Summer Naturalist: Medicinal Plants, Session 1 (Ages 10-17)

Does your child love nature and want to expand their identification skills? In this special COVID-adapted program geared toward youth ages 10 & up, participants can join our experts for weekly, small-group outdoor sessions. Though programming will take place outdoors, participants are required to wear a face covering at all times.

Ancient Egyptians used willow and myrtle to treat pain and fevers, and the Mayans used the papaya tree as an herbal remedy for many conditions, including digestion. Plants have been used as medicine for as long as humans have existed, and hundreds of modern-day medications have been inspired by plants. In this session, CMBG horticulturalist Lesley Paxson will show participants which plants in our gardens and surrounding woodlands can be used safely to treat headaches, colds, upset stomach, stress, anxiety, and so much more. Participants will learn some herbal folklore as well as how to make a flower essence. The session will end by sampling a few different herbal iced teas that participants can make at home with cuttings collected during the session.

Please note: In an effort to keep the group size small, this is a drop-off program. If your child would be more comfortable with you nearby, please contact Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org before the session to discuss options. If this session is full, please call 207-633-8000 to be added to our waiting list.

Horticulturist Lesley Paxson hails from greater Philadelphia where she worked for almost 20 years as a landscape and floral designer. After working for different landscape companies, Lesley began her own design-build business. Her goal to bring people closer to nature is achieved through her sustainable landscape designs. At CMBG, Lesley manages and makes garden design decisions for the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses.