Starts on: April 30, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Fundamentals of Botany
Register Now:Thursdays, April 30 & May 7, 5–7:30 p.m. (online) & Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (in-person)
A core understanding of plant biology will open up the world of plants for any gardener. Through discussion, lectures, and hands-on lab work, this class begins with basic plant anatomy, exploring how every aspect of a plant supports photosynthesis, respiration, and water and mineral uptake. Sessions one and two take place online and will trace the life cycle of a flowering plant, from germination to seed dispersal. Session three takes place in the living classroom of the Gardens, examining plants and their botanical characteristics through hand lenses and field study.
Instructor Bio(s)
Bryan Peterson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Maine, where his research strives to identify, characterize, and further develop promising ornamental plants for New England landscapes, with a focus on the protection and responsible use of indigenous flora. He teaches botany, greenhouse & nursery management, and native plant ecology, among other topics. Mr. Peterson characterizes genetic diversity within high-priority taxa to evaluate ecological and genetic security of natural genetic resources in relation to consequences of biological invasions and/or climate change and to work toward the responsible selection, development, and release of new ornamental horticulture crops for New England’s nursery and landscape industry.
Manjot Sidhu is an Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture and Ornamental Horticulture Specialist at University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Manjot works on developing educational programs, providing specialized support, and conducting applied research programs that caters to the state-wide needs of ornamental crop production in Maine. She focuses on the needs of Maine’s green industry that includes floriculture, nurseries, greenhouse production, christmas tree production and clients involved in consumer horticulture.
Materials and Equipment Needed
Suggested Reference: Botany for Gardeners, Fourth Edition, Bryan Capron.