Trees of Maine: ID, Ecology & Management

Kick off Memorial Day weekend with this field-study class honoring our northeastern forests and learning more about their fragile ecosystems. Wabanahkik (Dawnland), the broader territory that includes the area now known as Maine, consists of a variety of climate conditions that host an assortment of deciduous and coniferous species valuable to thousands of living organisms. We'll discuss individual tree species, their ecological roles, and management practices that support the health of the living matrix. Class Level: All Levels. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: $15 / $34
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Natural Communities of Maine (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Guided by ecologist Ted Elliman, this comprehensive, two-day hybrid course will introduce students to natural plant communities, their defining physical environments, the plants living in them, and the natural processes affecting them. Online discussion and hands-on field work will evaluate the variety of plant communities throughout Maine and how this information influences your gardening choices. Class Level: Intermediate

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Location: Online / at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Ted Elliman
Price: $140 / $175

Plein Air Days

Friday, June 7-Monday, June 10
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Calling all artists! Join us for our annual Plein Air Days four-day event. You'll bring your easels, paints, sketchbooks, etc., and we'll provide free admission and beautiful surroundings. Artists must register online or over the phone in advance.

While admission is free to artists, we will be open to the public. For the safety and comfort of all guests, we ask that you do not block pathways and keep easels out of garden beds.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Forest Therapy Walk and Tea: Spring (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Deepening your connection to nature through moving meditation offers enormous benefits for personal well-being. In this gentle and sensory-oriented class, students will experience the practice of walking mindfully through a forest to gain deep serenity and new awareness. Follow Susan Bickford, certified guide in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy/forest bathing, as she gives you the tools to begin your own meditation practice. The walk ends with a tea ceremony that honors the experience. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Susan Bickford
Price: $15 / $36

Plant Your Own Vertical Garden (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Leave with a beautiful vertical garden in this hands-on workshop. Designers Cheryl Tyler and Jen Dunlap will guide students through a step-by-step process of building and planting an 18"x 14" framed planter. The plant pallet of ferns, mosses, and lichens will be provided for outdoor and indoor applications. Class Level: All Levels. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: $45 / $80

Wearable Art: Marquetry Jewelry with Polymer Clay

Build your own pin or pendant (or both) based on inspirations from the flowers and foliage in the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. From observational drawing or photography, develop a simple flower or leaf design based on a color palette of your choosing. Employing Bonnie's signature marquetry techniques for surface design, and construct your pendant before making a pin back or pendant bale using wire and clay for a beautiful and fun finish. Basic polymer skills will be helpful but not required. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Bonnie Bishoff
Price: $235 / $325
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Plant A Succulent Container Garden (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Succulents provide the perfect plant for both seasoned and aspiring gardeners. These powerhouse low-maintenance plants add elegance and unique displays for small or large gardens. Join staff Horticulturist and container garden aficionado Brent McHale to show you what plants to use and how to plant your own shallow container garden that you'll take home to display and admire on your patio, deck, or balcony. All materials will be provided. Class Level: All Levels. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Brent McHale
Price: $45 / $80

Sustainable Horticulture Practices (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Ecosystem balance, soil, and water quality are all influenced by our landscape practices. This extensive, two-day sustainable horticulture class will help students apply the principles of ecologically safe gardening practices to their garden or landscape. Through online and in-person sessions, we’ll examine composting, techniques for eco-friendly soil amendments, alternatives to pesticides and herbicides, responsible native plant acquisition, erosion control methods, plant forms for function, and so much more. Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced

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Location: Online / at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Irene Barber
Price: $140 / $175

Plant ID and Ecology: Hardy Ferns (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Ferns are commonly used to add elegance, texture, and an ethereal feeling to any shade garden, and did you know there are thousands of fern species? To learn more about fascinating fern ecology, genera, species, and cultivars, join Bill Cullina, former Director of Horticulture and President & CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, now Director of Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of Native Ferns, Mosses, & Grasses for a captivating slideshow and garden tour exploring the extensive inventory of ferns at the Gardens. Class Level: All Levels

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Bill Cullina
Price: $36 / $44

Integrated Pest & Disease Management (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | State Horticulturalist Gary Fish leads this one-day class, which covers extensive ground on the insects, diseases, and deficiencies found on plants in the landscape. Applying principles of integrated pest management (IPM), the course will help students identify, monitor, and prevent poor plant health and, when necessary, deal with treatments. Mr. Fish will emphasize preventative measures and help students determine methods to mitigate further plant pest problems. Class Level: Intermediate

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Gary Fish
Price: $50 / $62

Landscaping for Wildlife (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Habitat loss is the primary cause of declining wildlife populations, and learning how vital native plants are to wildlife and how much our landscape choices matter is one of the most critical steps we can take to divert such loss. Combined with a short online lecture followed by an interactive workshop and field study at the Gardens, students will learn how and what to manage in the landscape and how to incorporate certain native plants to create welcoming habitats that attract wildlife, conserve natural resources, and encourage biodiversity. Class Level: Intermediate to Advanced

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Location: Online / at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Deb Perkins
Price: $62 / $75

Field Trip to Captain Fitzgerald Recreation & Conservation

Visit one of Maine's few remaining Sandplain Pine Barren communities, and you will learn how to identify endemic native plant species and how to recreate elements of this native plant community in your home landscape. If the weather permits, we will see dozens of pollinating insects and birds, so bring your hand lenses and binoculars. We'll have extra on hand if you don't have these items. Come prepared with sunscreen, water, and good walking shoes. Class Level: All Levels. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Captain Fitzgerald Recreation and Conservation
Instructor: Catherine Kaczor
Price: $10 / $32
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Block Printing with Jordan Parks

Explore traditional block printing methods with a modern touch, which can be used anywhere, as a printing press is not required! Participants will leave the workshop understanding basic block printing techniques and multiple prints of their designs. We encourage students to use the gardens as inspiration and/or to bring ideas, sketches, or photographs from home. During this two-day workshop, you'll learn about the various tools and materials used in linoleum block printing, how to transfer ideas to sketches, and how to take those sketches from tracing paper to block and paper. No previous printmaking experience is required, but students with experience are also welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Jordan Parks
Price: $210 / $295
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Is it Really a Weed? ID and Management

Weeds, by casual definition, are undesired plants found in a specific location. Delany Pitman, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Horticulturist, leads a combination of field study and lecture discussing the perception of weeds, identification, cultural management, and ecology. You'll leave with a broader understanding of what & why plants are commonly known as "weeds" and whether they might be embraced or removed from a garden or landscape. Class Level: All Levels

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Delaney Pitman
Price: $28 / $36
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Photography Workshop: The Art of Flower Portraiture

Known for her creative use of natural light and unique artistic composition, Kathleen likens flower photography to painted portraits. In this workshop, she will share her favorite equipment and techniques. Topics include lens choice, lighting, subject selection, focus issues, aperture choices, background selection, and how to simplify a subject to truly capture its natural beauty.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Kathleen Clemons
Price: $95 / $125
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