Nancy Ballek MacKinnon and Anne Rowlands by the solar panels recently installed in front
of Anita Ballek's place in East Haddam. The array powers two houses adjacent to Ballek's
Garden Center. Ballek said the buy-back is about 20 years but, factoring in various grants,
tax breaks and credits, she is paying less on a per-month basis. Installing the panels on
the ground is cheaper than a roof installation and doesn't complicate matters when it's
time for a new roof. The farm has been in the family since the 1600s. They grow more
than 10,000 species of plants and pride themselves on gardening in harmony with nature.
Visit www.balleksgardencenter.com for more infromation.

The 100th Plant Science Day, sponsored by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
(CAES), was held Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Lockwood Farm in Hamden. There were
dozens of exhibits, ranging from booths with a wide array of information and expertise
to demonstrations and field experiments. Next year, the event will be held on Aug. 3.
Visit www.ct.gov/caes for more information.

Will Rowlands releasing weevils (Rhinoncomimus latipes) in Westport. The weevils are
part of the state's effort to control Mile-a-Minute Vine.
(Photo / Donna Ellis, UConn)

Kristin Orr, left, of Quintessential Gardens at Fort Hills Farms & Gardens in Thompson
discusses lavender cultivation. The farm has a legacy that reaches back to 1683.
They have perennials, blueberries and lavender, all organic. For information on tours,
educational programs and the corn maze, visit www.forthillfarms.com

Deborah Lee, left, of Woodland Trails Wildflower Nursery in Eastford is getting ready
for a May 1 opening. They specialize in native plants but also give presentations and
guided nature walks. Visit www.WoodlandTrailsWildflowers.com for more information.

The Connecticut Gardener booth at the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show in Hartford.
In 2011, the event will be held from Feb. 24-27. Visit www.ctflowershow.com for more
information. Stop by and say hello if you go ... Connecticut Gardener will be in booth 731.