In May the woodland floor is an intricate tapestry of blueberry blossoms, bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), and blue-bead lilies (Clintonia borealis).
Pink lady’s-slipper orchids dot the floral carpet.
Starflowers tend to grow where sunlight meets the mossy forest floor.
In May, every needled evergreen in Maine is pushing out new, tender (and edible) tips.
Bracken fern fiddleheads in a rain jacket’s pocket.
Capturing the fragrance of fir tips: Submerge the botanicals in decent vodka, leave for 24 to 48 hours, and strain before blending into a white wine base for a place-specific aperitif.
For vermouth, Marie's go-to ratio for hard-liquor infusions to aromatized white wine is 1:4.
Tender bayberry leaves in a gin and tonic.