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Habitat loss is the primary cause of declining wildlife populations. This interactive course teaches students how to incorporate select native plants and mechanical practices into their own landscapes to create a welcoming habitat that attracts wildlife, conserves natural resources, and encourages biodiversity.
Join Andy Brand, the Gardens’ Director of Horticulture, on a walk to identify native edible plants living in their desired natural habitats, then learn how to incorporate these edibles into your home garden. Rather than foraging, this class focuses on the opportunity to grow these native edibles sustainably at home, leaving the foraging to the wildlife who need these plants for survival.
Join Heather McCargo, for a hands-on experience in native seed propagation, from ecologically responsible seed collection and storing procedures to germination techniques. Participants will go seed collecting in CMBG’s native plant gardens and learn about setting up an outdoor propagation area at home. Come learn the best techniques for sowing natives, and take home several pots sown with seeds.
Monday and Tuesday, September 19 and 20
Enjoy two days exploring the ancient medium of encaustic, a fluid, hot beeswax painting medium perfect for working in rich textures and a range of colors found in nature. Class time will be divided between demonstration, individual work time, and discussion about Maine’s strong contemporary and historical artistic connection to landscape genre. We’ll discuss proper studio ventilation, wax safety, and how to “finish” artwork in terms of framing and care. Students will leave with multiple finished pieces and the understanding of proper studio set-up.
*Starter panels will be provided, but students are expected to bring their own panels for finished works or developed drafts. Upon registration, you will receive further details about panel choices, along with a list of additional materials that you are invited to bring to the course.
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
Mondays, September 19, 26, and October 3 | Invasive species are considered highly undesirable by botany, ecology, horticulture, and conservation professionals—and for good reason. In this two-day course, Amanda Devine, Regional Land Steward for Maine Coast Heritage Land Trust, will identify the basic ecological problems surrounding these aggressive, tenacious plants; the complicated (and sometimes political) issues surrounding them; and how a plant becomes labeled “invasive.”
Monday-Wednesday, September 26-28
Spend three full days exploring the wonderful world of watercolor, in-person with artist Mindy Lighthipe. Learn valuable techniques to help you create nature-inspired sketches and formal watercolor paintings. Emphasis will be on accurate details, color mixing, and application—all helping you gain confidence in your watercolor journey. Each day, a series of techniques will be demonstrated as students work on a variety of subjects from leaves to butterflies to flowers, and so much more.
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
Oaks sustain a complex and fascinating web of wildlife. Come learn what happens in their branches, month by month, a tangible cycle of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers harvesting hundreds of acorns to the jewel caterpillars grazing greenery, Tallamy describes and celebrates these backyard wonders. Learn practical advice about planting and caring for oaks and the best oak species for your area. Leave inspired to treasure, nurture, and protect these remarkable trees.
This class will focus on the identification of 20 - 25 of Maine’s asters. Not only looking alike, but blooming roughly at the same time (late-summer to October) can make them a challenge to identify. Via slideshow, take a close look at our herbarium specimens, and then through field investigations, we’ll look at the features that distinguish one aster from another, becoming familiar with their respective habitats. (This class also pairs well with Plant ID & Ecology: Goldenrods, on Saturday, October 1, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
We’ll begin at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, then students drive off-site to a nearby nature preserve to continue the class.
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
This class will focus on the identification of 10 – 15 of Maine’s goldenrods. Not only looking alike, but blooming roughly at the same time (late-summer to October) can make them a challenge to identify. Via slideshow, take a close look at our herbarium specimens, and then through field investigations, we’ll look at the features that distinguish one goldenrod from another, becoming familiar with their respective habitats. Please come with a hand lens if you have one, otherwise we’ll provide them. (This class also pairs well with Plant ID & Ecology: Asters, on Friday, September 30, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
We’ll begin at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, then students drive off-site to a nearby nature preserve to continue the class.
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
Tuesday-Thursday, October 11-13 | Create beautiful still life paintings in a relaxed atmosphere using fall botanicals. We will aim to complete at least one painting per day with an emphasis on “alla prima” or “all at once” painting. There will be short demos and plenty of individual attention throughout the three-day workshop. Using materials from the Gardens, students will arrange their own still life “bouquets,” keeping the composition simple. Participants will be encouraged to interpret rather than replicate a still life set-up, using brush strokes, colors, imagination, and creativity.
Join us for this free, special event for Boothbay Region Residents and learn how to take action on climate change, preserve our bodies of water, support healthy ecosystems, and protect locally-sourced drinking water. Keynote speaker Irene Barber, landscape designer, horticulturist, and Adult Education Program Manager at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, will discuss incorporating native plants that increase beauty, biodiversity, and contribute to clean water. Come discover some of the dynamic, striking natives perfect for shorelines, rain gardens, and wetland edges.
Using an upcycled frame, design your own vertical moss tapestry. Moss is captivating, from color to texture, and we’ll use several varieties of moss, lichen, and other organic materials. The moss is preserved—no maintenance required! Whether your inspiration is to recreate the feel of a walk in the woods, a birds-eye view of Maine geography, or an abstract color field, participants can create a verdant piece of art that brings the outside-in, all year long.
Fungi are everywhere! Join us to explore the Gardens’ diverse landscape to learn how fungi get their nutrients, about their role in the environment, and how they help (or hinder) plant growth. Participants will discover the many fungi that are free-living in soil or water; others that are parasitic or symbiotic with plants or animals and those that develop incredible architectural forms. We'll learn lifecyles of some fascinating fungi!
Fridays, October 21 and 28 and Saturday, October 29 | To design landscapes inspired by—and inclusive of—nature, study essential design principles through the lens of natural systems. In this three-day course led by landscape architect Lisa Cowan and landscape designer and horticulturist Irene Barber, students will learn to identify and incorporate the components of ecological landscape design.
Deepening your connection to nature through moving meditation offers enormous benefits for personal well-being. In this gentle class, experience how the simple practice of walking mindfully through a forest can provide deep serenity. By engaging with all five senses, we can enhance awareness and presence. Follow Susan Bickford, certified guide in the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy/forest bathing, and gain the tools needed to begin your own meditation practice. The walk ends with a tea ceremony.
Ages 14-adult are invited to join us for an informative look into the mammals you may not always see, but who are almost certainly living in or around your backyard, relying on your landscape for survival. Explore CMBG’s most common inhabitants, their important habitats, dietary preferences, and learn a variety of management practice approaches. Offered at an active time of year as wildlife prepare for winter, the class will explore the Gardens, learn key points for identification, and look for presence indicators such as tracks, holes, browsing, and more.
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
This presentation will explore ferns, from their ancient roots to their current evolution, adapting to grow and thrive in a diverse range of environments. This extensive genera of plants can live in open New England meadows, dry or wet woodlands, and in almost any cultivated garden setting to add texture, architectural interest, verdant hues, and essential habitat for native fauna.
In this fun and creative hands-on workshop, learn how to compose a centerpiece that reflects your personality and style. Using fresh and dried floral and greenery harvested here at CMBG, floral designer and Horticulturist Lesley Paxson will guide students through a demonstration and offer one-on-one assistance. Take home new skills and a centerpiece to enjoy during harvest dinners. All materials supplied; students are encouraged to bring their own clippers or pruners.
Mondays, November 28, December 5, 12, & 19th | Continuing the focus on resilient landscapes in built environments, Section II examines New England native plants for function, beauty, and biodiversity in the landscape and achieving high performance with minimal input. Additionally, the final two courses will provide step-by-step information on seasonal implementation and land-management practices relating to strategic planning, plant succession, erosion control, installation of green infrastructure, and contractor-to-client communication essential for establishing and supporting sustainable and resilient landscapes. These virtual courses are designed to be interactive, supporting those students with a working knowledge of native plants to plan for the next level of design and management.
Get into the winter holiday mood by crafting your own evergreen wreath—there’s nothing like the sharp, clean scent of balsam fir to signal the beginning of the festive season. In this workshop and demonstration, Horticulturist Jen Dunlap will lead you through the process of making your own unique winter wreath with cuttings from CMBG. All supplies will be provided, however we encourage students to bring their own hand pruners.
Soil carbon sequestration, also known as “carbon farming” or “regenerative agriculture,” is a technique valuable to anyone working with soil, no matter the scale. Dr. Ivan Fernandez, Maine soil scientist and researcher focusing on Maine's carbon cycle, will discuss the “good, bad, and ugly” of carbon as well as what can be done to help slow down and reduce Maine's carbon footprint. Join us to hear current statistics and methods contributing to Maine's efforts to mitigate carbon pollution.
Once-common land management tools for grazing animals, growing vegetables, or marking property, New England stone walls have evolved into masterful pieces of art. In this visually captivating presentation, Vermont stone craftsperson Brian Post of Standing Stone LLC will share the fundamentals of stone wall construction and explore the various aesthetic adaptations that contribute to artful elements in any landscape at any scale. Focusing primarily on dry stack walls, he’ll discuss loose farm walls, retainer walls, double-sided dimensional walls, walls for climbing or sitting, and how to become trained in the craft.
Traditional hardscape surfaces like pavers, asphalt, stone aggregates, and field stone are materials landscapers have long used, some for centuries. Today, these products are being modified and adapted into permeable applications. In this presentation, landscape engineer Robert Roseen will discuss necessary considerations for applying permeable surfaces and installation dos and don'ts. These products and their engineering have come a long way, and they work—even in New England! Join us and conserve and support healthy water hydrology instead of treating it like a waste product.
In this section, Design and Structural Components, we will identify and assess the design process and factors inclusive of ecological principles, processes, and materials in order to create systems that are resilient and regenerative. Four separate online sessions focus on: Ecological Design for Resilience, Applied Soils: Restore and Engineer, Systematic Solutions to Water Management, and Sustainable Materials.
New England meadow plants include a wide array of genera and are wonderful succession plants for many landscapes—dry open fields or damp, shady woodland clearings, large garden borders or converted lawn spaces. In partnership with CT NOFA, this hands-on workshop welcomes all horticulture professionals, whether nursery growers, gardeners, or landscape designers, to come learn about the considerations and processes of propagating, sowing, and growing native herbaceous species. Instructors Leo Kenney from Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary and Emily Baisden from Wild Seed Project will discuss seed preservation, methods for strong and timely germination, and growing materials. Students will leave confident in the knowledge that they can incorporate these species into their businesses operations.
Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Learn to paint and draw birds! In this thorough, engaging, and inspiring five-week class, students will work from photographs and online resources to learn the anatomy of eggs, nests, feathers, wings, and the whole bird anatomy. Class meets online via Zoom. Each week a new topic will be introduced through slide lectures and demonstrations of various techniques. Students may work in watercolor and/or colored pencil. After the class is over, there will be a final review bonus class where students can receive feedback from the instructor. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Whether designing one garden or several, the first step is to learn the foundation and classical inspirations of garden design. Understanding design principles and becoming aware of how garden design has evolved through the centuries and is represented through different cultures helps new designers establish a basis and broadens perspectives. In this online class, Irene Barber, landscape designer and the Gardens’ Adult Education Program Manager, will introduce students to garden themes from different cultures and civilizations, all of which relate to the principles and elements of design relevant to today.
Attention professional gardeners, growers, farmers, and landscape designers! With demand for native plants increasing, there are plenty of reasons and opportunities to incorporate them into your professional practice, nursery business, or landscape projects. In partnership with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and taking place at the Gardens, this hands-on workshop with Leo Kenney from Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary and Emily Baisden from Wild Seed Project will discuss the considerations and guide students through the processes necessary for effectively propagating and sowing native edible plants. Instead of foraging from wild populations, learn how to grow natives from seed for professional advantage and add function, beauty, nutrition, and delicious flavors to any garden environment.
Geography and cultural history are pertinent factors when making garden design decisions, particularly in New England’s unique and diverse landscapes, from river valleys to rolling fields to narrow, rocky corridors. In this online class, students will learn how to establish a sense of place and belonging, wherever their prospective garden is to be located. No matter what cultural elements and influences you want to incorporate, this class will help you get creative while staying true to a sense of place.
Maine’s water resources are among our state’s greatest natural assets, but disturbing soil, working with, and affecting vegetation around shorelines can involve extra care, materials, and understanding of local, state, and federal regulations. John Maclaine of Maine DEP’s Nonpoint Source Training Center will focus on vegetative buffers that include a variety of plant species effective for controlling erosion, protecting water quality, and maintaining high-quality resources for future generations. He’ll share ecological principles that guide regulatory decision-making and up-to-date information on state rules and permits. Whether wetlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, or the seashore, landscapers and gardeners working with the water’s edge will find this this presentation helpful as a refresher or for building awareness.
New and ongoing students in the Certificate in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture will attend this online session. Learn about this comprehensive program, its curriculum, the core courses, the elective courses, and the instructors. The extensive program welcomes experienced gardeners, hobbyists, and professional gardeners interested in building their proficiency about New England native plants and the horticulture practices that support ecology in the landscape.
This online lecture and slideshow presentation will introduce students to the fundamentals of pruning and discuss the what, when, and how. Dormancy is a critical time, and pruning trees and shrubs in this window will prevent damage and promote healthy plant growth for the following growing season. Join us to lose your fear of pruning and discover just how much fun and approachable it is with the appropriate tools. Following this class, students can register for "Pruning Workshop: Practices and Plants," happening at the Gardens in April. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Creating a base plan for a plan-view design of your garden may not be the most exciting part of the process, but it is an all-important one! This in-person class will present and allow practice in how and what to measure for a new garden or multiple gardens before translating the information into a scaled drawing. During this stage, students will begin developing a design key and practice drafting skills. A scaled base-plan will be necessary to properly pursue further design stages and enable the designer to practice sketching with trace paper and explore ideas. Upon registration, students will receive a list of supplies needed to pursue their own design project and to have ready for this class.
Join us for this online panel presentation and learn about 20 favorite trees and shrubs native to the northeast from three of our staff horticulturists, Lon Ames, Kelsie Birney, and Alison Webb. Native trees and shrubs provide a variety of ecosystem services that are essential to preserving the environment, perfect for any garden or landscape setting. We'll talk about the plants' wildlife habitat, design applications, ornamental features, and end with questions and answers. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Growing from seed is enormously rewarding, especially when you're growing for the best flavors and nutrition. This two-part online class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully grow an assortment of vegetables and herbs from seed, whether you're growing on a windowsill, under grow lights, in a hobby greenhouse, or directly in the garden soil. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Whether designing a secret garden or an extensive wildflower garden, it’s critical to evaluate, document, and sketch out a setting's details—built features, water movement, sun exposure throughout growing months, soil types and so on. This online session will help students develop longhand documentation and, more importantly, sketch the assessed information, resulting in a visual diagram that provides a clearer understanding of any variables to consider. The more informed you are as a designer, the better a designer you’ll be! We strongly recommend students to have a scaled base-plan in-hand before moving forward with this stage. Upon registration, students will receive a supplies list that will be useful for designing a new garden.
Join us for this online panel presentation where we'll feature 20 hardy and resilient perennials selected by staff horticulturists Jen Dunlap, Courtney Locke, and Delaney Pitman. This group of plants includes those that manage challenging conditions such as dry/wet, windy locations, compacted soils, and which also regenerate quickly after major weather events, on the rise due to climate change. Come learn about plants that will lead to sustaining, high-performing, and beautiful gardens. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Soils, mulches, and amendments are fundamental for growing plants successfully indoors and out, but it’s easy to be unsure, confused, and overwhelmed. In this webinar, we’ll review what’s what, addressing in-ground and above-ground applications pertinent to vegetable, woodland, or container gardens. We’ll also discuss the variety of manufactured soil and soilless blends, mulches, amendments like composts and mineral additives, the basics of the soil chemistry and biology, and making sustainable choices. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
When we design a garden, we do so much more than simply create a space to show off favorite flowers—we create one that reflects personality and a sense of place, incorporating circulation, function, and design principles. Join us at the Gardens as we explore the conceptual process that awakens creativity and trains the brain to draw freehand, while learning how to use graphic tools. We’ll practice with onsite spaces, and have time for students to apply newfound skills to their own personal projects. Upon registration, students will receive a list of supplies needed to pursue their own design project and to use during this class.
Trees, whether forest or cultivated species, are experiencing major pest problems, most of which have been brought about by human impact. We’re now left wondering what will happen to Maine's forests and what the impact to our landscape will be. Will there be economic implications? Will some species show more resistance and resilience than others? Will pest species’ life cycles persist or lessen over time? How will these pests impact Maine's nursery and landscaping industry? Allison Kanoti, State Entomologist for the Maine Department of Forestry, will dig into these questions and more, offering clarity that will help us become better prepared and informed.
The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science.
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