Pruning During Dormancy (Sold out)
Whether as a refresher or a first foray into pruning, students gain confidence in this workshop and demonstration covering pruning fundamentals. Learn to know what, how, and when to prune, even if you’ve attempted it in the past with unsuccessful results, or you've been too afraid to try for fear of damaging your plants. We'll discuss appropriate tools, timing, goals, and techniques to assist you in your dormant pruning projects. Demonstrations will include fruit trees, berry bushes, some semi-herbaceous, and cover the timing for shrubs such as lilacs, rhododendron, and more.
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
Wildlife awakens upon the spring equinox, vibrant with the sound of a new generation. In this workshop, students ages 14-adult will learn which species belongs to which sound, identifying frogs, turtles, salamanders, and other herps (Greek for “crawling things”). Learn about the Big Night and the citizen science initiative surrounding it. During the final hour of class, those onsite will explore CMBG’s vast wetland environments and practice identifying and observing these critical, fragile species.
Come and enjoy the early blooms of spring with your family as we celebrate Earth Day together, getting a sneak peek at the Gardens before we open for the season. Join us for a signs-of-spring scavenger hunt and plant some flower seeds to grow at home. Families are welcome to picnic afterward and explore the Gardens on their own. *Please note that the Children’s Garden buildings, Café, and Lerner Visitor Center will not yet be open for the season. Registration for this class includes Gardens admission for one child and up to two accompanying adults. Children two and under are welcome to attend for free.
Spring is one of the best times to go bird-watching—many birds are returning to their mating grounds and are as showy and colorful as ever! Take advantage of all the natural spaces at the Gardens and get a front seat to the show! Put your birding skills to the test – or gain a whole new set – as we look for our feathered friends while learning all about their lives, their habits, and adaptations. Participants will craft their own birds’ nests from natural materials to take home with them.
In this active field-study class, students ages 14-adult will learn more about our resident and migrating birds. We'll discuss identification and the New England avian lifestyle, from habitat to birds’ roles in the balance of the ecosystem and how we can better support them in the changing climate. We suggest students bring a pair of binoculars.
Calling all young birders and aspiring birders! Join us on a walk to identify birds migrating through Maine as well as those that spend the season nesting and raising their young here. Learn to identify birds by their calls and identifying features as well as how to use eBird to keep a record of birds observed.
With all the flowers that we care for at the Gardens, it’s no surprise that we are regularly and frequently visited by all sorts of pollinators! Explore the Gardens with us as we search for these busy creatures and discover more about who they are, what they’re up to, and why they’re important. We’ll also get an up-close look at how pollination works as we take apart a flower together. Participants will plant a flower to take home with them that pollinators will be sure to enjoy!
Mindy Lighthipe image.[/caption]
This fun and family-friendly hands-on workshop will have you exploring your gardening creativity—in miniature! First, learn about and draw inspiration from several different types of miniature gardens including “fairy gardens” and Japanese gardens. Then, using wide shallow containers, small plants, fairy garden accessories, and other tiny elements, create a personalized miniature garden to take home. All materials are provided, and registration includes admission for a parent and child. Families are encouraged to work together, but if parents would like to make their own miniature garden, please register separately so that we can plan for supplies.
The Gardens is full of beauty and wonder thriving aboveground, but there’s plenty to discover below the surface! Join us as we explore the life thriving in the depths and shallows of our ponds. Together, we’ll search for aquatic critters, learning about their lives in the process. Participants will create a fun frog craft to help them remember everything they learned during the program.
While the Gardens is home to many beautiful, cultivated plants, there are quite a few wonderful wildflowers that pop up all on their own! Join us to walk the Gardens and trails together in search of these wild beauties, discussing their importance, some interesting facts, and their histories along the way. Learn basic identification skills to employ on your next wildflower hunting adventure!
This workshop introduces young artists to color and to the abundant life that emerges when we translate a 3D garden landscape into 2D. With the help of experienced instructors, participants will explore their botanical and landscape interests, learning how to translate those ideas into beautiful pastel paintings. Technique, demonstration, and personal guidance gives young artists confidence in navigating the pastel medium. Participants receive a small kit of pastel materials and paper and will leave with one piece matted and sleeved for presentation. Instructor Barbara Farcione is a member of the Pastel Society of Maine and on the Board of Directors.
