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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.