Unless you’re “nummah than a pounded thumb,” as they say in these parts, there are certain garden centers that you know all about: Sprague’s in Bangor and Surry Gardens in Surry come to mind. They’re tried and true, classics really, with a huge selection of hardy – and hearty – plants.

Then there are the hidden gems – nurseries that you hear about from a friend of a friend. These are the places that offer free compost and sell perennials for a buck and a quarter. Or the spots that carry tiny quantities of the season’s most sought-after plants. Some will even take your beloved Grecian urn and fill it with hard-to-find container plants so you don’t even need to get your fingernails dirty.

If you’re in the know, your garden is the envy of the neighborhood. All your friends want to know where on Earth you picked up that gorgeous Martha Washington geranium. Behind your back, they whisper about the FORTUNE you spent on the pagoda in your Asian garden. Unfortunately for you, oh garden guru, your secret is not safe with me.

You see, I’m here to help, with a garden lover’s tour of Greater Bangor, which loops from Old Town, over to Eddington, out to Hermon and Kenduskeag, and back to Bangor and Orono. Last weekend, I tested it out on my garden group – a bunch of serious dirt-diggers who know everything about gardening – with great success.

Even if you don’t know everything, it’s my duty to ensure that you aren’t stuck with the same ho-hum petunias and garden-variety marigolds that everyone else has. That would be a travesty. Besides, you’re way smahtah than a pounded thumb – even if your thumb is a lighter shade of green.

1. Dawn ‘Til Done Farm,

13 Center St., Old Town, 827-5552

Owner Dee Dauphinee specializes in unusual annuals and perennials, including my favorite, a large-leafed pulmonaria. He even has the much-coveted citronella-scented geranium. As an aside, he’s also one of New England’s foremost organic garlic growers.

2. Hutchings Greenhouse

445 Riverside Drive, Eddington, 989-2705

At this charming greenhouse, owner Beth Hutchings offers tiny perennials for $1.25 each, full-size perennials, and – this is key – British delphiniums ($3.25). When asked what makes the British variety different from its American counterparts, Hutchings simply says “They’re fabulous.” With colors such as aquamarine and deep indigo, I’d have to agree. While you’re there, ask about the compost.

3. Petal Patch Greenhouse

124 Chemo Pond Road, Eddington, 843-7399

Wendy Tasker has an eye for container plants – and whimsical things to put them in. The Petal Patch is known for showy annuals, but Tasker also has a small selection of perennials and ornaments, including the sweetest ceramic mushrooms, which ring like bells in the breeze.

4. Greencare

Route 2, Hermon

Orchid collectors know all about Greencare, but Mary Lou Hoskins and her staff also have a great, unusual array of perennials. They also seem to know which plants will perform well despite questionable hardiness in our zone. Water gardeners (or would-be water gardeners) will delight in the on-site pond and accompanying plants. And shrub enthusiasts will flip out over the $17.99 Japanese maples (while supplies last) and the hard-to-find fothergilla (a People Places & Plants favorite). Save your receipts for a percentage off later in the summer.

5. The Statue Factory

Route 15, Kenduskeag,

Looking for whimsy in the garden? The Statue Factory has everything from cult-classic gnomes to tasteful Celtic-knot steppingstones. And the prices are astonishingly low – steppingstones start at $5, and an adorable duck figurine set me back $8. Larger pieces are a real bargain. Think Smith & Hawken quality at Wal-Mart prices.

6. Windswept Gardens

Broadway at Pushaw Road, Bangor

Owner Bob Bangs is known for his hardy roses, but this is also a great spot for standards and healthy, woody perennials that can withstand a Bangor winter. Among the highlights are the flowering quince and the yellow weigela. Be sure to check out the garden shop, too.

7. Everlasting Farm

2140 Essex St., Bangor, 947-8836

The first garden center I visited when I began gardening remains a favorite. Owners Gail and Michael Zuck outdo themselves every year with brilliant container plants, beautiful, homemade hypertufa troughs and a wonderful selection of herbs. Rock gardeners will appreciate the small but lovely selection of offerings from Evermay Nursery, a local supplier of alpine plants, while vegetable gardeners can stock up on artichoke seedlings, celery root and a bevy of heirloom tomatoes. Save your receipts for a percentage off in June.

8. Bagley’s Greenhouse

115 Stillwater Ave., Orono

This small nursery has grown into a full-blown operation. This year, owner G.F. Bagley has cleared his shady lot and really expanded his offerings with loads of sun-loving annuals and strong, healthy-looking perennials.

9. Parks Hardware

33 Mill St., Orono

Bulk seeds, packaged seeds (including the organic High Mowing and Johnny’s) and some of the finest gardening implements around – what’s not to love? Check out the Korean hand plows, metal garden markers and portable greenhouses. And stock up on locally grown annuals, herbs and veggies while you’re there.

Perennial favorites farther afield:

? Allen Sterling & Lothrop, 191 Route 1, Falmouth, 781-4142 – The right blend of elegant pots, tasteful ornaments, bulk seeds and loads of practical accessories make this my favorite garden center in all of Maine.

? The Plot Thickens, 169 Main St., Ellsworth, 669-6232 – Owner David Fickett has the eye of an artist and the practicality of a die-hard gardener. A great combination.

? Mainescape, South Street, Blue Hill, 374-2833 – This local favorite boasts five acres of wonderful plants, as well as sturdy furniture and a great gift shop.

? Hilts Landscaping, Route 1, Hancock, 422-3877 – Great prices, beautiful plants (including small, weeping varieties) and a wonderful selection of gifts make this a must-visit.

? Edged In Stone Perennials, 259 Old Washburn Road Caribou, 493-4865. – Dig your own perennials in this gorgeous, recently opened garden spot.

? Myrtle Tree, 368 Fort Road, Presque Isle, 764-4980 – This beautiful garden center has a great selection of gifts and plants. Plus, if it can survive here, it can survive in your backyard.

? Sweet Pea Gardens, 614 Route 172, Surry, 667-6751 – Susan Keating specializes in the lusciously fragrant sweet peas, but she also has an exquisite eye for garden accents.

? Fernwood, 433 Cross Road, Swanville, 338-4100 – This phenomenal spot for shade gardeners is a favorite of People Places and Plants publisher Paul Tukey, and with good reason.

? Hidden Gardens, 96 Seekins Road, Searsport, 548-2864 – This hidden gem is worth driving out of your way for field-grown perennials.

? Plants Unlimited, Route 1, Rockport, 594-7754 – The name says it all – this place has every plant you could ever want, and things you never even knew existed. Great accents, too.

Talk to us

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, visit ShopGirl’s Blog at http://community.bangordailynews.com/blog/4.