Fundamentals of Botany

Friday, April 25 & Saturday, May 3
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A core understanding of plant biology will open up the world of plants for any gardener. Through discussion, lecture, and hands-on lab work, this class begins with basic plant anatomy, exploring how every aspect of a plant works to sustain photosynthesis, respiration, and water and mineral uptake.    

Session one takes place online and will trace the life cycle of a flowering plant, from germination to seed dispersal. 

Session two takes place in the living classroom of the Gardens, examining plants and their botanical characteristics through hand lenses and field study.

Class Level: Intermediate

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Suggested Reference: Botany for Gardeners, Fourth Edition, Bryan Capron  

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Instructor Bio:

Bryan Peterson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Maine, where his research strives to identify, characterize, and further develop promising ornamental plants for New England landscapes, with a focus on the protection and responsible use of indigenous flora. He teaches botany, greenhouse & nursery management, and native plant ecology, among other topics. Mr. Peterson characterizes genetic diversity within high-priority taxa to evaluate ecological and genetic security of natural genetic resources in relation to consequences of biological invasions and/or climate change and to work toward the responsible selection, development, and release of new ornamental horticulture crops for New England’s nursery and landscape industry.