Orientation for Botanical Arts Certificate
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For new and returning Botanical Arts Certificate students: join us to review 2022’s courses, the requirements needed to receive your certificate, and an introduction to this year’s instructors and their artwork. Those already enrolled in the program should sign up to attend, but there is no need to pay an additional fee. The presentation will be indoors and masks will be required; students must be members of the Gardens to enroll in this program.
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.
Forest Therapy and Tea (Sold Out)
Deepening your connection to nature through moving meditation offers enormous benefits for personal well-being. In this gentle class, experience how the simple practice of walking mindfully through a forest can provide deep serenity. By engaging with all five senses, we can enhance awareness and presence. Follow Susan Bickford, certified guide in the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy/forest bathing, and gain the tools needed to begin your own meditation practice. The walk ends with a tea ceremony.
Learn MoreFundamentals of Botany
Friday, May 27 and Saturday, June 4 | With a core understanding of plant biology, working with nature takes on a whole new depth. Beginning with basic plant anatomy, students will learn how every aspect of the organism works together to sustain photosynthesis, respiration, and water and mineral uptake.
Learn MorePastel Society of Maine: Adult Workshop (Sold Out)
Curious about introducing pastels into your artwork and developing your skills? Join us for this workshop and explore artistic expression of a garden theme through the medium of pastel. An experienced Pastel Society of Maine Signature Member will demonstrate pastel use, assist with materials, and help students learn to edit their subject, block in color, and use layers to create details and convey light, shape, and movement.
Learn MoreDemystifying Watercolor
Thursdays, June 2 and 9 | This introductory course is designed for both beginner and advanced artists interested in a thorough exploration of painting with watercolor. Emphasis will be on understanding the proper handling of the paint in order to achieve certain desired effects, and concise recipes for consistent color-mixing will be provided. Each lesson is broken down into a concise live format with demonstrations. The subject matter is based on nature, but can be applied to any realistic subject matter.
Learn MoreWabanaki Food and Medicine (Sold Out)
In this all-ages class, learn about the plants and natural resources the Wabanaki have been using for food and medicine for centuries, from fishing to foraging and cultivating. Join Barry Dana (Penobscot) and Lori Dana and learn more about the flora, fauna, and practices that the Wabanaki have carried forward. Come increase your awareness and help preserve their existence, getting fired up to incorporate these heritage and native plants into your landscape setting, whether a community garden, forest edge, or wide-open field. All efforts help to continue and honor these natural resources, especially as nutritional sovereignty becomes more of an issue in today’s Maine.
Learn MoreSelecting Native Herbaceous Plants
Mondays, June 13 and July 11, and Saturday, August 27 | Native plant expert Dan Robarts will introduce students to a wide variety of native perennials for use in a number of garden settings. Class begins with an overview of the extensive range of perennials available and how to select the right plant for the right place in the right combination.
Learn MoreSustainable Horticultural Practices
Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 25 | Ecosystem balance and soil and water quality are all influenced by our landscape practices. This extensive, two-day study of sustainable horticulture will help students apply the principles of ecologically safe gardening practices to their existing garden or landscape.
Learn MoreNative Plant Guilds Worskhop (Sold Out)
Choosing native plants for your landscape should be fun and creative, not daunting or complicated! When you consider plants in simple groupings, or guilds, it becomes a lot easier to design a landscape with appealing texture, color, and wildlife value throughout the seasons. Native plant guilds draw on inspiration from natural plant communities in habitats like coastal plains, forests, wetlands, or mountain tops.
Learn MorePlant a Mini Alpine & Rock Garden
Rock garden and alpine plants are wonderful additions to any garden, bursting with fine details particularly suited to up-close viewing. Join us for an introduction to the wide array of rock or alpine plants, their sizes, environmental adaptations, origins, and other horticultural details. Most importantly, students will be guided through the process of planting their own miniature rock or alpine garden using a specially selected garden container they can take home. 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.
Plant ID and Ecology: Ferns
Whether you’re an experienced fern gardener or you’re interested in getting better acquainted, join horticulturist and Fernwood Nursery owner, Rick Sawyer, out in the Gardens to learn more about these staple Maine beauties. Ferns are truly an essential plant in any New England garden, so if you don’t already have a minimum of five different ferns, then it’s time to join us and decide what new acquisitions to make.
Learn MoreExploring Landscape through Encaustic Painting
Monday and Tuesday, June 20 and 21 | In this hands-on workshop, develop sketches, photographs, or landscape visions into encaustic paintings by exploring a rich variety of marks, transfer, and stencil techniques. Class time will be divided between demonstration, individual work time, and discussion about Maine art and its contemporary and historical connection to landscape. We’ll chat about proper studio ventilation, wax safety, and how to “finish” artworks in terms of framing and care. Students will leave with multiple finished pieces and an understanding of proper studio set-up.
Learn MorePlant a Fabulous Container Garden (Ages 14+) (Sold Out)
Planting a container garden is enormous fun. Loaded with creative possibility, it’s a perfect activity for gardeners of every age and ability, no matter if your containers are destined for your front stoop, patio, balcony, or planned as a focal feature in a perennial bed. In this hands-on workshop, Jen Dunlap, horticulturist and container garden designer, will guide you through the process of selecting, planting, and caring for whatever annuals you choose—sun- or shade-loving and with a myriad of flower and foliage options. 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.
Home Composting For All
Whether you live in an apartment building, on a suburban lot, or a rural property, this class will get everyone composting! Food waste makes up 1/3 of the trash produced in the average American home, and yet there's so much we can do to prevent this from happening. From indoor vermiculture to outdoor compost bins, you can collect and convert waste into plant-growth gold. Join Don Morrison, Master Gardener and compost aficionado, to learn about the different methods, containers, and materials needed to successfully compost food waste and garden debris. Believe us—there’s a method for every lifestyle!
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.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management
This one-day class will cover extensive ground on the insects, diseases, and deficiencies found on plants in the landscape. Applying principles of integrated pest management (IPM), the course will help students identify, monitor, and prevent poor plant health and, when necessary, deal with treatments. State Horticulturalist Gary Fish will emphasize preventative measures and help students determine the methods to mitigate further plant-pest problems.
Learn MoreFabulous 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.
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.
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.
Learn MoreCreate 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.
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.
Learn MoreWabanaki 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.
Learn MorePlant 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.
Learn MoreGathering 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.
Learn MoreIntroduction 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.
Learn MoreBeginning 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.
Learn MorePlant 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.
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.
Learn More10 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.
Gardening With Nature
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.
Learn MoreWildlife in the Backyard: Insects (Ages 14+)
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.
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.
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.
Designing with Specimen Trees
What exactly is a specimen tree? Good question! Specimen trees are trees that fulfill specific garden design goals, such as providing focal features, provoking emotional responses, or contributing to specific themes, just to name a few. The trees can be small, large, narrow, or broad, cascading or twisted in habit, or provide foliar accents in an otherwise monochromatic setting. In this class, landscape designer and horticulturist Irene Barber will take students on a landscape-design tour around the Gardens to learn about specimen trees to consider adding to a new or existing garden back home.
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.
Forest Therapy and Tea
Deepening your connection to nature through moving meditation offers enormous benefits for personal well-being. In this gentle class, experience how the simple practice of walking mindfully through a forest can provide deep serenity. By engaging with all five senses, we can enhance awareness and presence. Follow Susan Bickford, certified guide in the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy/forest bathing, and gain the tools needed to begin your own meditation practice. The walk ends with a tea ceremony.
Learn MoreSelecting Native Woody Plants
Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 17 | Learn how native woody plants enhance both our landscapes and local biodiversity. Over two days, study these plants, from identification to habitat to their role as host plants for the insects and pollinators critical for plant management and reproduction.
Learn MoreLandscaping for Wildlife
Habitat loss is the primary cause of declining wildlife populations. This interactive course teaches students how to incorporate select native plants and mechanical practices into their own landscapes to create a welcoming habitat that attracts wildlife, conserves natural resources, and encourages biodiversity.
Learn MoreEdible Natives to Grow at Home
Join Tom Seymour, author of Wild Plants of Maine, on a walk to identify native edible plants living in their desired natural habitats, then learn how to incorporate these edibles into your home garden. Rather than foraging, this class focuses on the opportunity to grow these native edibles sustainably at home, leaving the foraging to the wildlife who need these plants for survival.
Learn MoreNative Plants: Collecting & Sowing Seed (Ages 14+)
Join Heather McCargo, for a hands-on experience in native seed propagation, from ecologically responsible seed collection and storing procedures to germination techniques. Participants will go seed collecting in CMBG’s native plant gardens and learn about setting up an outdoor propagation area at home. Come learn the best techniques for sowing natives, and take home several pots sown with seeds.
Learn MoreOwls, Butterflies and Other Flying Friends: Working in Encaustic Paint
Monday and Tuesday, September 19 and 20
Enjoy two days exploring the ancient medium of encaustic, a fluid, hot beeswax painting medium perfect for working in rich textures and a range of colors found in nature. Class time will be divided between demonstration, individual work time, and discussion about Maine’s strong contemporary and historical artistic connection to landscape genre. We’ll discuss proper studio ventilation, wax safety, and how to “finish” artwork in terms of framing and care. Students will leave with multiple finished pieces and the understanding of proper studio set-up.
*Starter panels will be provided, but students are expected to bring their own panels for finished works or developed drafts. Upon registration, you will receive further details about panel choices, along with a list of additional materials that you are invited to bring to the course.
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.
Invasive Plants: Issues, Identification and Ecology
Mondays, September 19, 26, and October 3 | Invasive species are considered highly undesirable by botany, ecology, horticulture, and conservation professionals—and for good reason. In this two-day course, Amanda Devine, Regional Land Steward for Maine Coast Heritage Land Trust, will identify the basic ecological problems surrounding these aggressive, tenacious plants; the complicated (and sometimes political) issues surrounding them; and how a plant becomes labeled “invasive.”
Learn MoreWatercolor for Botanical & Nature Enthusiasts (Sold Out)
Monday-Wednesday, September 26-28
Spend three full days exploring the wonderful world of watercolor, in-person with artist Mindy Lighthipe. Learn valuable techniques to help you create nature-inspired sketches and formal watercolor paintings. Emphasis will be on accurate details, color mixing, and application—all helping you gain confidence in your watercolor journey. Each day, a series of techniques will be demonstrated as students work on a variety of subjects from leaves to butterflies to flowers, and so much more.
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.
Nature of Oaks
Oaks sustain a complex and fascinating web of wildlife. Come learn what happens in their branches, month by month, a tangible cycle of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers harvesting hundreds of acorns to the jewel caterpillars grazing greenery, Tallamy describes and celebrates these backyard wonders. Learn practical advice about planting and caring for oaks and the best oak species for your area. Leave inspired to treasure, nurture, and protect these remarkable trees.
Learn MorePlant ID & Ecology: Asters
This class will focus on the identification of 20 - 25 of Maine’s asters. Not only looking alike, but blooming roughly at the same time (late-summer to October) can make them a challenge to identify. Via slideshow, take a close look at our herbarium specimens, and then through field investigations, we’ll look at the features that distinguish one aster from another, becoming familiar with their respective habitats. (This class also pairs well with Plant ID & Ecology: Goldenrods, on Saturday, October 1, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
We’ll begin at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, then students drive off-site to a nearby nature preserve to continue the class.
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.
Plant ID & Ecology: Goldenrods
This class will focus on the identification of 10 – 15 of Maine’s goldenrods. Not only looking alike, but blooming roughly at the same time (late-summer to October) can make them a challenge to identify. Via slideshow, take a close look at our herbarium specimens, and then through field investigations, we’ll look at the features that distinguish one goldenrod from another, becoming familiar with their respective habitats. Please come with a hand lens if you have one, otherwise we’ll provide them. (This class also pairs well with Plant ID & Ecology: Asters, on Friday, September 30, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
We’ll begin at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, then students drive off-site to a nearby nature preserve to continue the class.
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.
Fall Botanicals: Still Life in Acrylics
Tuesday-Thursday, October 11-13 | Create beautiful still life paintings in a relaxed atmosphere using fall botanicals. We will aim to complete at least one painting per day with an emphasis on “alla prima” or “all at once” painting. There will be short demos and plenty of individual attention throughout the three-day workshop. Using materials from the Gardens, students will arrange their own still life “bouquets,” keeping the composition simple. Participants will be encouraged to interpret rather than replicate a still life set-up, using brush strokes, colors, imagination, and creativity.
Learn MoreVertical Moss Tapestries
Using an upcycled frame, design your own vertical moss tapestry. Moss is captivating, from color to texture, and we’ll use several varieties of moss, lichen, and other organic materials. The moss is preserved—no maintenance required! Whether your inspiration is to recreate the feel of a walk in the woods, a birds-eye view of Maine geography, or an abstract color field, participants can create a verdant piece of art that brings the outside-in, all year long.
Learn MoreFungi Ecology: Life Below & Aboveground
Fungi are everywhere! Join us to explore the Gardens’ diverse landscape to learn how fungi get their nutrients, about their role in the environment, and how they help (or hinder) plant growth. Participants will discover the many fungi that are free-living in soil or water; others that are parasitic or symbiotic with plants or animals and those that develop incredible architectural forms. We'll learn lifecyles of some fascinating fungi!
Learn MoreEcological Landscape Design
Fridays, October 21 and 28 and Saturday, October 29 | To design landscapes inspired by—and inclusive of—nature, study essential design principles through the lens of natural systems. In this three-day course led by landscape architect Lisa Cowan and landscape designer and horticulturist Irene Barber, students will learn to identify and incorporate the components of ecological landscape design.
Learn MoreForest Therapy and Tea
Deepening your connection to nature through moving meditation offers enormous benefits for personal well-being. In this gentle class, experience how the simple practice of walking mindfully through a forest can provide deep serenity. By engaging with all five senses, we can enhance awareness and presence. Follow Susan Bickford, certified guide in the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy/forest bathing, and gain the tools needed to begin your own meditation practice. The walk ends with a tea ceremony.
Learn MoreWildlife in the Backyard: Mammals (Ages 14+)
Ages 14-adult are invited to join us for an informative look into the mammals you may not always see, but who are almost certainly living in or around your backyard, relying on your landscape for survival. Explore CMBG’s most common inhabitants, their important habitats, dietary preferences, and learn a variety of management practice approaches. Offered at an active time of year as wildlife prepare for winter, the class will explore the Gardens, learn key points for identification, and look for presence indicators such as tracks, holes, browsing, and more.
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.
Holiday Harvest Centerpieces
In this fun and creative hands-on workshop, learn how to compose a centerpiece that reflects your personality and style. Using fresh and dried floral and greenery harvested here at CMBG, floral designer and Horticulturist Lesley Paxson will guide students through a demonstration and offer one-on-one assistance. Take home new skills and a centerpiece to enjoy during harvest dinners. All materials supplied; students are encouraged to bring their own clippers or pruners.
Making a Winter Wreath
Get into the winter holiday mood by crafting your own evergreen wreath—there’s nothing like the sharp, clean scent of balsam fir to signal the beginning of the festive season. In this workshop and demonstration, Horticulturist Jen Dunlap will lead you through the process of making your own unique winter wreath with cuttings from CMBG. All supplies will be provided, however we encourage students to bring their own hand pruners.
Making a Winter Wreath
Get into the winter holiday mood by crafting your own evergreen wreath—there’s nothing like the sharp, clean scent of balsam fir to signal the beginning of the festive season. In this workshop and demonstration, Horticulturist Jen Dunlap will lead you through the process of making your own unique winter wreath with cuttings from CMBG. All supplies will be provided, however we encourage students to bring their own hand pruners.
