Events

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with Lon Ames
Tuesday, April 23
3 - 5 p.m.
Online

Viburnums are an important genus in New England landscapes, offering essential habitats for wildlife and attractive seasonal floral and berry displays. Join Lon Ames, horticulturist for the Haney Hillside Garden, in his online class to learn about native and non-native viburnums that can be used in your garden borders. Discussion will include sizes, habits, ecological benefits, and characteristics that make viburnums stand out in your displays.
with Cheryl Salatino and Irene Barber
Saturday, April 27
9:30 a.m, - 3 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Whether you're working on a new garden design or revising an existing one, this class at the Gardens will address both the large-scale process and the detailed specifics of design. After a brief recap of the design process to ensure comprehension and strengthen the core intent of our designs, we'll address how to merge the layers of design details, ensuring legibility is maintained. Through a collaborative workshop, students will present their design projects, exchange constructive feedback, and discuss the means for making the design come to fruition. As the series final installment, students should come prepared with a design project they've been working on, no matter the stage. Upon registration, students will receive a list of supplies needed.



Class Level: Intermediate



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Instructor Bios:

Cheryl Salatino has been the principal designer and owner of Dancing Shadows Garden Design since 2002, a residential garden design and services firm recently transplanted from Massachusetts to Maine. Cheryl received her certificate in landscape design from the Radcliffe Seminars Landscape Design Program at Harvard University and an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture and Design from Native Plant Trust. Serving for several years as Chair of the Master Certificate in Horticulture (MCH) Board for Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Cheryl was honored with the President’s Award for her contribution to furthering education within the green industry. Cheryl teaches landscape design for students at the Native Plant Trust and presents a plethora of lectures to garden clubs throughout New England.



Irene Brady Barber pursues her passion for connecting people to plants as a horticulturist, landscape designer, and Registered Horticultural Therapist, and manages the Adult Education Program and the Horticultural Therapy Program for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. Upon completing degrees in human behavior and plant and soil sciences in 2007, Irene began designing landscapes professionally for clients in her business, Greenscapes Design, LLC. A lifetime student, Irene appreciates learning from people and nature as well as research's endless discoveries.
with CMBG Education Staff or Docent
Wednesdays, May 1 - October 16
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
On the patio behind the Lyn and Daniel Lerner Visitor Center by the Heafitz Wetland Bridge

From ponds and vernal pools to small rivers, on this free staff-led tour, we'll explore the Gardens' many wetlands to see how water affects each natural community. Learn how important wetlands are to our ecosystem, how they provide vital habitat for wildlife, and what we can do to preserve them. Please note: this tour lasts about ninety minutes and moves swiftly over our steeper hiking trails. Pre-registration is encouraged as tours do reach capacity; drop-ins are welcome. Please meet outside the Lyn and Daniel Lerner Visitor Center by the Heafitz Wetland Bridge to join the tour.
May 1, 2023 through October 20, 2024

Visitors who book tickets online save $2 per ticket (discounted prices shown below).
Adults: $24
Seniors (65+) & Veterans: $20
Student (18+ with Student ID): $15
Children (3-17): $10, Children under 3: Free
Family (2 adults, 2 children): $58
Tickets purchased on-site are $2 more.

Explore our more than 300 acres of cultivated gardens and beautiful natural spaces, from the Native Butterfly House to the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, the woodland Fairy House Village to the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses—and so much more. Discover our five giant trolls and discover for yourself the wisdom of the Guardians of the Seeds.

Advance tickets are required to guarantee admission, as we do sell out on busy days. Members do not need to reserve tickets.

Arrival times every half hour, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Gardens closes promptly at 5 p.m.
Explore our more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, from the Native Butterfly and Moth House to the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, the woodland Fairy House Village to the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses—and so much more. Discover five giant, friendly trolls along our native, natural wooded areas and trails. Explore and discover for yourself the wisdom of the Guardians of the Seeds. Find all five trolls and solve the clues to learn their secret.

We believe everyone should have access to the Gardens, and in our new Gardens for All initiative anyone eligible for SNAP/EBT, WIC, Medicaid, or MaineCare programs, or otherwise unable to meet the price of admission may visit the Gardens at no cost. Through this program, guests may reserve up to six (6) day passes. Arrive at any time of day to use your pass.

For safety considerations, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, and other motorized equipment are not allowed at the Gardens. Wheeled devices are restricted to accessibility devices, strollers and wagons only.
with Caroline Davis
Monday, May 6
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Online

Are you interested in learning more about our Certificate In Botanical Arts Program? Enroll in this 60-minute online orientation to hear about the courses, workshops, and other program requirements. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate and an opportunity to exhibit their work at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It is a requirement that all Certificate students must be Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Members. The orientation will take place on Zoom and will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.
with CMBG Education Staff or Docent
Mondays, May 6 - October 14
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Outside Market by Great Lawn
For a deeper dive into the world of native plants, join our docent-led Native Plant Tour. Free with the price of admission, we begin with a stroll down the Haney Hillside, moving from cultivated native plantings to the natural landscape of the Shoreland Trail. We then travel on the Maine Woods Trail to discover fern glens and wetlands up to the upland spruce-fir forest of the Birch Allée. Please note: this tour lasts about ninety minutes and moves swiftly over hiking trails; sturdy boots or shoes are recommended. Pre-registration is encouraged as tours do reach capacity; drop-ins are welcome. Please meet outside the Café building by the Great Lawn to join the tour.
with Bridget VerVaet
Tuesday, May 7, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 30, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Join us on a walk to identify migrating and resident birds. Learn more about their adaptations and nesting habits. Participants will learn to identify birds by their calls, plumage, and behavior. Binoculars will be available to borrow.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.
with Bridget VerVaet
Tuesday, May 7, noon - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 30, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Explore the various examples of ecosystems held within the Gardens, from areas cultivated by humans to forested and tidal areas. Learn more about the plants and animals that find their habitat within these ecosystems and how they work together to make an ecosystem function. Topics covered include producers, consumers, decomposers, keystone species, food chains, nutrient cycling, and disturbances.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.
with Erika Huber
Tuesday, May 7, noon - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Explore a plant's life cycle from seed to fruit as we dissect a seed, learn about plant parts and functions, photosynthesis, the importance of plants, and their unique adaptations. We'll head out to the Learning Garden to sample different plant parts and pot up a plant to grow at home.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.
with Delaney Pitman, Brent McHale, and Lon Ames
Tuesday, May 7, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Monday, June 3, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Calling all green-thumbed youth looking to find out more about the field of Horticulture. Participants will meet three Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens horticulturalists in their garden spaces. Through informal conversation, learn how and why they became horticulturalists, how they choose the plants for their garden spaces, what their favorite plants are, and some of the challenges they experience as a caretaker of plants.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.
with Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet
Wednesday, 5/8/2024, 10:00 a.m. thru 11:30 a.m. & Wednesday, 5/15/2024, 10:00 a.m. thru 11:30 a.m.
Learner Visitor Center

The early bird gets the worm! Join us at 7 a.m. before the Gardens open to explore our fascinating bird population at the peak of the spring migration season. Enhance your experience with binoculars. All skill levels are welcome.
with Caroline Davis
Every other Thursday, May 9 - October 10
7 - 9 a.m.
Outside at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Photography Club is one of the unique perks of being a member. Experience the serenity of the Gardens at 7 a.m., where local wildlife and dew-soaked petals wait around every corner. The club runs every other Thursday from May 9 - October 10, allowing you and club members an opportunity to grow your skills over three seasons.

Please note that there is no meeting on July 4.
with Daniel Robarts
Online: Friday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
In-Person: Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Plants interact with their garden environments, from abiotic influences like temperature, pH, humidity, and sunlight to biotic influences like other plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and even humans. This two-day hybrid class teaches how plants adapt, compete, and depend on these influences. You'll learn concepts like parasitism, pollination, plant adaptation, and dispersal.



After day one’s online session, spend day two in the living classroom of the Gardens, where students will put knowledge into action, observing and evaluating both wild and cultivated landscapes.



Level: Intermediate to Advanced.



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Instructor Bio:

Dan Robarts is a horticulturist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens responsible for managing greenhouse production, including propagation from seed, cuttings, plant breeding, and horticultural research. Dr. Robarts also manages the Giles Rhododendron Garden, selecting and maintaining the plants throughout its diverse topography. Dan holds a B.S. in biology from Bates College and a Ph.D. in plant breeding and evolutionary genetics from Ohio State University.
with Catherine Kaczor
Saturday, May 11
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Strengthen your gardening skills with a focus on best planting practices in this in-person workshop and demonstration. We'll demonstrate how and when to sow seed, plant bare-root plants, and how to transplant both young potted seedlings and much larger, more mature specimens. You'll leave feeling informed about effective planting, including seasonal timing, rootbound plants, planting materials, and proper tools.

Class Levels: Beginner-Intermediate
with Mihku Paul
Saturday, May 11
9:30 a.m. - 3;30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Join us for an immersive poetry workshop with Wolastoqiyik writer and artist Mihku Paul. Poetry and art are great pathways to learning about nature. In this workshop, we'll explore new perspectives on our insect world through fun writing exercises. From direct observations in the garden and time with our entomologist, participants will document insects they encounter, collecting ideas, sketches, and pictures that will then become the basis for writing a poem or prose. Examples and templates will be provided to aid as a jumping-off place. Students will also be introduced to the Indigenous perspective on nature and learn some Passamaquoddy vocabulary as part of the instruction.



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Instructor bio:



Mihku Paul is a Wolastoqey writer and visual artist who has spent decades presenting Waponahki curriculum enrichment in Portland Public Schools. She is a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA Program in Creative Writing and has produced a one-woman mixed media installation at the Abbe Museum. This installation is also shown at USM's Glickman Library. Her poetry has been published internationally and translated to Spanish and French. Recent work includes Atlantic Vernacular (NB, Canada) and an experimental film short, Putep Qotatokot-te Elwestaq, "The Whale was Speaking." Mihku lives and works in Portland.
with Sandra Bassett
Monday, May 13
10 - 11:30 a.m. & Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Join us for a special walk through our garden and woodlands with Passamaquoddy educator Sandra Bassett. Sandra will share her personal story, demonstrate singing and drumming, and teach a sampling of Passamaquoddy words. Participants will also learn about the traditional uses of some of our native plants.



Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.



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Instructor bio:

Sandra Bassett Peskotomuhkat graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2021 with a BSW and a Minor in Wabanaki Language and is the first to receive a Wabanaki Language Certificate from USM in 2022. She has been working on her Passamaquoddy language for years and is close to receiving a Language Teaching Certificate from the Department of Education. For over a decade she has been working in corrections bringing a solution and hope to the inmates. Sandra has a strong passion for the work she is doing and feels it is both an honor and a privilege. For the past two years, Sandra has discovered other passions including gardening and drumming. She enjoys sharing her traditional songs.
with Andy Juele and Zac Smith-Hess
Monday, May 13, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 30, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Explore how climate change is impacting the places we live and how we can come together to make our communities stronger. Join us on a walk through Slater Forest Pond and down the Haney Hillside to the Shoreland Trail; we will share stories about the natural world and practice observing the plants and animals around us. With the understanding of our relationship with our environment and how climate change impacts us all, we'll discuss how we can use our interests and talents to make those relationships more resilient to change. Enjoy sharing your perspectives and practicing problem-solving in this unique, conversational format.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.
with Erika Huber
Monday, May 13, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 30, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Putting our five senses to work, we'll wind our way through the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, experiencing a garden in a whole new way. Participants will be encouraged to sample different herbs and edible flowers that may be new to them.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

with Bridget VerVaet
Monday, May 13, noon - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3, noon - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Learn to identify the aquatic creatures found in the Gardens’ ponds and understand their life cycles, gaining more knowledge about the food web and habitat of the pond in the process. With nets and buckets, participants will have time to explore life in the pond.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

with Erica Qualey
Saturday, May 26
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Unleash your creativity in this family-friendly silk painting workshop lead by artist Erica Qualey. Inspired by the enchanting flowers and foliage gathered from the Gardens, participants will embark on a journey of artistic expression. Using resist and dyes, attendees will design their silk scarves, playing with vibrant colors and creating intricate patterns that capture the essence of the natural world. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to work with their young artist to craft a unique silk masterpiece together (adults do not need to register), or adults with a child taking the class may register separately to create their own wearable work of art. This workshop is a perfect opportunity for children and adults to bond over art.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

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Educator Bio:

Erica Qualey lives in Maine and works as a watercolor artist and illustrator. She is an award-winning member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Teaching students of all ages to draw and paint has become another passion for Erica in recent years. Her youth programming through the Skidompha Library is very popular, and she has also worked with children through visiting artists programs. She was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Arts Association supporting her work as a virtual art educator.
with Erica Qualey
Monday-Wednesday, May 20-22
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Watercolor and wax is an exciting combination, and when you add in a delicately textured rice paper, WOW! The results are fantastic and lovely, with rich, bold colors and soft textures created by the natural qualities of rice paper. Erica will lead you step by step through layering paint and wax, teaching you all the skills you need to know to start creating your watercolor batiks. We'll begin with how to choose a good reference photo, how to design a strong composition, and finally, where to apply wax and how to make corrections when you make a mistake.


All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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Materials:



Students are expected to bring their painting supplies and can review the supplies list through the link below. The instructor will provide the rice paper used during the workshop for an additional $10 fee.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1epeA_-Cf47zptpRAp_t8PW7Sv8U08zxN/view?usp=sharing



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Artist Biography:



Erica Qualey brings to her workshops 20 years of knowledge gained from experience as a professional watercolor artist. She is a sought-after teacher known by her students to be gentle and encouraging yet thorough. Erica is an award-winning watercolor artist. She received a BFA in design from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and is a Signature Member of The New England Watercolor Society. She has exhibited internationally and has been published in Splash 19: The Illusion of Light. She has worked as a teaching artist for many years, including ten years at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. She was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Arts Association supporting her work as a virtual art educator.
with Dan Jaffe-Wilder
Online: Tuesday, May 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
In-Person; Saturday, July 13, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Online: Tuesday, September 10, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Presented in three parts, native plant expert Dan Jaffe-Wilder will introduce students to various native perennials to use in garden settings. The course will include two online presentations in May and September and an in-person fieldwork day in July.



May's online class will cover an overview of native perennials that shine in the spring.



In July, we meet at the Gardens to focus on summer native plant performers.



The last session in September will review native perennials that both shine and are especially important to a variety of over-wintering and migrating pollinators.



All three sessions will cover the plants' native habitats and details that inform the gardener where the plants will live successfully in cultivated environments. Discussion will include plant combinations, ecological roles, propagation, aesthetics, and proper plant procurement.



Level: Intermediate to Advanced



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Suggested Reference: Native Plants for New England Gardens, Jaffe-Wilder and Richardson



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Dan Jaffe-Wilder is an ecologist, horticulturist, and botanist with over 15 years of experience working with native plants and their associated ecology. Author of Native Plants for New England Gardens and Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Dan’s work has ranged from classrooms to nurseries, botanical gardens to wildlife refuges specializing in native plant ecology, propagation, wildlife habitat construction, and native edible landscapes.
with Allyssa Gregory and Tyler Everett
Friday, May 24
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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.



Students will learn from Maine State District Forester Allyssa Gregory how to identify many forest trees, the history of the region's forests, silviculture, pest issues, and our roles as stewards for forest resilience in our changing climate. Tyler Everett, PhD student at UMO School of Forestry, who specializes in research regarding ash trees and the Emerald Ash Borer, will discuss the cultural value of ash trees, the philosophies, and practices of managing them throughout the challenging onset of Emerald Ash Borer that harms the existence of the valuable tree species.



All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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Instructor Bio:

Allyssa Gregory is the Maine Forest Service’s Midcoast District Forester. She obtained a forestry degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her professional background includes rural forestry, urban forestry, horticulture, and structure firefighting. Allyssa is involved with the Tree Farm program as a certified inspector and is a Project Learning Tree facilitator.



Tyler Everett is a citizen of Mi'kmaq Nation and a forester specializing in forest pests, namely the emerald ash borer (EAB), which is a current threat to cultural resources on Tribal lands in northern forests. Tyler is a PhD student at the University of Maine in Orono where he is engaged in research with the Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik lab group focusing on the impacts of EAB on Tribal ash resources and identifying innovative management and mitigation strategies for this issue that include an understanding of silviculture, climate change, and most importantly Tribal cultural values.
Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.
with Nikaline Iancano
Thursday, May 30, noon - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3, 10 - 11:30 a.m. & noon - 1:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Spring is a great time to forage for wild edibles; fresh shoots are readily available and tastier than their older counterparts. Local forager and restaurateur Nikaline Iacano will lead participants through the Gardens and surrounding woodlands, searching for edible greens, tasty weeds, shoots, mushrooms, flowers, roots, tubers, and even pine pollen. Bring your taste buds and a sense of adventure! We will end the session by making a tea with our collections.



Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.



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Insttructor Bio:

Nikaline Iacono owns and operates Vessel and Vine in Brunswick, a specialty food and wine store and small-plates restaurant. She regularly incorporates foraged foods into her menus and has been teaching foraging classes for the past three years. She particularly enjoys teaching her students how to incorporate foraged and feral foods into their everyday diets through simple and versatile recipes.
with Ted Elliman
Online: Thursday, June 6, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
In-Person: Saturday, June 15, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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.



Day one is an online lecture and slideshow, and day two is in the field at the Gardens and at a local land trust property. Learn the differences between communities like salt marshes, red maple swamps, bogs, and floodplain forests, and discover common plants as well as key plant adaptations.

Level: Intermediate



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Suggested Reference: Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems



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Instructor Bio:

Ted Elliman, a botanist and former plant ecologist for the Native Plant Trust, is an acclaimed author of Wildflowers of New England and co-author of Grasses, Sedges, Rushes: An Identification Guide. Elliman describes the plants in clear, concise language. Elliman worked as a contract ecologist for the National Park Service, and he has written numerous articles on botanical subjects for conservation organizations, scientific journals, and state and federal environmental agencies. For years, Ted has taught botany and ecology-focused classes for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the Native Plant Trust, and other botanical institutions.
Friday-Monday, June 7-10
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Outside at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

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.
with Susan Bickford
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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, acertified 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.

All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



Instructor Biography:

Susan Bickford, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, leads walks throughout coastal Maine and co-manages a retreat event annually, called the Stillness Kitchen. Susan has many talents connecting her to nature, including a visual arts instructor at the University of Maine Augusta. A native of Maine, Susan has a strong connection to the flora and fauna in our verdant landscape.
with Cheryl Tyler and Jen Dunlap
Saturday, June 8
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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. Plant materials of ferns, mosses, and lichens will be made available for outdoor and indoor applications.

All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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It's not required, but students are encouraged to bring a craft glue gun, gloves, clippers (not scissors), a craft apron, and a small tarp or liner to protect their vehicle.



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Instructors Biographies:

Cheryl Tyler of TerraFlora designs green walls, vertical gardens with living plants, and moss-scapes using preserved moss and other organic materials. She is grateful that she gets to work with plants and people and believes that bringing nature inside is not only good for the interior environment, but good for the soul. You can contact her with questions or to set up a visit to her Brunswick studio at www.terrafloramaine.com.



Jen Dunlap is a Horticulture Program Manager at the Gardens, whose designs and horticulture practices are centered on ecological principles. such as the gardens she designed Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, including the front entrance gardens of the visitor center and the pond gardens. In the Alfond Children’s Garden, Jen designs and manages the garden beds' plant selection as well as the container gardens and vertical gardens that are rich with color, texture, and forms. Raising two young children alongside a bountiful herb and vegetable garden, Jen finds the balance between organized chaos and small muddy footprints.



with Bonnie Bishoff
Monday-Wednesday, June 10-12
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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.


All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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Materials:



Supplies the instructor will bring to share for free:

Polymer clay - usually provided by Polyform Tool

Pliers for forming wire

Wire cutter

Hammers

File bench blocks and anvil

Foil drawing paper

Scissors

Pencils

Rubbing alcohol

Dishes

Q tips

Small brayers and rollers

Small and large shape cutters

Burnishing tools



Supplies the instructor will provide at an additional cost:

Wax paper - $3

Masking tape - $4

Stainless steel sprung wire for pins - $5

Neck cords for necklaces - $2

Nickel silver round wire-18 gauge - $13

Translucent liquid Sculpey - $10

Beading wire and crimps - $10, $47, $4/per student for these supplies



Supplies students should provide on their own:

Pasta machine with crank ($30-$100, Imperia or Mercato)

#11 Exacto blade-precision knife with #11 blades ($10, Amazon)

Drawing paper or sketchbook

Pencil



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Artist Biography:



Bonnie Bishoff has been collaborating since 1987 with her partner and husband, J.M. Syron, designing and making furniture, sculptural objects, jewelry, and wearable art. Initially, they explored using polymer as a decorative surface on furniture. Continuing to experiment over 30 years, their use of the medium has included sculptural elements, lighting, and large marquetry-like veneers. Bonnie's focus has now become jewelry and wearable art, as well as sculptural wall pieces. Their work has been exhibited in galleries, craft shows, and museums across the United States and abroad, including the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Baltimore Craft Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, and SOFA-Chicago. They have furniture in the permanent collection of the Racine Art Museum.

with Alison Webb
Tuesday, June 11
10 - 11:30 a.m.

Learn about the ecological and cultural significance of Maine's native trees, including their role in supporting wildlife, their use by indigenous peoples, and their impact on the state's economy and tourism industry. We'll also shed light on conservation efforts to preserve the state's native tree populations. Some steep paths will be along the way; we recommend sturdy boots or shoes.
with Brent McHale
Saturday, June 15
1 - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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.



All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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Instructor Biography

Brent McHale, staff Horticulturist and Light Designer of Gardens Aglow started gardening at a young age, which turned into completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture Business Management. Brent enjoyed working at a retail greenhouse for a number of years before joining the Gardens in 2019. Enthusiastic and talented in subjects of container gardening, floral arranging, houseplants, and expanding native plant repertoire, Brent leads a number of classes at the Gardens and presents for garden clubs.
Join us for a “Horticulture Happy Hour.” Meet members of the Horticulture team and enjoy a happy hour drink and appetizers (the first drink is complimentary, and additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available at a charge). Registration is required.
with Irene Barber
Online: June 21, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
In-Person: June 29, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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. We’ll examine composting, techniques for eco-friendly soil amendments, pesticide and herbicide alternatives, responsible native plant acquisition, erosion control methods, plant forms for function, and so much more.



The class begins with an online lecture and virtual slideshow presentation that includes an extensive overview of horticulture terminology, practices, and visual examples. In the following week, an in-person workshop and field-study session examine concepts, plants, materials, and practices demonstrated at the Gardens.



Level: Intermediate-Advanced



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Instructor Bio:

Irene Brady Barber is motivated by and deeply focused on connecting people to plants. A horticulturist, landscape designer, and Registered Horticultural Therapist, Irene manages the Adult Education Program and the Horticultural Therapy Program for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. In 2011 Irene started Greenscapes Design LLC and has been professionally working as a gardener, landscaper, and designer for 30-plus years. Irene enjoys presenting lectures and teaching classes throughout New England.

with Bill Cullina
Saturday, June 22
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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 Executive Officer 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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Instructor Biography

William "Bill" Cullina is a well-known horticulturist and award-winning author of books such as, “Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines”; “Understanding Orchids”; “Native Ferns, Mosses, and Grasses”; and “Understanding Perennials.” As the former Director of Horticulture and President & CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, he co-authored “Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A People’s Garden.” Mr. Cullina was also the lead propagator and greenhouse grower at what is now called The Native Plant Trust. In 2019. William Cullina became the Executive Director of Morris Arboretum for the University of Pennsylvania.
with Erica Qualey
Wednesday - Friday, June 26-28
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor with artist Erica Qualey, in this workshop designed for creative minds aged 9-13. Dive into the basics of watercolor, from fundamental skills to mastering brushstrokes and layering washes. This hands-on experience will guide young artists through the enchanting process of field sketching with watercolor, offering a perfect blend of artistic exploration and skill-building. Participants will embark on exciting painting activities throughout the workshop, fostering a playful and enjoyable learning environment. The journey includes immersing in gardens to gather inspiration for their artwork and exploring new techniques to help capture what they see on paper. As the days progress, attendees will build upon their skills and principles, culminating in creating a final masterpiece on the last day. All materials provided.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

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Educator Bio:

Erica Qualey lives in Maine and works as a watercolor artist and illustrator. She is an award-winning member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Teaching students of all ages to draw and paint has become another passion for Erica in recent years. Her youth programming through the Skidompha Library is very popular, and she has also worked with children through visiting artists programs. She was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Arts Association supporting her work as a virtual art educator.
with Zac Smith-Hess
Thursday, June 27
10 - 11:30 a.m.

Explore the world of bugs with our resident entomologist, Zac Smith-Hess, as he guides us through the vibrant life within the Gardens from the unique perspective of our insect inhabitants. Discover the fascinating array of bugs that contribute to the diversity and vitality of our garden ecosystem. Join us for a journey into the intricate and often overlooked world of insects.
with Gary Fish
Friday, June 28
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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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Instructor Bio:

Gary Fish is the State Horticulturalist at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. He is a past coordinator of the Maine YardScaping Partnership and manager of the Pesticide Control Board. He has a B.S. in forest and wildlife management from the University of Maine, College of Forest Resources, and has been a licensed professional forester since 1985. An aspiring landscape and nature photographer, he attributes his love of plants to his mother and her beautiful rose and rock gardens.
with Jordan Kendall Parks
Monday - Wednesday, July 1 - 3
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Join artist Jordan Kendall Parks for a playful introduction to planning, carving, and printing linoleum blocks by hand. Students will use the Gardens as inspiration to create their designs, which will be printed on paper and functional fabric items like tote bags and t-shirts. Participants will leave the workshop understanding basic block printing techniques, multiple prints of their designs, and carved blocks and supplies to make more prints at home.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

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Educator Bio:

Jordan Kendall Parks is a Black bi-racial femme who lives and works in South Portland, Maine. Jordan uses art to spark conversations around place, existence, and belonging. Her work is heavily influenced by our relationship with the natural world and each other, and they focus on cultivating interactive outdoor exhibitions that encourage people to engage with their surroundings, find a sense of adventure, and discover art along the way. www.jordankendallparks.com
with Joy Grannis
Monday-Wednesday, July 8-10
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Young artists, ages 8-12, will delve into the world of nature illustration with botanical illustrator Joy Grannis, as they explore the relationship between butterflies and moths and their host plants. Through visits to our Native Butterfly House and time with our entomologist, students will illustrate what they learn by creating a poster as a finished product. Participants will learn how to use color and design to create a visually pleasing piece using mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, acrylic markers, watercolor pencils, and pens. All materials provided.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

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Educator Bio:

Joy Grannis is a freelance botanical illustrator, artist, and designer from Portland, Maine. Grannis earned her BA in environmental planning and policy from the University of Southern Maine and later earned a graduate certificate in scientific illustration from California State University at Monterey Bay. Grannis combines her expertise to illustrate the natural world in support of education and environmental conservation. Grannis primarily works in watercolor and digital media, creating pieces for botanical gardens, environmental organizations, interior designers, and retail establishments.
with Zac Smith-Hess and Sarah Callan
Wednesday, July 25
10 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us for this sweet summer treat as we learn about native bees and their importance to our environment. After touring the Native Bee Exhibit, we'll visit the Learning Apiary, where you can observe our native bees, non-native cousins, and honey bees in action. Afterward, we'll taste a variety of honey from around the world, from light to dark, sweet to savory.
with Deb Perkins
Thursday, July 11, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Online
Thursday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bosarge Family Education Center

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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Suggested reading: Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy



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Instructor Bio:

Deborah Perkins is a wildlife ecologist with 30 years of experience and a lifelong commitment to conservation. As the owner of First Light Wildlife Habitats, Deb co-creates biodiverse habitats with stewards throughout the Northeast. Since 2010, she has provided recommendations, plans, and designs for over 7,000 acres of habitat. Before that, she was a roving biologist – conducting fieldwork and wildlife research throughout North America in a wide range of habitats, from the high deserts of New Mexico to the remote tundra of the Canadian Arctic.
with Catherine Kaczor
Friday, July 12
9:30 a.m. - noon
Captain Fitzgerald Recreation and Conservation

Join Catherine Kaczor, staff gardener and passionate naturalist, for an educational walk at Captain Fitzgerald Recreation and Conservation Area in Brunswick. 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



Catherine Kaczor is a professional gardener and trained naturalist. Before becoming a full-time gardener at the Gardens, Catherine began her ecological horticulture journey at the University of Vermont, where she pursued studies in ecological agriculture, delving into the intricate relationships between plants, ecosystems, and sustainable farming practices. With a strong foundation in ecological principles, Catherine honed her skills and knowledge as the marketing manager at Hudson Valley Seed Company. Beyond her professional endeavors, Catherine can often be found wandering the woodlands and meadows of New England, seeking out the treasures of the region's native flora.
with Jordan Parks
Monday & Tuesday, July 15 & 16
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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.



All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



Day One:

Morning - Intro to tools & materials, basic transferring methods, and beginning to carve blocks.

Lunch Break

Afternoon - Proof printing, color explorations, carving time



Day Two:

Morning - Collaborative printing opportunity, free printing time

Lunch Break

Afternoon - Finalize projects, art walk/review, clean up



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Materials:

$75 fee covers:

Speedball carving tool (students can keep)

Linoleum blocks (students can keep)

Water-based block printing inks, black + at least one other color

Newsprint

Tracing paper

White printmaking paper, 10 sheets

Rags for cleanup

Brayer

Baren



Students should bring their own:

Sharpie

A few soft pencils (6B)

Ruler

Xacto Knife

Glass or plexiglass palette (the glass from a picture frame works well)

A palette knife and a small selection of brushes



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Artist Biography:



Jordan Kendall Parks (she/they) is a Black bi-racial femme who lives and works in South Portland, Maine. Jordan uses art to spark conversations around place, existence, and belonging. Her work is heavily influenced by our relationship with the natural world and each other, and they focus on cultivating interactive outdoor exhibitions that encourage people to engage with their surroundings, find a sense of adventure, and discover art along the way. www.jordankendallparks.co
with Delaney Pitman
Saturday, July 20
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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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Instructor Biography:

Delaney Pitman, staff Horticulturist and Co-chair of the Invasive and Non-native Species Committee at the Gardens, has a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology with a minor in Recreational Outdoor Education. Delaney studied and worked at the New York Botanical Garden's School of Professional Horticulture for 2 years before joining the Gardens' horticulture team. During free time, Delaney sails, paddleboards, goes camping, and shopping at thrift stores.
with Kathleen Clemons
Monday, July 22
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

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.



Class Level: All



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Artist Bio:

Kathleen Clemons is an award-winning photographer, teacher, speaker, author, and workshop leader from the coast of Maine. Primarily a nature photographer specializing in photographing flowers, Kathleen is known for her creative use of natural light and unique, artistic photographs. She has a passion for making photographs and a degree in education and loves to teach others how to improve their photography skills. https://www.kathleenclemonsphotography.com/
with Hélène Farrar
Wednesday-Friday, July 24-26
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Young artists aged 9-13 will study alongside Artist Helene Farrar as they draw Maine's wonderful wildlife! Animals such as chipmunks, foxes, owls, and turtles will come to life on paper as students explore their geometric forms and textures, working in pencil, watercolor, and more! We will also look to the Gardens to create imagined and real environments and observe wildlife up close for inspiration. Leave this workshop inspired and with the tools to draw Maine's wildlife. All materials provided.

Scholarships are available for families with financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

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Educator Bio:

Hélène Farrar has taught and worked in the visual arts for twenty years while actively exhibiting in commercial, nonprofit, and university galleries in New England, New York City, Pennsylvania, Italy, and England. Farrar has a BA in studio art from the University of Maine and an MFA in interdisciplinary arts from Goddard College in Vermont. Hélène currently owns and operates her own private art school in Maine out of her “Farmhouse” studio, where she holds a variety of workshops and classes for children and adults.
with Garth Welch
Friday, July 26
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Garth Welch, staff IPM Specialist, is here to help identify your plant problems. Focusing on common issues found on garden plants, Garth will explain how to discern the cause from insect, disease, or deficiency. Emphasizing Integrated Pest Management, Garth will advise students on cultural recommendations to resolve the plant problem.

Students can bring photo samples of up to two different plant issues for Garth to help identify. To prevent spread, please do not bring live samples of the plant(s).

Class Level: All Levels



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Instructor Biography:



Garth Welch, the Gardens IPM Specialist and Arborist, has a BS in Ornamental Horticulture from Cornell University, with 40 years of experience in the nursery and landscape trade. With a number of arborist certifications, including International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist as a Registered Consulting Arborist who performs ISA Tree Risk Assessment, as well as an American Society of Consulting Arborist (ASCA) certified Tree and Landscape Appraiser. Additionally, Garth is a Maine Licensed Arborist and Maine Master Applicator for turfgrass and ornamental plants.
with Joy Grannis
Monday & Tuesday,August 5 & 6
9:30 a.m, - 4 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Art & Botany: Creating a 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 experience levels are welcome!



All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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Materials:



Choose your medium!

You can work with watercolor, colored pencils, water-based markers, pen and pencil, Gouache, or a combination. Please choose whichever medium you are most comfortable with or curious about.



Instructor suggestions for each of the mediums can be found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XoGCr40WwL7bQZap7yoYJbkGd856lNbd/view?usp=sharing



Required materials:

9x12 sketchbook

Camera or camera on a smartphone

Graphite pencils, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, 1B, 2B, 3B, will give you a good range

Pencil sharpener with receptacle

Eraser (large kneaded or white vinyl)

Magnifying glass, loupe, or macro setting on smartphone/camera



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Artist Biography:



Joy Grannis is a freelance botanical illustrator, artist, and designer from Portland, Maine. Grannis earned her BA in environmental planning and policy from the University of Southern Maine and later earned a graduate certificate in scientific illustration from California State University at Monterey Bay. Grannis combines her expertise to illustrate the natural world in support of education and environmental conservation. Grannis primarily works in watercolor and digital media, creating pieces for botanical gardens, environmental organizations, interior designers, and retail establishments.

with Jen Dunlap
Friday, August 9
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Groundcover plants combine beautiful form and function, supporting healthy soils and providing texture and color to any garden. In this class, you'll learn from staff Horticulturalist Jen Dunlap about the wide variety of groundcovers, especially those indigenous to the Northeast. We'll uncover their economic and ecological benefits, such as a solution to replace the need for any other kind of mulch.



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Instructor Biography:

Jen Dunlap is a Horticulture Program Manager at the Gardens, whose designs and horticulture practices are centered around ecological principles. such as the gardens she designed at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, including the front entrance gardens of the visitor center and the pond gardens. In the Alfond Children’s Garden, Jen designs and manages the garden beds' plant selection, container gardens, and vertical gardens that are rich in color, texture, and forms. Raising two young children alongside a bountiful herb and vegetable garden, Jen finds the balance between organized chaos and small muddy footprints.
with Melissa Cullina
Wednesday-Friday, August 14-16
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

The first step to gardening with Maine’s native plants is meeting them in their wild habitats. Over this three-day in-person class, Melissa Cullina, the Gardens’ Director of Plant Science & Collections, will help students recognize around fifty frequent coastal species. As a staff botanist, Melissa will cover plant identification skills, terminology, and botanical etymology. Through guided walks, both at the Gardens and a Boothbay Region Land Trust property, students will practice skills and collect samples for identification and botanizing native species.

Level: Intermediate-Advanced



Students should come with a packed lunch and water, Hand lenses will be available, but we encourage students to have their own.



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Suggested reference: The Plants of Acadia National Park, by Glen Mittelhauser, Gregory, Rooney, and Weber,



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Instructor Bio:

Melissa Cullina is the Director of Plant Science & Collections for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Formerly a botanist with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Cullina specializes in aquatic and coastal botany, field identification, and rare species conservation.
with Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet
Wednesday, August 14
1 - 2:30 p.m.
The Gardens

Join our resident dragonfly experts, Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet, for an insider look at these fascinating insects. Participants will learn about dragonfly behavior, habitat, and life cycle and have the opportunity to observe dragonflies up close in their natural environment.
with Lesley Paxson
Thursday, August 15
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Learner Visitor Center

Lesley Paxson and Lucas Miner will lead the group in an exploration of herbal remedies. Participants will learn about alcohol and honey-based tinctures, salves, and infused oils. Explore the wide variety of plants used in these remedies and uncover their origins. Then, delve into the significance of each plant, revealing their historical roots and cultural traditions associated with each.
with Suzanne Stokes
Monday & Tuesday, August 19 & 20
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

This two-day workshop will focus on how to create monoprints, which are one-of-a-kind prints where an image made with ink is transferred onto 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 a variety of ways.



All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



Participants will combine hand-cut stencils, trace monoprint techniques, stamps, brushes, brayers, and various plants to make delightful and captivating imagery without a printing press. Multiple techniques will be explored, such as additive and subtractive methods of ink manipulation and how to make multi-layered colored prints. Composition, line quality, pattern, texture, opacity levels, ink layering to create depth, and color mixing with water-based inks will all be covered in this workshop. Inspiration for subject matter can come from plants, objects, photographs, drawings, sketchbooks, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and your imagination! Through experimentation, each participant will come away with a series of unique, compelling, colorful, multi-layered prints.



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Materials:



Supplies to be purchased from the instructor:

$50 materials fee per student covers the following supplies:

8" x 10" gel plate

Water-based inks

Paper



Provided by the instructor at no extra charge:

Mylar- for cutting stencils

Mat board (to make tools from)

Spray bottle for water

Variety of mark-making tools



Students should supply on their own:

4" and 2.4" Brayers- soft- for example- Affcore, Speedball, Teemico

#11 X-acto knife, with 5+ extra blades- X-acto Knife

Self-healing cutting matt- size A3 recommended but at least an 8” x 10”

Barren- Yasutomo, Speedball, or wooden cooking spoon

Paint brushes, pencils, bamboo skewers, other wooden tools for making impressions.

Tweezers

Paper towels

Cotton rags

Masking tape

Watercolors, colored pencils, pastels, etc., to work with after the print is done

Plastic gloves



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Artist Biography:



Suzanne Stokes lives and creates her work in both New York's Hudson Valley and Boothbay Harbor, ME. Her monoprints, installations, and performance work have been shown locally, nationally, and internationally. She has been making monoprints since 2011 and explored papermaking and embossing soon after. She is also the founder and artistic director of the theatrical, shadow-based performance group Cave Dogs. Suzanne was born and raised in Kent, Ohio, and received her BFA from Kent State University, OH, and her MFA from the State University of New Paltz, NY; both Fine Art degrees were a concentration in Metals. She is a Professor in the Art Department at SUNY New Paltz, NY.
with Joy Grannis
Monday - Wednesday, August 19-21
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Learn the art of visual storytelling by creating an accordion book from drawings made throughout our gardens and woodlands. Students ages 9-13 will join Joy Grannis, botanical illustrator, as she teaches students how to create a composition from what they observe, calling out details as they make sketches and notes to add to their final piece. Students will also learn how to translate the colors they see in nature to their artwork and how to use collage to enhance their artistic book. Mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, acrylic markers, watercolor pencils, and pen will be used. All materials provided.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

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Educator Bio:

Joy Grannis is a freelance botanical illustrator, artist, and designer from Portland, Maine. Grannis earned her BA in environmental planning and policy from the University of Southern Maine and later earned a graduate certificate in scientific illustration from California State University at Monterey Bay. Grannis combines her expertise to illustrate the natural world in support of education and environmental conservation. Grannis primarily works in watercolor and digital media, creating pieces for botanical gardens, environmental organizations, interior designers, and retail establishments.
with Ted Elliman
Saturday, August 24
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Milkweeds and goldenrods adorn our New England landscapes from July through October in shades of white, pink, and yellow, providing beauty and valuable nectar and pollen to native pollinators. Native plant ecologist and botanist Edward Elliman will lead students through a deep dive into the botanical and ecological lessons of these genera and species through a lecture, slideshow, and outdoor field study.



Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced



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Hand lenses will be made available for students who don't have theirs on hand.



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Instructor Biography:

Ted Elliman has been engaged in botanical work in New England and other northeastern states for more than thirty years. Most recently, he was a botanist and plant ecologist on the staff of the New England Wild Flower Society in Framingham, Massachusetts, where he conducted botanical inventories, natural community surveys, invasive species control programs, and helped publish Wildlfowers of New England.
with Katherine Brewer
Tuesday, August 27
1 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for an in-depth look at the role of a curator at a botanical garden. Learn how the Gardens manages the plant collections to support our mission through educational programs, showcasing institutional heritage, facilitating research, and contributing to plant conservation efforts. Katherine Brewer, Curator of Living Collections, will discuss how the special Epimedium and Asclepias collections are built and evaluated.
with Andy Brand
Online, Friday, August 30, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
In-Person, Friday, September 6, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Learn about native woody plants that contribute so much to our landscapes and local biodiversity in this two-day hybrid class. Andy Brand, Director of Horticulture at the Gardens, will discuss identification, habitat, and the role woody plants play in plant reproduction and management as hosts for insects, birds, and other wildlife. You'll leave with recommendations for native species and cultivars and some guidance for cultivation, landscape uses, and soil and light considerations.

Class begins with an online lecture, discussion, and slideshow that is followed by a field-study class at the Gardens a week later.



Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced



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Suggested Reference: Northeast Native Plant Primer 235 Plants for Earth Friendly Garden, Lorimer, Uli



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Instructor Bio:

Andy Brand is the Director of Horticulture at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Prior to joining the staff in 2018, he was the nursery manager at Broken Arrow Nursery for over 20 years, where he and his colleagues specialized in growing rare and unusual plants. Andy is an avid naturalist and has focused on the interaction of the insects and native plants of New England. He is a co-founder and past President of the Connecticut Butterfly Association and past President of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association.
with Dr. Allan Armitage
Friday, September 6
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Internationally recognized horticulturist Dr. Allan Armitage presents on his journey of creating a new personal garden. From years of working in horticulture and visiting hundreds of gardens globally, Dr. A, as many call him, was inspired to downsize his garden. With wisdom and empathy, Dr. Armitage will explain his difficult process of choosing the plants and combinations that meant the most to him and his family, with the ultimate goal of reducing chaos and increasing a sense of contentment.



Book signing available after the presentation. Bring a book or purchase onsite.

General admission to the Gardens is included in the price, so please feel free to arrive at your convenience with your ticket in hand.



Special Presentation: All Levels



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Presenter Biography:



Dr. Allan Armitage is a well-known writer, speaker, and horticulturist. Born and raised in Quebec and Ontario, he later lived in East Lansing, MI, and now resides in Athens, GA. He has worked with landscape plants and greenhouse crops in the North and South, and travels the world speaking and sharing his passion for plants. Armitage holds his B.Sc. from McGill University in Montreal, his M.Sc. from the University of Guelph, and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Allan has written 17 books, such as Specialty Cut Flowers; A Grower's Manual, and non-fiction storybooks: Of Naked Ladies and Forget-me-Knots, and Legends in the Garden; Who in The World is Nellie Stevens, co-written with Linda Copeland, and countless academic papers and hundreds of articles for both professional and weekend gardeners alike; including a monthly column in the national greenhouse publication, Greenhouse Grower for over 30 years. Visit his YouTube channel to view informative, instructional short videos filmed in his personal garden.

Lastly, all plants and no play make Allan a dull boy - squash, tennis, reading, guitar, and yes, even dancing keep him very busy indeed.

Allan Armitage Website: https://www.allanarmitage.net/
with Susan Bickford
Saturday, September 7
9 a.m. - noon
Bosarge Family Education Center

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, a 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 Levels: All Levels



Instructor Biography:

Susan Bickford, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, leads walks throughout coastal Maine and co-manages a retreat event annually, called the Stillness Kitchen. Susan has many talents connecting her to nature, including a visual arts instructor at the University of Maine Augusta. A native of Maine, Susan has a strong connection to the flora and fauna in our verdant landscape.
with Dr. Allan Armitage
Saturday, September 7
2 - 4 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Join award-winning horticulturist and author Dr. Allan Armitage for an insider's perspective of breeding, cultivating, and trialing plants that millions of gardeners enjoy today. Dr. A's vibrant storytelling style and abundant knowledge of plants make any plant lover truly hear and hold onto every word. Stroll along with a fascinating, horticulturally encyclopedic narrator, and you'll learn about the trials, challenges, and successes discussed and inspired by the plants encountered, along the garden tour.



Class Level: All Levels



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Instructor Bio:



Dr. Allan Armitage is a well-known writer, speaker, and horticulturist. Born and raised in Quebec and Ontario, he later lived in East Lansing, MI and now resides in Athens, GA. He has worked with landscape plants and greenhouse crops in the North and South, and travels the world speaking and sharing his passion for plants. Armitage holds his B.Sc. from McGill University in Montreal, his M.Sc. from the University of Guelph, and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Allan has written 17 books, such as Specialty Cut Flowers; A Grower's Manual, and non-fiction story books, Of Naked Ladies and Forget-me-Knots, and Legends in the Garden; Who in The World is Nellie Stevens, co-written with Linda Copeland, and countless academic papers and hundreds of articles for both professional and weekend gardeners alike; including a monthly column in the national greenhouse publication, Greenhouse Grower for over 30 years. To view informative, and instructional short videos filmed in his personal garden, visit his YouTube channel.

https://www.allanarmitage.net/
with Dr. Allan Armitage
Saturday, September 7
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

In this exclusive, informative, and entertaining garden tour, "Dr. A" will highlight legends in horticulture, plant nicknames, and extraordinary stories behind the pioneering to modern days of plant discovery, cultivation, and uses. Whether you're a new or seasoned gardener, Dr. A's stories will enlighten and clarify your curiosities about plant origins, classification, and naming. After the tour, we'll dine together in the newly renovated Cafe at the Gardens. Lunch is included in the price of the event.

Class Level: All Levels



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Instructor Biography:

Dr. Allan Armitage is a well-known writer, speaker, and horticulturist. Born and raised in Quebec and Ontario, he later lived in East Lansing, MI and now resides in Athens, GA. He has worked with landscape plants and greenhouse crops in the North and South, and travels the world speaking and sharing his passion for plants. Armitage holds his B.Sc. from McGill University in Montreal, his M.Sc. from the University of Guelph, and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Allan has written 17 books, such as Specialty Cut Flowers; A Grower's Manual, and non-fiction story books, Of Naked Ladies and Forget-me-Knots, and Legends in the Garden; Who in The World is Nellie Stevens, co-written with Linda Copeland, and countless academic papers and hundreds of articles for both professional and weekend gardeners alike; including a monthly column in the national greenhouse publication, Greenhouse Grower for over 30 years. To view informative, and instructional short videos filmed in his personal garden, visit his YouTube channel.

https://www.allanarmitage.net/

with Caroline Davis
Monday & Tuesday, September 9 & 10
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Make your own small sparkling mosaic wall piece (or two) in this two-day workshop. You will be provided with a variety of pre-cut shapes. Experiment with various types of glass, ceramic tile, beads, and shells. Add dyes and glitter to your grout for added sparkly, colorful texture.



All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.


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Materials:

Students should supply their own:

Rags, sponge, cheesecloth, tweezers, apron, and gloves.



All other materials are included except wheel tile nippers, which can be purchased for $15.
with Sarah Callan
Tuesday, September 10
1 - 2:30 p.m,
Lerner Visitor Center

Developed in collaboration with Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, discover our newest garden space, the Three Sisters Garden. Following the traditional Indigenous planting methodology of corn, squash, and beans, this trio of plants demonstrates the value of reciprocity. Beyond companion planting, deepen your understanding of Wabanaki world views and values, and learn how practicing this tradition is critical to health and wellness.
with Brent McHale
Saturday, September 14
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Improved air quality, aromatherapy, aesthetic interest, and emotional and edible nourishment are a few of the benefits of having houseplants. Join Brent McHale to learn about the garden plants that do best indoors, what kind of indoor conditions and considerations to be aware of, and the numerous ways to display the plants that you love outdoors now indoors. Each student will pot and take home a young new houseplant.

All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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All supplies are included, but students may bring their own 6-8" pot if they'd prefer.



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Instructor Biography:

Brent McHale, staff Horticulturist and Light Designer of Gardens Aglow started gardening at a young age, which turned into completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture Business Management. Brent enjoyed working at a retail greenhouse for a number of years before joining the Gardens in 2019. Enthusiastic and talented in subjects of container gardening, floral arranging, houseplants, and expanding native plant repertoire, Brent leads a number of classes at the Gardens and presents for garden clubs.
with Amanda Devine
Online: Tuesdays, September 17 and 24, 3-5 p.m.
In-Person: Friday, October 4, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Invasive species are considered highly undesirable by botany, ecology, horticulture, and conservation professionals—and for good reason. In this three-part course, Amanda Devine, Regional Land Steward for Maine Coast Heritage Land Trust, will identify the basic ecological problems surrounding these aggressive, tenacious plants. We'll discuss the complicated, and sometimes political, issues, and how a plant becomes labeled "invasive."



After two thorough online sessions, Amanda will guide students in a field study to become better acquainted with some of New England’s most common invasive species. You'll leave with strategies for management and prevention.



Class Level: Intermediate - Advanced



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Suggested reading: Maine Invasive Plants Field Guide, Maine Natural Areas Program



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Instructor Bio:

Amanda Devine is Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Regional Stewardship Manager for Southern Maine. She has worked on the ground in invasive plant management for 13 years and has a master of science from the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program. She lives in Freeport, where she spends her free time trying to rid her woodlot of glossy buckthorn.

with Mindy Lighthipe
Monday-Friday, September 23-27
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Monday-Friday, September 23-27, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is filled with natural treasures waiting to be drawn and painted! Join Mindy Lighthipe for this fun five-day workshop as we focus on capturing wild Maine.

Day 1: All Things Beachy in Graphite: Focus on drawing shells, seaweed, crab claws, horseshoe crabs, and more.

Day 2: All Things Beachy in Color: Learn to transpose the graphite drawings into full-color illustrations.

Day 3: Woodlands in Graphite: Focus on drawing woodland creatures, including fur textures of the red squirrel, mushrooms in leaf litter, and more.

Day 4: Woodlands in Color: Learn to transpose the graphite drawings into full-color illustrations.

Day 5: The Grand Finale: We will take all our sketches and drawings to create a coastal Maine original composition.


All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Get the best value by signing up for all five classes. For those who can't attend all five, you may sign up for individual days.

CL:AL



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Materials:



Graphite Materials List:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hJ1raO4d2WFpYcPTxFcyuv3rI78Khp2/view?usp=sharing



Multi-Media Materials List:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrrfzoJEiH_LU2F2qZKb2W3sHaGWhR5E/view?usp=sharing. It is not necessary to have everything on the list. You may choose your medium.



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Artist Biography:

Mindy Lighthipe

Artist Mindy Lighthipe is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. With this passion, she carefully studies her subjects in their environment.

Mindy uses a variety of techniques and media to create her bold imagery. She paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pan pastels. It is not uncommon for her to break traditional and classic rules by combining techniques to create her unique and breathtaking style.

Mindy graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a BFA in studio arts and an MA in art education. She received her 210-hour certification in botanical illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. After graduating, she went on to teach more than twenty different classes in their botanical art program and developed a 250-hour certificate in natural science illustration.

Mindy has been exhibiting her art since 1998 in juried and solo exhibitions. In 2009, she received a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London. In 2010, she had a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mindy currently teaches scientific illustration at the University of Florida. To learn more, visit www.mindylighthipe.com.
with Mindy Lighthipe
Monday, September 23
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Bring your beach-combed treasures or borrow from our collection as we investigate shells, seaweed, crab claws, horseshoe crabs, and more! On day one, we will draw with graphite.



All experience levels are welcome!

CL:AL



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Materials:

Returning students should bring their preferred materials with them.

Beginners can find the full list of supplies here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hJ1raO4d2WFpYcPTxFcyuv3rI78Khp2/view?usp=sharing



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Artist Biography:

Mindy Lighthipe

Artist Mindy Lighthipe is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. With this passion, she carefully studies her subjects in their environment.

Mindy uses a variety of techniques and media to create her bold imagery. She paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pan pastels. It is not uncommon for her to break traditional and classic rules by combining techniques to create her unique and breathtaking style.

Mindy graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a BFA in studio arts and an MA in art education. She received her 210-hour certification in botanical illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. After graduating, she went on to teach more than twenty different classes in their botanical art program and developed a 250-hour certificate in natural science illustration.

Mindy has been exhibiting her art since 1998 in juried and solo exhibitions. In 2009, she received a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London. In 2010, she had a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mindy currently teaches scientific illustration at the University of Florida. To learn more, visit www.mindylighthipe.com.

with Mindy Lighthipe
Tuesday, Sepetember 24
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Bring your beach-combed treasures or borrow from our collection as we investigate shells, seaweed, crab claws, horseshoe crabs, and more! For day two, we will draw and paint in color using colored pencils, watercolor, and gauche! Students choose their medium.



All experience levels are welcome!



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Materials:

Returning students should bring their preferred materials with them.

Beginners can find the full list of supplies here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrrfzoJEiH_LU2F2qZKb2W3sHaGWhR5E/view?usp=sharing



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Artist Biography:

Mindy Lighthipe

Artist Mindy Lighthipe is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. With this passion, she carefully studies her subjects in their environment.

Mindy uses a variety of techniques and media to create her bold imagery. She paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pan pastels. It is not uncommon for her to break traditional and classic rules by combining techniques to create her unique and breathtaking style.

Mindy graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a BFA in studio arts and an MA in art education. She received her 210-hour certification in botanical illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. After graduating, she went on to teach more than twenty different classes in their botanical art program and developed a 250-hour certificate in natural science illustration.

Mindy has been exhibiting her art since 1998 in juried and solo exhibitions. In 2009, she received a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London. In 2010, she had a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mindy currently teaches scientific illustration at the University of Florida. To learn more, visit www.mindylighthipe.com.

CL:AL
with Mindy Lighthipe
Wednesday, September 25
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

From woodland creatures to forest floor treasures of Maine, students will study specimens and photographs and render them in graphite. We'll explore the fur textures of the red squirrel, mushrooms in leaf litter, twigs, acorns, and more!



All experience levels are welcome.



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Materials:

Returning students should bring their preferred materials with them.

Beginners can find the full list of supplies here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hJ1raO4d2WFpYcPTxFcyuv3rI78Khp2/view?usp=sharing



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Artist Biography:

Mindy Lighthipe

Artist Mindy Lighthipe is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. With this passion, she carefully studies her subjects in their environment.

Mindy uses a variety of techniques and media to create her bold imagery. She paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pan pastels. It is not uncommon for her to break traditional and classic rules by combining techniques to create her unique and breathtaking style.

Mindy graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a BFA in studio arts and an MA in art education. She received her 210-hour certification in botanical illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. After graduating, she went on to teach more than twenty different classes in their botanical art program and developed a 250-hour certificate in natural science illustration.

Mindy has been exhibiting her art since 1998 in juried and solo exhibitions. In 2009, she received a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London. In 2010, she had a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mindy currently teaches scientific illustration at the University of Florida. To learn more, visit www.mindylighthipe.com.



CL:AL
With Mindy Lighthipe
Thursday, September 26
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

From woodland creatures to forest floor treasures of Maine, students will study specimens and photographs and render them in the color medium of their choice. Starting with graphite drawings and learning to transfer to full-color illustrations, we'll explore the fur textures of the red squirrel, mushrooms in leaf litter, twigs, acorns, and more!



All experience levels are welcome,



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Materials:

Returning students should bring their preferred materials with them.

Beginners can find the full list of supplies here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrrfzoJEiH_LU2F2qZKb2W3sHaGWhR5E/view?usp=sharing.

It is not necessary to have everything on the list. You may choose your medium.



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Artist Biography:

Mindy Lighthipe

Artist Mindy Lighthipe is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. With this passion, she carefully studies her subjects in their environment.

Mindy uses a variety of techniques and media to create her bold imagery. She paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pan pastels. It is not uncommon for her to break traditional and classic rules by combining techniques to create her unique and breathtaking style.

Mindy graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a BFA in studio arts and an MA in art education. She received her 210-hour certification in botanical illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. After graduating, she went on to teach more than twenty different classes in their botanical art program and developed a 250-hour certificate in natural science illustration.

Mindy has been exhibiting her art since 1998 in juried and solo exhibitions. In 2009, she received a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London. In 2010, she had a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mindy currently teaches scientific illustration at the University of Florida. To learn more, visit www.mindylighthipe.com.



CL:AL
with Mindy Lighthipe
Friday, September 27
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center


Day five is the culmination of five days of exploration through Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Combining shells, leaves, and forest friends, we'll create an original composition. Students can use the medium of their choice, either in graphite or color.



All experience levels are welcome!



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Materials:



Graphite Materials List:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19hJ1raO4d2WFpYcPTxFcyuv3rI78Khp2/view?usp=sharing



Multi-Media Materials List:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrrfzoJEiH_LU2F2qZKb2W3sHaGWhR5E/view?usp=sharing. It is not necessary to have everything on the list. You may choose your medium.



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Artist Biography:

Mindy Lighthipe

Artist Mindy Lighthipe is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. With this passion, she carefully studies her subjects in their environment.

Mindy uses a variety of techniques and media to create her bold imagery. She paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pan pastels. It is not uncommon for her to break traditional and classic rules by combining techniques to create her unique and breathtaking style.

Mindy graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a BFA in studio arts and an MA in art education. She received her 210-hour certification in botanical illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. After graduating, she went on to teach more than twenty different classes in their botanical art program and developed a 250-hour certificate in natural science illustration.

Mindy has been exhibiting her art since 1998 in juried and solo exhibitions. In 2009, she received a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London. In 2010, she had a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mindy currently teaches scientific illustration at the University of Florida. To learn more, visit www.mindylighthipe.com.



CL:AL
with Hélène Farrar
Wednesday-Friday, October 9-11
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

This is a unique opportunity to work with wood and the ancient medium of encaustic in creating a "critter" in the form of a relief wall piece!

Whether a chipmunk, baby barred owl, or hedgehog is your critter of choice, we'll explore forms on board and then learn to cut with a jigsaw to establish wings, feet, and other creative design elements. Students will be introduced to the molten beeswax paint to create a rich surface for their critter.

CL:AL



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Materials:

The instructor will supply all materials, including cut-out wooden critters.

Please bring sketching supplies, an apron, and rags.

$60 additional fee per student for materials.



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Artist Biography:



Hélène Farrar has taught and worked in the visual arts for twenty years while actively exhibiting in commercial, nonprofit, and university galleries in New England, New York City, Pennsylvania, Italy, and England.

Farrar has a BA in studio art from the University of Maine and an MFA in Interdisciplinary arts from Goddard College in Vermont. Hélène currently owns and operates her private art school in Maine out of her "farmhouse" studio, where she holds varied workshops and classes. Her paintings have recently been accepted into curated exhibits at the Cape Cod Community College, Fuller Craft Museum, the Saco Museum, the University of New England Art Gallery, and Twiggs Gallery in New Hampshire. Farrar is represented by Archipelago Fine Arts in Rockland, Betts Gallery of Belfast, Cynthia Winings Gallery of Blue Hill, and the Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner. Her work as an educator has brought her across Maine, including the Haystack Mountain School for Crafts and the 2019 International Encaustics Conference.
with Diana Rogers
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 15 & 16
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bosarge Family Education Center

Be inspired by the brilliant colors of autumn and beautiful gardens in this two-day pastel workshop. Geared for all levels of experience, this course will introduce beginning artists to pastels with pure pigments that offer the perfect complement to the colorful bounty of nature. For experienced painters, the course offers techniques to create painterly works with bold color and mark-making. Diana combines demonstrations with one-on-one attention and encouragement at the easel. Using fun exercises, participants will learn how to use color and value selection, simplified compositions, and mark-making to create expressive garden and landscape paintings. Participants will have plenty of time to paint and complete fully developed paintings.

All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.

Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.



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Materials:

Returning students should bring their preferred materials with them.

Beginners can find the full list of supplies here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R7joGxxguaVROoSJnAY8KFofCmmpqInM/view?usp=sharing





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Artist Biography:



Diana Rogers' landscape paintings celebrate the vitality of each passing season. She uses bold color and expressive mark-making to embrace nature's gifts. The pastel medium with pure and intense pigments offers the perfect complement to the colorful bounty of nature.



As a plein air painter living in New England, her work focuses on the rich and varied landscapes and coastal terrain of the region. Her work calls attention to the special places in nature that we cherish and need to protect and restore.



Rogers is an award-winning artist, and her work is held in private and public collections across the US. As an arts advocate, she is active in national and regional arts organizations, including the Pastel Society of Maine, American Women Artists, Mystic Museum of Art, and the Pastel Society of America. Learn more about her artwork at www.dianarogersfineart.com

with Irene Barber and Lisa Cowan
Friday October 25, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Online
Friday & Saturday, November 1 & 2, 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. - Bosarge Family Education Center

To design landscapes inspired by—and inclusive of—nature, it is essential to study design principles through the lens of natural systems. In this three-day course led by landscape architect Lisa Cowan and landscape designer and horticulturist Irene 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



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Materials needed:

Pencils, 11 "x17" or 18" x 24" graph and tracing paper, an eraser block, straight-edge (engineer's) ruler, circular template, compass, and drafting adhesive dots.

Suggested reference: Integrated Landscaping: Following Nature's Lead, authors: Chase and Davis



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Instructor Bios:

Lisa Cowan, PLA, SITES AP, is the Principal and Founder of Studioverde, a leading nature-based sustainable design and consulting landscape architecture practice. With qualifications in ecological design, Lisa has successfully led teams through complex projects that resulted in collaborative design solutions that achieved multiple economic, environmental, and social benefits. She serves on the Executive Committee for the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and is an officer in ASLA's Sustainable Design Professional Network. Lisa's firm is nationally recognized for Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) leadership, a land-based certification program that employs a "green" rating system for ecological sensitive design and implementation in built environments.



Irene Brady Barber is motivated by and deeply focused on connecting people to plants. A horticulturist, landscape designer, and Registered Horticultural Therapist, Irene manages the Adult Education Program and the Horticultural Therapy Program for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Upon completing degrees in human behavior and plant and soil sciences, in 2007, Irene began Greenscapes Design, LLC, designing landscapes professionally for clients. A lifetime student, Irene appreciates learning from people, nature, and the endless discoveries research offers.