Pollinators & Honey

We have a special love of honeybees at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Sarah Callan, Interpretation & Exhibits Educator, and Emily Baisden, Entomologist Educator, will take us on a behind-the-scenes tour of our apiary to learn about the life of our bees and what it takes to care for them. After this look inside the hive, we'll take some time to enjoy the fruits--or honey--of their labor and sample some delicious honey both from our hives and around the world! Bring your sweet tooth and get ready to learn all about the types of honey and what factors influence color and flavor.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sarah Callan

Art at the Garden

Art is essential in life! At the Gardens, we love to show off artists, both local and from afar. Join Vanessa Nesvig, Interpretation & Exhibits Program Manager, and Caroline Davis, Art & Exhibits Coordinator, to learn the stories behind the collections at the Gardens. We hear a troll or two might even be sighted!

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Vanessa Nesvig

Dazzling Dahlias

Explore the wide array of the season’s blooming dahlias! Join Courtney Locke on a tour of the Dahlia Garden. We’ll learn about the different groups and characteristics that make up this beautiful display. Courtney will also share some great tips and tricks for caring for your own dahlias at home.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Courtney Locke

Botanical Research at the Gardens

Join Spencer O’Bryan, CMBG’s Science and Collections Information Coordinator, as he takes us through our Herbarium and plant collection to discover more about two aspects of the Gardens’ mission—education and research. Spencer will show us the ins and outs of plant pressing and give us a tour of the pressed plant collection. This department’s latest project has been to catalog all of our plants—come learn about the importance of this ongoing research.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Spencer O’Bryan

Winter Gardens Book Club (Members Only)

Now that the garden is put to bed, it’s a great time to read those books you’ve been meaning to get to! Join the conversation as we discuss four acclaimed books with nature at their core. We’ll conduct these conversations via Zoom, so anyone can participate. Just sign up, read the selection and then join the group by logging into the Zoom meeting that day. December 13: Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change by Thor Hanson, January 10: Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty, February 10: Second Nature by Michael Pollan, March 14: Woodsqueer: Crafting a Rural Sustainable Life by Gretchen Legler

Learn More
Location: Online
Instructor: Vanessa Nesvig
Price: $25

Family Member Tour: Vernal Pool Walk

April is a big month for amphibians in Maine as they migrate to vernal pools to breed and lay eggs. During this walk, we’ll spend time exploring the many vernal pools at the Gardens in search of wood frog and spotted salamander eggs as well as other seasonal residents. Participants will learn how to tell the difference between frog and salamander eggs, what makes vernal pools unique, and gain an understanding of their important role in the forest ecosystem. This program is intended for children with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. This program meets at the Timber Frame behind the Education Center.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free

Member Insider – Spring Birding Migration Walk

Join us for a morning tour before the Gardens opens to the public. Explore our fascinating bird population at the the peak of the spring migration season. Binoculars are recommended; all skill levels welcome.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free

Family Member Tour – Birding Walk

Spring is one of the best times to go bird watching, since many birds are returning to their mating grounds, sporting showy and colorful plumage. Take advantage of all the natural spaces at the Gardens and get a front-row seat to the show! Put your birding skills to the test – or gain a whole new set – as we tour the Gardens together, looking for our feathered friends and learning how to identify them by their calls and select features. This program is intended for children with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. This program meets at the Timber Frame behind the Education Center.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free

Member Photography Club

Every other Thursday, May 18-October 5, 7-9 a.m.

The Photography Club meets every other Thursday morning from 7-9 a.m., beginning May 18 and ending October 5. Club dues are $25.00 for the entire season, as long as you're a member of the Gardens. Enjoy having the whole of our campus to yourself for two hours before we open to the public, and capture the morning light and mingle with your fellow photographers.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Caroline Davis
Price: $25

Member Insider: Spring Buds and Blooms (Sold Out)

Early-spring blooms bring a burst of color and life to the landscape after a long, dormant winter, providing a beautiful (and much-needed!) reminder of renewal and growth. Expert horticulturist Courtney Locke will provide insightful and educational commentary about different species and their unique characteristics. Members will also have the chance to ask questions and engage in lively discussions about their favorite plants.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Courtney Locke
Price: Free

Member Insider: Native Tree Trek (Sold Out)

Join Horticulturist Alison Webb for a tour of our forests and learn 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. The tour also sheds light on conservation efforts aimed at preserving the state's native tree populations. Expect some steep paths along the way, so be prepared with proper footwear!

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Alison Webb
Price: Free

Member Insider: Bees and Honey Tasting (Sold Out)

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the sweetness of nature. Join us and 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--honey bees--in action. Afterwards, we’ll taste a variety of honeys from around the world, from light to dark, sweet to savory.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free

Member Insider: Highlights of the Hillside

The Highlights of the Hillside tour takes members on a journey through the recent redesign of this breathtaking natural space. Lon Ames, Haney Hillside Garden Horticulturist, will highlight the changes and share information about the process of redesigning a garden, including the considerations that go into selecting and arranging plants, creating appealing paths, and adding amenities for visitors.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Lon Ames
Price: Free

For Members: Butterfly House Plants & Pollinators

Join Horticulturist & Lepidopteran Specialist, Alicia Miller, on a tour of the Native Butterfly House where you'll have the opportunity to observe the different stages of development of butterflies and moths and explore their habitats and host plants. This experience can offer valuable insights into the behavior and ecology of these captivating insects. So come and immerse yourself in the world of butterflies and moths, and discover the wonders of their existence.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Alicia Miller
Price: Free

Family Member Tour: Pond Investigations

The Gardens is filled with beauty and wonder aboveground, but there’s plenty to discover below the surface too! Join us as we dip our nets into our many ponds in search of aquatic friends, including frogs, salamanders, and dragonfly nymphs, learning about their lives in the process. This program is intended for children with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. This program meets at the Timber Frame behind the Education Center.

Location: Timber Frame
Instructor: Bridget VerVaet
Price: Free

Member Insider: Summer Annual Tour

Join Horticulturist Delaney Pitman on a members-only leisurely summer walk at the Gardens. Explore and admire the beauty of our summer annuals and learn a bit about the techniques used to maintain the health and vibrant colors of these plants. The tour offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of summer annuals up close and to ask questions or engage in discussion with our expert guide.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Delaney Pitman
Price: Free

Family Member Tour: Summer Tree Walk

Join us for a scavenger hunt through the woods as we learn how to identify some of Maine’s native trees. Participants will also learn how to distinguish a coniferous tree from a deciduous one. During our walk, we’ll collect leaves to make a leaf-rubbing banner to help us remember our native trees. This program is intended for children with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. This program meets at the Timber Frame behind the Education Center.

Location: Timber Frame
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free

Member Insider: Dragonfly Adventures

Join Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet, our resident dragonfly experts, for an insider look at these fascinating insects. With Andy and Bridget's expertise, participants will learn a great deal about dragonfly behavior, habitat, and life cycle, not to mention the opportunity to observe dragonflies up close in their natural environment.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free

Member Insider: Curating the Gardens

Join us for an in-depth look at the role of a curator at a botanical garden. Learn how the Gardens’ plant collections are managed and how they 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 two special collections, the Epimedium and Asclepias collections, are built and evaluated.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Katherine Brewer
Price: Free

For Members: Native Edible Plants Tour & Tasting

Discover the world of native edible plants on a guided tour led by Adult Education & Horticultural Therapy Program Manager, Irene Barber. Explore our beautiful gardens and learn about these edible natives, from traditional and contemporary uses to nutritional and medicinal properties. Sample some of these unique plants along the way, and engage your senses in this fun and interactive experience. We'll enjoy a tasting of refreshing, wild fruit-infused spritzers.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Irene Barber
Price: Free

Member Insider: Dahlias: Trials and Triumphs

This members-only dahlia tour will explore both challenges and triumphs we've had over the years with these fabulous beauties. Despite facing some difficulties along the way, Horticulturist Courtney Locke persevered and was able to truly showcase the beauty of these flowers. Join Courtney and gain a deeper understanding of the process involved in growing and nurturing these magnificent blooms.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Courtney Locke
Price: Free

Member Evenings

Thursday, May 11; Thursday, May 25; Thursday, June 1; Thursday, June 8; Saturday, June 17; Thursday, July 6; Saturday, July 15; Thursday, July 27; Thursday, August 3; Saturday August 12; Thursday, August 24; from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: Free

13th Annual Ina & Lewis Heafitz Endowed Lecture Series: Invitations from and to the Garden: Cultivating A Garden Culture of Care

In her presentation, Jennifer Jewell will discuss the philosophy of Cultivating Place, her National Public Radio program and international podcast. Her podcast is a voice for gardeners and nature-lovers and operates from the belief that gardens and gardeners are potentially powerful agents and spaces for positive change in our world, helping to address challenges as wide-ranging as climate change, habitat loss, cultural polarization, and individual and communal health and wellbeing. In this program, she will explore how the power of gardens and gardeners can be viewed through a lens of invitation—both the invitations we recognize and accept from our gardens in our roles as gardeners and those we extend to the greater world through our gardening practices.

Learn More
Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Jennifer Jewell
Price: Free

Family Member Tour: Fall Tree Walk

Join us for a scavenger hunt through the woods as we learn how to identify some of Maine’s native trees and discover why their leaves change color in the fall. Participants will also learn how to distinguish a coniferous tree from a deciduous one. During our walk, we’ll collect leaves to make a leaf-rubbing banner to help us remember our native trees. This program is intended for children with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. This program meets at the Timber Frame behind the Education Center.

Location: Timber Frame
Instructor: Bridget VerVaet
Price: Free

Member Insider: Gardens Aglow Design

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Gardens Aglow with designer, Brent McHale. Learn about the precise planning, process, and implementation of Aglow. We'll cover topics like creating a unique and eye-catching display and what it takes to put up and maintain the display through harsh weather.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Brent McHale
Price: Free

Winter Gardens Book Club

Now that the garden work is settling down, it’s a great time to read those books you’ve been meaning to get to! Join the conversation as we discuss four acclaimed books with nature at their core. We’ll conduct these conversations via Zoom, so anyone can participate regardless of where they spend their winters. Just sign up, read the selection and then join the group by logging into the Zoom meeting that day.

Learn More
Location: Online
Instructor: Sarah Callan

Member Insider: Bird Exploration

Wednesday, May 8, 7-8:30 a.m.
& Wednesday, May 15, 7-8:30 a.m.

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.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Multiple Instructors

Member Photography Club

Every other Thursday, May 9-October 10

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Caroline Davis
Price: $35

Member Insider: Bird Exploration

with Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet
Wednesday, May 15, 7-8:30 a.m.

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.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Multiple Instructors

Member Insider: Native Trees of Maine

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Alison Webb

Member’s Evening and “Horticulture Happy Hour”

Join us for a “Horticulture Happy Hour.” Meet members of the Horticulture team and enjoy happy hour appetizers and a drink (the first drink is complimentary, and additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available at a charge). Registration is required.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

Member Insider: The World of Bugs

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.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Zac Smith-Hess

Member Insider: Buzzworthy Bees and Honey

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.

Location: Apiary
Instructor: Multiple Instructors

Member Insider: Dazzling Dragonflies

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors

Member Insider: Herbal Workshop

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.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Multiple Instructors

Member Insider: Curating and Collections

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Katherine Brewer

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

Member Insider: Three Sisters Garden

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.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center
Instructor: Sarah Callan

Winter Book Club (Sold Out)

Book cover for "How I Became a Tree" - a drawing of a person with plants growing out of their body on a blue background.We’re sorry this event is not available. Occasionally, we have cancellations throughout the year. If you’d like to hear first when a spot opens, please fill out the form at this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8l7K2KgaBkGGA7KoxKE-jMr68GBGSZ1Otp6oHdgGi-9UNVgwR00xMFM1T0JBSURMOTlLT1ZMMllVRi4u
This form does not guarantee a spot at the event.

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While the garden overwinters, it's time to slow down, nestle into a comfy chair, and dive into a good book. Connect all winter long with fellow gardeners as we discuss four acclaimed nature-inspired books at the Member-only Winter Book Club. Join us in person at the Gardens or via Zoom for those further afield.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 

How I Became A Tree by Sumana Roy 

Described as "an exquisite, lovingly crafted meditation on plants, trees, and our place in the natural world, in the tradition of Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass and Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," we'll begin the book club season by diving into Sumana Roy's How I Became a Tree. In this part memoir-part meditation, Roy reflects on her desire to become a tree and imagines a world where humans pay attention to the lessons we can learn from the plants around us. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2024 

Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson 

Ash Davidson's debut novel Damnation Spring is set amongst the redwoods in a Northern California logging community in the late 1970s. Davidson tells the story of a family who finds their way of life threatened as tensions rise in their community and the health of industry, land, and people decline. With rich language that immerses the reader in the landscape, Damnation Spring pulls at your heart as it asks how far one family will go to protect their future. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2024 

In the Herbarium: The Hidden World of Collection and Preserving Plants by Maura C. Flannery 

Herbaria, or collections of preserved plant specimens, have existed for almost 500 years, serving as essential resources for scientists in studying how plants and biodiversity have changed. Maura C. Flannery shares her thorough research on the history of herbaria and explores the powerful role they continue to play in botany to this day, shining a light on both the past and future of plant science. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2024 

All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki 

Exploring our relationship with nature and our desire to control it, Ozeki braids together agribusiness, environmental activism, and community in a sometimes comic, sometimes tragic work of fiction. Japanese-American daughter Yumi Fuller returns home as an adult to her family's potato farm to care for her parents amidst a growing controversy over genetically modified plants. 

Location: Cafe Rotunda 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay