Fabulous First-Rate Foliage

When selecting landscape plants, flowers tend to get most of our attention. But when flowers start to fade, what’s better than being able to shift our attention to a fabulous foliage display? There are so many options, from a variety of colors and textures to leaf shape and qualities—tiny succulent-like leaves to enormous papery-thin specimens. In this field-study class, Director of Horticulture, Andy Brand, takes students around the Gardens to see and learn all about the features of foliage and their ecological adaptations. Come ready to take pictures because we’re certain you’re about to make your next horticultural discovery, perfect for the garden or woodland.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Andy Brand
Price: $32 / $40

Fancy-Pants Plants

Put on your Sunday best, folks, because these plants are dressed to impress! They might be hard to find, hard to grow, or hard to afford, but these? You’ve gotta have ’em—CHOICE perennials that will make you the envy of your local garden club! Come join horticulturist and plant breeder Dan Robarts and explore these maddeningly limited plants—the native, exotic, wild, or advanced hybrids that will dress your gardens to the nines! Sun, shade, wet, or dry, Dan will have his thinking cap (complete with feather) on, espousing the greatness of so many wonderful horticultural selections, you’ll beg him to put a sock in it. They may be elusive, but don’t get a bee in your bonnet. Dr. Robarts will score a true hat trick, with propagation, acquisition, and cultivation tips to make these plants a reality for your gardening endeavors.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Dan Robarts
Price: $32 / $40

Paint the Gardens: Plein Air Watercolor Painting

Monday-Wednesday, July 11-13 | Come out and enjoy painting in the best studio ever—the great outdoors! The Gardens offers a plethora of inspiration, and painting with watercolor is such fun once you have a basic understanding of how to work with it—it’s both spontaneous and predictable, all at the same time! Feel more confident after this class, filled with detailed instruction about technique and creating a good composition. Erica’s humor and gentle nature will make you feel at ease and enjoy the process. Class time will be spent on classroom instruction and demonstration and time to work independently, putting new skills to work in the Gardens with plenty of instructor feedback.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Erica Qualey
Price: $285 / $310

Create your own Kokedama (Ages 14+)

Unique, exceptional and magical are just some of the adjectives used to describe kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil, 6-8 inches in diameter. They can be displayed on a decorative surface of your choice, hung from a tree branch, pergola ceiling, arbor, or bracket. In this class for all ages, horticulturist Jen Dunlap will guide you in creating three kokedama projects for your home garden. These verdant, living globes add whimsy, mystery, and vertical interest to your outdoor living space. All supplies provided.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Jen Dunlap
Price: $60 / $72

Plant ID & Ecology: Conifers

In this field-study class, Jeff O'Donal, nurseryman and conifer grower, will explore the extensive world of conifers, including native and non-native species, specimen plants and those great for naturalizing into our native landscapes. Diverse, conifers grow in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and the needle species offer so many options: variations of gold and blue, soft or coarse textures, varieties of needle lengths, deciduous or evergreen, fragrant or neutral—there’s something for every style and landscape, from gardens to containers.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Jeff O’Donal
Price: $32 / $40

Wabanaki Essentials: Tools for Life and Home

Long before products manufactured from metals, plastics, or synthetics were widely available, essential daily tools like pots, baskets, bowls, and utensils were handmade from elements found in nature. In this all-ages class, learn how the Wabanaki made such daily essentials and how these traditions live on, connecting people to earth and to heritage. Learn from Barry Dana (Penobscot) and Lori Dana as they share stories, describing how to know what natural elements are used for what function and where they can be found, as well as the making process, produced by hand without the need for electricity, oil, coal, or metal. To finish class, you'll learn how to braid traditional bass rope.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Barry Dana
Price: $24 / $30

Plant ID & Ecology: Freshwater Wetland Plants

Wetland plants are wildly diverse and beautiful—take the marsh marigold or the wild calla, the latter related to the traditional calla lily sold by florists. Join us for this field-study class with plant ecologist Ted Elliman and develop skills to identify freshwater wetland plants, developing an understanding of their growing conditions, habits, and seasonal performance. Gain a deeper appreciation for the ecological value of these often-overlooked species.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Ted Elliman
Price: $32 / $40

Gathering in the Garden: Poetry and Book Arts

Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 and 27 | This intensive, two-day course explores and unites two creative processes: poetry and the visual arts. Taking inspiration from the forms, colors, and inhabitants of the Gardens, students will write, illustrate, and design an artists’ book, including a two-pamphlet paperback journal, a flag book, and a layered accordion book. Day one begins in the classroom, then moves into the Gardens for inspiration. Day two begins with poetry prompts, then students will venture off on their own to create patterns in poetic response to the Gardens. Students will also gain a playful acquaintance with poetic forms like the villanelle, the sestina, and the pantoum.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Rebecca Goodale
Price: $285 / $310

The Caterpillar Walk

The Caterpillar Lab is moving in, and while the exhibit is filled with munching critters offering lots to explore, the real story is the one happening outdoors. In our many gardens (as well as your own backyard), these creatures are living out their strange lives in the wild. Join The Caterpillar Lab Director, Sam Jaffe, on an exploration of the Gardens in search of native caterpillars and other insects. Learn how The Lab finds its caterpillars, all about host plants and parasitoids, and discover caterpillar-finding secrets from one of the world’s foremost caterpillar hunters! This walk is appropriate for naturalists, gardeners, and explorers of all ages. It may not, however, be appropriate for more casually interested younger children.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sam Jaffe

Introduction to Native Flora of Maine

Fridays, August 5 and 12 and Saturday, August 13 | The first step to gardening with Maine’s native plants is meeting them in their wild habitats. Over this two-day class, CMBG’s Research Botanist, Melissa Cullina, will help students recognize 50 or more frequent coastal species.

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Location: Online & Bosarge Family Education Center
Instructor: Melissa Cullina
Price: $155 / $180

Moth Lighting Night

Join us and get mothing! The Gardens has teamed up with The Caterpillar Lab for an after-hours mothing extravaganza. Lightsheeting, or “mothing,” is the practice of providing an irresistible surface for insects to land on by illuminating a large white sheet. This favorite pastime of biologists has quickly become a popular hobby for nature lovers, gardeners, and the naturally curious worldwide. Popular events like National Moth Week and Mothapalooza have been attracting more and more attention—and now you, too, can be an explorer at this exclusive, after-hours event.

The Caterpillar Lab Director, Sam Jaffe, will arrange his ultra-moth-attracting setup and be on hand to help identify the hundreds of species we’ll likely attract. Come ready to be amazed by the diversity, size, and beauty of Maine’s nocturnal insect inhabitants. Before long, you too will be hooked on this popular pastime.

For the best experience, avoid bright clothing, wear long sleeves and pants, and bring a flashlight and insect repellant. This program is designed for anyone ages 10 and up, adults and families alike.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sam Jaffe
Price: $15 / $18

Beginning Mosaics from A-Z

Monday and Tuesday, August 8 and 9 | Join us to learn a brief history of the intriguing art of mosaic, including information on materials, substrates, and tools. Experience hands-on the different methods of working—direct, indirect, and double reverse—by using these methods to make a tile each day of class. We’ll talk about andamento, or way mosaic tiles are laid, as well as use of color and tile shape.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Cassie Doyon
Price: $225 / $255

Plant ID & Ecology: Native Deciduous Shrubs

Interested in learning about the benefits of incorporating native deciduous shrubs into your garden? Or maybe you already have shrubs in your landscape and want to expand your knowledge. Either way, join Emily Baisden, entomology and native shrub aficionado, to learn about the extensive selection of native deciduous shrubs available for your garden. We’ll cover the ecosystem services provided by native shrubs, from pollinator hosts to erosion control, as well as how to select the right species for your space, taking into consideration environmental characteristics and seasonal qualities.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Irene Barber
Price: $32 / $40

Beautiful Buds and Blossoms in Colored Pencil

Monday-Wednesday, August 15-17 | Join instructor Kate MacGillivary for this three-day class focusing on rendering the beautiful details of garden blossoms and buds in colored pencil. Designed for students with some previous drawing experience, this class offers plenty of time to create a beautiful drawing. Kate will give students the time and attention needed to get a wonderful feel for the medium of colored pencil. Plant material for students to study and draw will be provided.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Kate McGillivary
Price: $285 / $310

10 Medicinal Plants: Morphology and Uses

In this workshop and field-study class, herbalism practitioner and staff horticulturalist Lesley Paxson will review 10 specific plants used for their medicinal applications. Lesley will take students around the Gardens, examining the morphology (form and structure) of each plant, describing key chemical constituents, and sharing details about what and when to harvest, plant folklore, and history. Students will forage from the select plants, sample recipes derived from traditional methods, and learn how to process their collected materials, once home. Come with an airtight bag or jar in which to preserve your collections.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Lesley Paxson
Price: $36 / $44

Gardening With Nature (Sold Out)

Our gardens and gardening practices are intrinsically tied to nature. This class will guide students through the best design and management strategies that work in unison with nature, encouraging and embracing biodiversity and sustaining healthy, low-maintenance gardens. Anna Fialkoff, Program Manager at Wild Seed Project, offers an overview of plant selection and processes for achieving beautiful gardens requiring minimal manual labor.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Anna Fialkoff
Price: $32 / $40

Wildlife in the Backyard: Insects (Ages 14+) (Cancelled)

Want to enter the world of beetles, butterflies, bees, grasshoppers, wasps, and flies? Ages 14-adult are invited to join us and learn about the insect wildlife to be found in backyards and gardens. Learn to identify the most common insects and the roles these important creatures play in their ecosystems. After an introductory slideshow, we'll explore the Gardens to observe and gain insight into insect behavior, identifying where insects prefer to live versus where they’re discouraged. We'll take a holistic approach to studying insects, recognizing that even the smallest patch of yard is inclusive of nature.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sarah Callan
Price: $20 / $25

Plant ID & Ecology: Grassland Plants

Whether called fields, meadows, or pastures, these wide-open, full-sun terrains all feature a dominant grass population mixed with wildflowers and smaller woody species. In partnership with the Boothbay Region Land Trust, this class will guide students on walks at the Gardens, Oak Point, and Zak Preserve. Led by Ted Elliman, author of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes, An Identification Guide, participants will learn how to identify and better understand meadow culture—perfect for those interested in starting or sustaining an open grassland!

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

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 Wildflowers of New England.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Ted Elliman
Price: $32 / $40

Creating Meaningful Photographs with Ron Rosenstock

Join world-renowned photographer Ron Rosenstock for this Zoom lecture. Ron will elaborate on the three main ingredients needed to create meaningful photography: attention, intention, and awareness. Ron Rosenstock has taken photographs and taught photography all over the world. The lecture will run approximately 90 minutes with time left at the end for questions and answers.

Location: Online
Instructor: Ron Rosenstock
Price: $35 / $45

12th Annual Ina & Lewis Heafitz Endowed Lecture: Centering Indigenous Peoples & Nations in Land Protection & Conservation

Explore the opportunities for Wabanaki-led conservation in what is now Maine in this year’s Ina and Lewis Heafitz Endowed Lecture with Dr. Darren Ranco. In this free, endowed lecture, he will share contemporary scholarship about Indigenous conservation practices, define the terminology used by Indigenous people for conservation work, and identify best practices for partnerships with environmental organizations and Indigenous peoples.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Dr. Darren Ranco
Price: Free