tour ends with a reception from 4-6 p.m. at WildWind on Orchard Road in North Lincoln. The garden artists’ paintings will be offered for sale at the reception. Lincoln, known primarily for its beautiful natural surroundings, is situated at the foot of Mount Abraham and the village center rests on the banks of the New Haven River. Surrounded by forests and farms, the village values its scenic beauty and rural character. Text continues on original...

UVM Master Gardener course starts in the new year The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardener Program can help you expand your gardening knowledge through its comprehensive 13-week home horticulture course starting Feb. 5. Pictured: Vermont Master Gardener Marijke Niles of Starksboro. Whether you are a novice gardener or someone with years of growing experience, the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardener Program can help you expand your gardening knowledge through its comprehensive 13-week home horticulture course. Text continues on original...