Growing From Seed for the Landscape

In partnership with the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens presents the Green Spotlight Series, featuring local and national researchers, instructors, and field professionals from the green industry discussing topics valuable to peer professionals.

Sowing native plants is becoming more and more popular, but what, when, and how to cultivate them remains an area of uncertainty. Leslie will discuss sowing native plants for a variety of successful landscape settings, including the methods and timing for sowing seeds that will lead to strong germination rates and long-term growth, from what and where we can sow outdoors in November to what should be sown indoors during February or March. Leslie’s knowledge about propagating native plants will be valuable to any landscape or nursery professional.

The variety of topics in Green Spotlight Series is designed for a diverse range of landscape-related professionals from nursery and lawn-care specialists to arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and landscape designers/architects. MELNA members are eligible for the CMBG member price and will earn recertification credits and several sessions will count toward the State of Maine's Pesticide License recertification. Please inquire regarding credit approval for all other network agencies.

Location: Online
Instructor: Leslie Duthie
Price: $10 / $15

Irrigation Management: Greenhouse & Nursery

Water management can impact plant health and nutrient management. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a variety of water management systems available at greenhouses and nurseries. We’ll also briefly cover new technologies for managing water. After the talk, participants are welcome to pose questions and share new ideas.

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Location: Online
Instructor: Stephanie Burnett
Price: $10 / $15

What is Natural Design?

True native design encompasses more than simply using native plants. Considering ecological process in the design, planting, and management of native landscapes may very well be the missing components. This presentation examines how alternative approaches on everything from selecting, arranging, and spacing plants to the simple act of weeding can yield a more easily maintained landscape, one that express the beauty and ecological richness of our native surroundings.

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Location: Online
Instructor: Larry Weaner
Price: $10 / $15

Water Management in Urban Landscapes

Managing hydrology in cities presents profound design challenges including: finding space for daylighting and unsealing of pavement; managing urban flooding from extreme precipitation events; and restoring surface and subsurface water quality. These challenges are increasingly complex, given climate change and global urbanization. Landscape professionals have the skills and knowledge needed to meet these challenges while, at the same time, bringing beauty and resilience to our cities.

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Location: Online
Instructor: Jack Ahern
Price: $10 / $15

Efficiency in Greenhouse Growing

This talk will cover the above-ground aspects of greenhouse production and how to make it more productive, efficient, and profitable. Jeff Marstaller, greenhouse grower and owner of solar-powered Cozy Acres in North Yarmouth, will share his experience and a variety operations factors to consider, such as location, resources, and business model. He will speak to a spectrum of subtopics including selection, timing and quantities of crops, potted plant production, processes, goals and expectations, and details of plant sales and distribution. Both the beginner and the experienced greenhouse grower will find a valuable chance to network and share knowledge among peers.

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Location: Online
Instructor: Jeff Marstaller
Price: $10 / $15

Natural Landscape Design

Monday, January 25, March 1, and Saturday, May 15 Join landscape designer Larry Weaner as he guides students through the step-by-step process of designing native, ecology-based landscapes for New England. Specifics will include site analysis, species selection and arrangement, and the creation of ecological, process-based management specifications. Techniques to artfully combine all of these considerations will be woven throughout the program.

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Location: Online / at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Larry Weaner
Price: $225 / $275