Garden Design: 8-Part Series
The Garden Design: 8-Part Series will guide experienced gardeners or professional landscapers through the steps of designing a garden from start to finish. Led by professional landscape designers, students will learn about the theory of design, exercise creativity, and build the technical skills involved in designing a garden through online and in-person classes. Instruction will also consider timing, budget, material selection, management, and goals. By signing up for the full 8-part series, students will get eight classes for the price of seven.
Learn MoreGarden Design: Foundations & Inspirations
Whether designing one garden or several, the first step is to learn the foundation and classical inspirations of garden design. In this visually captivating online class, landscape designer Irene Barber will introduce students to the universal design principles that have evolved from ancient civilizations and are applied as a language that is represented throughout different garden themes and cultures. From kitchen gardens to tea gardens and even permaculture gardens, discover how to apply these diverse foundations and inspirations essential to all designers today. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MorePruning Workshop: Plants & Practices
Prevent damage and promote healthy plant growth through this four-part series spanning winter to early summer with the Gardens’ Arborist and IPM Specialist, Garth Welch. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to basic pruning objectives and practices, and show you how to effectively apply these methods through the growing season to specific species, from dormancy to active growth. Opening topics covered will include plants and plant physiology, pruning objectives, dormant pruning, and pruning tools; later sessions will cover hydrangea pruning, pruning flowering perennials and shrubs, and conifers. Class level: Beginner-Intermediate
Learn MoreAll About Drawing and Painting Birds (Sold Out)
This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Over six weeks, we'll use photographs and online resources to learn the anatomy of eggs, nests, feathers, wings, and the whole bird, translating our learnings into drawings. Each week, a new topic will be introduced through slide lectures and demonstrations of various techniques. During the sixth class, you'll have the opportunity to get tips and feedback from the instructor. Students may work in watercolor and/or colored pencil. The class will be held online and is open to all levels. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MoreSowing and Growing Cut Flowers
Perhaps you love to cut and arrange flowers from your garden, but have you considered growing them from seed? In this class, you'll learn how to grow your favorites and new varieties from seed, including annuals, biennials, and perennials, from cut-flower grower and aficionado Courtney Locke. As the grower, you'll get to nurture and manage the quality of your plants and save money. Plants grown from seed acclimate to your garden better than those grown elsewhere. Class Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Green Spotlight Series: Greenhouse Technologies & Practices
Prospective, new and experienced greenhouse growers alike will enjoy this discussion about specific crop considerations, including growing methods, materials and technologies for the best results. Flower farmers, native plant growers, and retail nursery growers will hear which greenhouse systems have shown to be more effective and appropriate for certain growing operations and materials, such as soil media, in-ground, bench systems, flooding benches, overhead irrigation, and more. Get ready for an active discussion, and bring your questions! Class Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Learn MoreForm and Texture in Graphite I
Delve deeply into the art of graphite drawing. Using simple botanical subjects, this two-day online class will give students confidence in accurately depicting various fruits and vegetables. Using a light source and three-dimensional armature and an emphasis on highlights, mid-tones, and shadow areas, artists will develop an understanding of concave and convex shapes. This course is a recommended pre-requisite to Form and Function In Graphite II. All levels are welcome. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MoreGarden Design: A New England Lens
Understanding geography and cultural history is pertinent when making garden design decisions, particularly in New England, which has unique and diverse landscapes. In this introductory online garden design class, students will learn how to establish a sense of place and belonging wherever their prospective garden will be located, from river valleys to rolling fields to narrow, rocky corridors. No matter the elements you want to incorporate, this class will help you get creative while staying true to a sense of place. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreGrowing Native Plants from Seed and Spores
Growing native plants from seed secures stronger genetic diversity and adaptability to our changing climate. This class covers the basic setup, the correct steps, and ongoing considerations for growing native plants from seed and spore. We'll have a special focus on wetland herbaceous plants. In this lecture and hands-on workshop, learn how to successfully propagate and grow native plants, including ferns and other non-flowering plants. Explanations and demonstrations from experienced plant propagator Shawn Jalbert, owner of Native Haunts, will include the process of collection, seasonal time, germination rates, materials, and the steps of caring for the plant collection. Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced.
Learn MoreGarden Design: Creating a Base Plan
Creating a base plan for your garden may not be considered the most exciting part of the process, but it is an all-important one! This in-person class combines lecture and practicum and will focus on measuring techniques for a new garden area or selected landscape area of your property. We will also develop a base plan, which serves as the beginning stages of capturing existing inventory and conditions. During this session, we will demonstrate how to use scales and translate gathered information into a scaled drawing and a key. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreIntroduction to Kitchen Garden Design
In this two-part online class, we will introduce, review, and practice the art of kitchen garden design. Kitchen garden designer, grower, and author Ellen Ecker-Ogden will feature several designs and concepts to inspire you, then explain cultural considerations, artful elements, and plant selection.
Learn MoreSowing and Growing Vegetables and Herbs
Growing from seed is enormously rewarding, especially when you're growing for the best flavors and nutrition. This two-part online class will give you the knowledge and confidence to successfully grow an assortment of vegetables and herbs from seed, whether growing on a windowsill, under grow lights, in a hobby greenhouse, or directly in the garden soil. Class Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Learn MoreOrientation to the Certificate in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture
This session is designed for prospective and current students of the Certificate in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture course, initiating enrollment and providing a detailed overview of the curriculum. We will explain the different tracks for completing the program, including specific information about core and elective courses, the instructors, and the flexible schedule to meet students' budgets and availability. Both experienced hobbyists and professional gardeners interested in building their proficiency in New England native plants and ecological horticulture practices are encouraged to attend and learn more about the program. Class Level: Intermediate.
Form and Texture in Graphite II
In a continuation of Form & Texture with Graphite Part I, students will further develop their understanding and application of graphite to more complex natural subjects in this online class. By using pineapples, pine cones, the interior of a pepper, and other objects, students will work on rendering different pigments in greyscale. Explore the tonal quality and textural differences between the papery skin of garlic and the deep, dark shine of an eggplant. Learn to translate multi-colored subjects into tonal values, all while maintaining form and perspective. The class will be held online and is open to all levels. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MoreGarden Design: Assess & Sketch
With a base plan in hand to begin the site inventory process, this class continues the essential work of assessing existing landscape elements that influence design decisions, including topography, hardscape features, water, buildings, wildlife, and more. This online session will help students discover factors they might not have considered before and learn how to document and sketch out a visual diagram that provides a clearer understanding of any variables to consider. Students will practice drafting skills, develop a design key, and evaluate the conditions of features and variables on a site. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreSoil Science for Gardeners
Soil is a living matrix of chemical and biological interactions, and a fundamental understanding of soil science is critical when selecting well-adapted native plants or choosing amendments needed by native plant communities. This two-day hybrid class for the ecologically-minded grower will discuss soil texture, chemistry, water-holding capacity, the biologically diverse life in the soil, and how these dynamic relationships can affect a plant’s health. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreGarden Design: Conceptual Planning
When we design a garden, we do much more than create a space to show off favorite flowers; we reflect personality and a sense of place, incorporating circulation, function, and design principles. Join us at the Gardens as we continue to apply landscape design principles, as introduced in Class 1 - Foundations and Inspirations, to explore the conceptual process that awakens creativity and trains the brain to draw freehand to form and render multiple schematics and design ideas. There’s significant value in exercising different concepts, including organizational strategies and functional choices, in order to come to a design solution that feels considerate and fulfilling. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreGarden Design: Structure & Movement
Applying effective structure and movement to a garden fulfills a desired experience, engaging a person to physically or visually move throughout the living space with a purpose or goal. Structure and movement establish a program arranging key components and complementary features within and transitioning between spaces. Beyond thinking of a row of shrubs, a fence, a path, or a wall, students will learn how to shape and organize an area for use, transition, circulation, and enclosure to lead the eye to micro and macro destinations. We’ll explore design patterns and basic geometry to achieve our goals. With a few conceptual plans sketched, the next step is to practice applying these organizational and aesthetically functional tools. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreDahlias: Selection & Cultivation
Join dahlia lover and horticulturist Courtney Locke to learn the best methods for growing these stunning gems. We’ll cover all aspects of locating, planting, and growing dahlia tubers, including purchasing, site planning, soil preparation, staking, feeding, pest protection, and (finally!) cutting and enjoying these sumptuous flowers. Class Level: all.
Garden Design: It’s in the Layers
A well-designed year-round garden is made up of layers, from groundcovers to the highest canopies. A garden design planview helps to show detailed arrangement of the materials, including any paths, fences, walls, buildings, and plants. This class explores the drawing process of how to clearly select, separate, and illustrate layers of information onto layered drafts of trace paper. The most important layer of the design includes the Base Plan, created in Class 3 of this Series. Students will leave the interactive workshop with a new or refreshed perspective of their garden and overall landscape and know how to articulate the layers that make for clear and comprehensive garden design. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreDrawing and Painting Spring Bulbs
Spring into a new artistic skill! What better way to learn to draw and paint than by observing the spring bulbs popping up in your garden? In this online class, you'll learn how to study and dissect flowers, practice drawing delicate petals, and capture the essence of their unique structures. Discover key identifying characteristics such as petal count, stamen arrangement, flower shape, and color mixing. Receive positive, helpful feedback on your work in a supportive live zoom environment, and immerse yourself in the beauty of spring flowers. All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MoreFundamentals of Botany
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 hybrid class begins with basic plant anatomy, exploring how every aspect of the organism works together to sustain photosynthesis, respiration, and water and mineral uptake. Class Level: Intermediate.
Learn MoreGarden Design: Final Plan to Fruition
A comprehensive drawn plan enables designers to understand the scope and requirements of implementing a new garden. In this final session of the Garden Design: 8-Part Series, we focus on the final steps of the design process from paper to building and enjoyment. After a brief recap of the design process, we'll address how to merge layers of information that are essential to communicating the design. Through lecture and group collaboration, students will present their design projects and exchange constructive feedback. We'll explore sustainable means for making the design come to fruition, including developing a budget, material selection and procurement, identifying the manual and mechanical installation processes, and creating a garden management plan. Students should come with a design project they've been working on, no matter the stage. Class Level: Intermediate
Learn MoreForest Therapy Walk & Tea: Spring
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. Class Level: all.
Learn MoreCreating a Traditional Botanical Dissection Plate
Combining botany, design, and illustration, students will have the opportunity to create an artful botanical dissection plate during this two-day workshop. Botanical dissection plates have been around since the invention of the microscope and are realistic educational illustrations of plant anatomy. Participants will learn valuable techniques used by science illustrators, such as field sketching, plant dissection, and drawing from magnified plant specimens. Students will also learn how to use color and design to create eye-catching compositions. The workshop will take place both in the gardens and the classroom, where students will learn how to translate their knowledge into creative and visually appealing illustrations. This workshop will take a loose and artful approach to this typically technical and time-consuming process. All levels are welcome. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MoreTrees of Maine: ID, Ecology & Management
Start summer early with this field-study class investigating our northeastern forests and learning more about their fragile ecosystems. 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.
Learn MoreSelecting Native Herbaceous Plants
Native plant expert Dan Jaffe-Wilder will present a three-part series that introduces students to various native perennials for garden settings. The course will include two online presentations in May and August and an in-person fieldwork day in July. Through the series, we will discuss plant selection, considering location, application, cultivation variables, ecological role, aesthetics, propagation, and proper plant procurement. Class Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Learn MoreNatural Communities of Maine
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.
Learn MoreIntegrated Pest and Disease Management
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.
Learn MoreIllustrating Mushrooms With Watercolor and Ink
Combining traditional pen and ink with watercolor to create scientific illustrations, we'll explore the beauty and biodiversity of mushrooms in this two-day workshop. Starting with the basics of botanical drawing, we'll develop our observational skills, paying attention to proportion and perspective. Then, we'll learn techniques for mastering dip pens. On day two, we'll add watercolor to our compositions and explore skills such as glazing and charging. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a unique composition of mushrooms and have mastered a new approach to pen and ink and watercolor. All levels welcome. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MoreWearable Art Using Fresh Flowers
Join floral design team, Mimi and Mum, for this fun two-day weekend workshop on wearable floral art. Learn how to make stunning wristlets, head wreaths, and body jewelry from fresh flowers and foliage. Students will utilize some preserved and dried florals to create an everlasting wearable lapel art or headpiece. All levels are welcome. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MorePainting Floral Still Life in Gouache
Using a beautiful fresh floral arrangement as inspiration, paint a still life in gouache. Students will learn various gouache methods and techniques, including applying opaque, thick brush strokes and thin glazing. With an emphasis on color experimentation, we'll explore different papers and surfaces. Arrangements are lovingly prepared by Mimi and Mum Floral Design. All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MoreLandscaping for Wildlife
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. We'll begin 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.
Learn MoreBotanical Monoprints
This two-day workshop will focus on creating monoprints on various papers. Unlike most printmaking techniques, which allow for multiple originals, monoprinting creates a single, unique image at a time. The beauty of this technique lies in its spontaneity and its allowance for combinations of printmaking, painting, and various mark-making methods that can be printed multiple times in various ways. All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MoreBotanical Block Printing
Using the Gardens as inspiration, explore traditional block printing methods with a modern touch. These blocks can be used anywhere, as a printing press is not required. Participants will leave the two-day workshop understanding basic printing techniques and multiple prints of their designs. All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MorePapermaking Workshop with Botanicals
Let’s learn and make together! Explore the world of paper-making with artist Ashley Page in this hands-on two day workshop. Participants will learn how to make paper at home or in a studio, leaving with their own paper creations. No previous papermaking experience is required. Suitable for teens 14+.
Learn MorePaper Cutting: Birds and Blossoms
Learn the techniques and history of papercutting with examples of traditional and contemporary styles. Students will leave this two day workshop with several pieces of their own artwork, exploring different methods or approaches. The class theme will be birds and blossoms.
Learn MoreSelecting Native Woody Plants
In this two-day hybrid class, learn about native woody plants that contribute so much to our landscapes and local biodiversity. Andy Brand, Director of Horticulture at the Gardens, will discuss identification, habitat, and woody plants' role in plant reproduction and management as hosts for insects, birds, and other wildlife. You'll leave with recommendations for native species and cultivars and guidance for cultivation, landscape uses, and soil and light considerations. Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced.
Learn MoreCapturing the Colors of the Season
Paint the changing landscape in watercolor during this three-day workshop. Crafted for artists looking to enhance their skills, you'll learn to blend warm, earthy tones for autumn and cool, muted hues for winter, capturing these seasons' unique light and atmosphere. We'll master techniques to paint various trees, colorful foliage, and intricate shadows, adding depth and dimension to your work. For intermediate watercolorists.
Learn MoreFive Days Drawing and Painting the Autumn Harvest
The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and pumpkins and gourds abound! Take advantage of nature’s bounty within Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens' spectacular Dahlia and Iris garden. Spend one, two, three, four, or all five days surrounded by stunning dahlias in full bloom and learn how to draw and paint the fall harvest. All levels are welcome. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MoreFall Foliage in Blazing Color
Immerse yourself in fall foliage. Using the spectacular leaves found on the grounds of the Gardens', create blazing seasonal watercolor, colored pencil and/or watercolor pencil drawings. All levels welcome! This class can be taken alone or as part of a five-day series. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MorePumpkins and Gourds in Graphite
Fall is an excellent time to learn how to create the lumpy bumpy textures found in the Cucurbitaceae family, known as gourds. Learn all about different gourds, their shapes, and growth cycles. This class can be taken alone or as part of a five-day series. It is recommended to take Pumpkins and Gourds in Color as a complement to this class, but it is not required. All levels are welcome. Class appropriate for teens 14+.
Learn MorePumpkins and Gourds in Color
Fall is an excellent time to learn how to create the lumpy bumpy textures found in the Cucurbitaceae family, known as gourds. Learn all about different gourds, their shapes, and growth cycles. This class can be taken alone or as part of a five-day series. It is recommended to take Pumpkins and Gourds in Graphite as a complement to this class, but it is not required. All levels welcome. Class appropriate to teens 14+.
Learn MoreDahlia Details in Graphite
One of the greatest joys of fall is the emergence of the stunning dahlia. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has a particularly beautiful collection with a variety of shapes and colors. This class can be taken alone or as part of a five-day series. It is recommended to take Dahlia Details in Color as a complement to this class, but it is not required. All levels welcome. Class appropriate for teens 14+.
Learn MoreDahlia Details in Color
One of the greatest joys of fall is the emergence of the stunning dahlia. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has a particularly beautiful collection with a variety of shapes and colors. This class can be taken alone or as part of a five-day series. It is recommended to take Dahlia Details in Graphite as a complement to this class, but it is not required. All levels welcome. Class appropriate for teens 14+.
Learn MoreArchitecture and Botanicals in the Fall Gardens
Explore the unique architectural elements that blend seamlessly with nature in the Gardens. Discover how to capture the beauty of garden structures, from bridges and trellises to the whimsical Children's Garden play cottage, as you learn techniques to enhance your painting skills. Guided by Maine artist Susan Bartlett Rice, you'll create your own paintings inspired by the stunning autumn surroundings. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and a love for art and nature! This is a three-day workshop suitable for adults and teens 14+.
Learn MoreEcological Landscape Design
If you want to design landscapes inspired by and inclusive of nature, studying design principles through the lens of natural systems is essential. In this three-day course led by landscape designer and horticulturist Irene Brady Barber, students will learn to identify and incorporate the components of ecological landscape design. Online and onsite, we will examine the systems influencing design decisions, practice environmental site analysis, and design conceptual plot plans for a selected site. Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Learn MoreDecoupaged Pumpkins
Wow your neighbors and friends with these stunning decoupaged pumpkins. Gardens' Arts Coordinator Caroline Clare Davis will demonstate how to adorn your fall centerpiece with pressed garden flowers, grasses, and berries. Each participant will go home with one small pumpkin and one medium/large pumpkin. No tricks, only treats here! All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
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