Thanks to generous support from L.L.Bean, kids 17 and under are free every Wednesday in July and August. No need…

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.

Gardens Aglow will light up the Boothbay peninsula for the sixth year in a row, with one important change: this…

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.

Diane welcomes all wreath-making elves, both those returning and those new to the craft, to learn about creating custom winter…

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.

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.

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.