Opening on May 1 for the 2024 season.
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.
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.
Monday-Wednesday, May 8-10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Do you LOVE lush floral design and the dramatic still life paintings of the Dutch masters? Celebrate spring blooms in the Gardens in this three-day workshop. On day one, Mimi and Mum Floral design will present several large, extraordinary arrangements to serve as models for students to paint from, discuss their process, and offer a few tricks to make flowers appear open and showy. Then, we’ll focus our studies on individual flowers so that students can learn to paint these beautiful, complex forms with confidence. Come learn from and be inspired by the 17th-century Dutch flower painting technique, and learn the history behind this historical method. Materials list will be made available upon registration.
Ever wondered what wildlife is living in your backyard? In our seasonal series of field-study classes (register separately for each), participants ages 14-adult will learn more about the creatures that live in or around their garden, looking for shelter, food, and water. Join us in mid-spring for the first class and see spring animal-activity first-hand, an experience that will provide deeper insight into and appreciation for their roles in the ecosystem, better informing us how humans and wildlife can live together more harmoniously. With the return of spring, our wildlife awakens and begins actively foraging, preparing to find mates, establishing new homes, and more. In this session, we’ll focus on resident and migratory birds, amphibians and reptiles, and which mammals are active and evident this time of year.
The Earth’s natural systems are in crisis, both globally and closer to home in our region. Despite decades of efforts, conventional conservation efforts have not succeeded in turning the tide of many indicators of ecological decline. At the same time, recent years have seen a renewed and growing movement to shift conservation narratives to include the leadership of Wabanaki (Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Penobscot) people, while also working to address the ongoing dispossession of Wabanaki people from their home. Join us for an exceptional evening in dialogue with six Wabanaki leaders as, together, they discuss the interconnections of land, culture, and Indigenous sovereignty in bringing the work of healing and repair into the place we now call Maine, and which was first, and still is, Wabanaki homeland.
Speakers include: Nolan Altvater, Passamaquoddy; Suzanne Greenlaw, Maliseet; Jennifer Neptune, Penobscot; Richard Silliboy, Mi’kmaq Nation; Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy and moderated by Darren Ranco, Ph.D., Penobscot
100% of proceeds from registrations from this program will go to the Wabanaki Self-Determination Fund.
Friday, May 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m., & 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
We’ll introduce students to our different pollinators and their flower preferences, knowledge that will be reinforced through observations together in the Gardens. Students will also have the opportunity to dissect a flower to understand its parts, gaining a better understanding of the process of pollination and the critical role pollinators play in a plant’s life cycle. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. A discount will be given to families who register multiple children or for multiple programs.
Monday, May 22, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & noon-1:30 p.m.
Students will investigate life underground, discovering the important role decomposers play in helping our gardens grow. Students will learn to identify these living organisms, learn about the anatomy of a worm, and understand how decomposition works. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. A discount will be given to families who register multiple children or for multiple programs.
Tuesday, May 9, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. & Monday, May 22, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Students will explore the web of life in our forest ecosystem through the lens of author, marine biologist, conservationist, and seasonal Maine resident, Rachel Carson. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. A discount will be given to families who register multiple children or for multiple programs.
Tuesday & Wednesday, May 23 & 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visiting Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers sensory stimulation and inspires personal reflection. In this two-day workshop, students will draw on CMBG gems like the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, the Alfond Children's Garden, and the Vayo Meditation Garden in order to explore the dynamic space of sight/insight. Both days will be devoted to creating new, expressive forms in poetry and book arts. Day one will begin with a paperback accordion book to be used as a journal, then we’ll venture into the Gardens. Students will write about both what’s in front of them and what that experience of seeing brings up in the memory. On day two, we’ll experiment with collage. After lunch, we’ll construct a single-sheet diorama book. As the day closes, students will have the opportunity to appreciate one another's work with a round-table exhibit and reading.
Whether you live in an apartment building, on a suburban lot, or on a rural property, this class will address the opportunities everyone has for composting at home. Instead of adding to the food waste that makes up 1/3 of America's trash, you can learn how to effectively turn it into a treasure, whether the method is indoor vermiculture or outdoor bins or piles. Join Don Morrison, Master Gardener and compost aficionado, to learn about the different methods, containers, and materials that both accommodate your lifestyle and successfully compost food waste and garden debris. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Monday, June 5, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Students will learn how to identify common Maine trees and distinguish a conifer tree from a deciduous one. Students will also gain an understanding of the ecology and cultural history of our native trees. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. A discount will be given to families who register multiple children or for multiple programs.
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.
Monday-Wednesday, July 10-12, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Does your child have an interest in learning printmaking? Join local artists Debra Arter and Kay Miller as they share their love of the art and various unique printing styles with young artists. Students will visit different parts of the Gardens each day, drawing inspiration and gathering natural materials to use for plant rubbings and botanical monotypes. Students will also experiment with gelli and collagraph plates to make cards, nature books, and framed work. All materials will be provided. Parents/Guardians are welcome to take this class alongside their young artist.
Debra Arter has earned a BA in art education and MFA in fine art. She has been teaching adults and children for over 30 years, both in Maine and internationally—but her favorite is printmaking. Her work will be featured in several curated shows this summer. When not teaching or traveling, she enjoys spending time in her own gardens in Damariscotta. She is a founding member of the Midcoast Printmakers.
Kay Miller's daily interactions with nature provide the starting point for her compositions. Using color and an array of natural materials she has picked and pressed, Kay is able to express how she feels about living on the coast of Maine. The process of monotype printing provides instant satisfaction, while offering a complexity in the layering and changing of form and color.
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.
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.
Ever wondered what wildlife is living in your backyard? In our seasonal series of field-study classes (register separately for each), participants will learn more about the creatures that live in or around their garden, looking for shelter, food, and water. Join us and see summer animalactivity first-hand, an experience that will provide deeper insight into and appreciation for their roles in the ecosystem, better informing us how humans and wildlife can live together more harmoniously. This month, we’ll primarily focus on the diverse world insects, especially pollinators and beneficials, then learn about the mammals that are feeding and starting their families during these lazy days of summer.
Drying and pressing plants is not only a mindful, restful activity, it’s also one that produces beautiful compositions. From artfully matted notecards to printmaking, botanical research to herbarium use, pressing plants has so many applications. Join us for two sessions at the Gardens where we’ll begin by learning how to collect and press plants. Then, in session two, we’ll create a customized mounted project using the pressed plants, such as a set of notecards or a matted print.
Monday-Friday, August 14-18 | Budding gardeners will spend the week digging, planting, watering, and harvesting fruits and veggies in our Learning Garden. Campers will investigate the inner workings of the garden from the ground up and get the real “dirt” on plants, life cycles, composting, garden critters, and more! Join us for a week filled with games, explorations, snack making from the garden, and take-home garden projects. Plus, new for 2023, aftercare will be available for campers participating in this camp through our Extended Explorations.
Soil and water quality are critical for human and wildlife welfare. In Maine, where we rely greatly on these two resources, it’s critical to protect them. With the recent scientific evidence that PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) have been found as a contaminant in Maine’s soils and waters, there is a growing concern and lots of unanswered questions. In this community forum hosted at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and in partnership with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Boothbay Region Clean Drinking Water Initiative, representatives specializing in PFAS research, findings, policy, and problem-solving practices will share their knowledge. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. We hope this event will provide a better understanding of what PFAS/PFOS are and what options we have available to protect our soils, water, and well-being.
A community forum with Meagan Hennessey, Gary Fish, Christoph Aeppli, Molly King, Thomas Simones, Jon Ziegra and Caleb Goossen.
We'll introduce students to native butterflies and moths in all stages of their life cycle as we visit our Native Butterfly House. Participants will learn about the unique adaptations of these insects, their role in the food web, and their key differences. We'll also discuss how to grow a garden to support these pollinators. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult.
Tuesday, September 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Monday, September 25, 2-3:30 p.m.
We'll introduce students to native butterflies and moths in all stages of their life cycle as we visit our Native Butterfly House. Participants will learn about the unique adaptations of these insects, their role in the food web, and their key differences. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for more than one Homeschool Days program or register more than one child for the same program receive a special discounted rate at checkout.
Erika Huber is the Youth and Family Program Manager at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. She holds degrees in forestry and horticulture and has over fifteen years of experience working with children in environmental and gardening education.
Bridget VerVaet is the Youth Programs Educator and has worked at the Gardens since 2018; you can most often find her leading youth groups and families in nature-based education programs. She holds a degree in biology and enjoys sharing the wonders of the natural world with guests of all ages.
Ever wondered what wildlife is living in your backyard? In our seasonal series of field-study classes (register separately for each), participants will learn more about the creatures that live in or around their garden, looking for shelter, food, and water. Join us and see autumn animal activity first-hand, an experience that will provide deeper insight into and appreciation for their roles in the ecosystem, better informing us how humans and wildlife can live together more harmoniously. This month, we’ll discuss preparing your garden for winter while also supporting the wildlife that migrates or overwinters locally. We’ll primarily focus on the ways birds, mammals, and insects are starting to prepare for winter.
Students will learn about the botanical and cultural history of apples as they participate in making apple cider with an old-fashioned press. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult.
Understand plant adaptions by learning about Earth’s biomes. Through in-depth classroom investigations and field explorations, students will be able to identify the physical traits that help plants survive in nature. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult.
Students will learn handy tricks for remembering the Maine woods' coniferous and deciduous trees during this session. Participants will also gain an understanding of the ecology of our native trees as well as the science behind fall foliage. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult.
Support both healthy gardens and the health of Maine's landscape and ecology in this free community forum on integrated pest management (IPM), an environmentally sound approach to managing pests in gardens, farms, and forests. Five panelists will share introductory insight about common-to-emerging pest concerns, discuss practices, share resources available to Mainers, and feature recent studies and discoveries related to sustainable pest management.
Friday, October 20, Friday-Saturday, October 27 & 28 | 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. Online and onsite, examine the systems influencing design decisions, practice environmental site analysis, and design conceptual plot plans for a selected site.
Thursday, November 9, 2-5 p.m.
Nights can be long in Maine—so why not introduce a little festive night light into your world? That’s exactly what we do every year during Gardens Aglow, an annual event that attracts visitors from all over the Northeast. Because we get many questions about our design and process, we're offering this lecture and walking tour. Join Brent McHale, Horticulturist & Gardens Aglow Program Manager, and Alison Webb, Horticulturist, and light-display specialist, to learn about creative and inspiring lighting design, color selection, and practical advice for your light display. We’ll discuss sustainable choices and practices, resourcing and repurposing materials for design concepts, set-up considerations, and more. After an introductory indoor presentation, we’ll go outside to see the light display and observe intricate details like the electrical components that make the display work successfully.
Tailored to emerging or current professionals in the green industry, Plants and Practices guides students through the valuable process of landscaping with native plants and working in harmony with nature to achieve high-performance, resilient landscape systems. The four-part course features detailed instruction about native woody plants and native herbaceous plants for specific environmental applications; instruction and discussion about effective implementation and long-term management practices for various projects; and how to establish comprehensive, functional, and successful communication between clients and contractors. We will discuss biodiversity in plant communities, plant adaptation, successional design and growth, erosion control, installation of green infrastructure, building trust and establishing landscape programs that include long-term management and design, and much more. These interactive virtual sessions are designed to help native-plant-savvy students plan for the next level of design and management.
Friday, December 1, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Creating a wreath from sustainably harvested, fresh, and aromatic evergreen materials, berries, decorative twigs, fuzzy flower buds, and more is the perfect addition to your winter decor. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes and represent various holidays, celebrations, and themes, and this class will inspire you to think outside the box. During this in-person workshop at the Gardens, cocoa, tea, and sweet & savory snacks will fuel you as you develop your wreath-making skills. Please bring garden clippers or pruners (scissors are not recommended). All other materials are supplied.
Saturday, December 2, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Creating a wreath from sustainably harvested, fresh, and aromatic evergreen materials, berries, decorative twigs, fuzzy flower buds, and more is the perfect addition to your winter decor. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes and represent various holidays, celebrations, and themes, and this class will inspire you to think outside the box. During this in-person workshop at the Gardens, cocoa, tea, and sweet & savory snacks will fuel you as you develop your wreath-making skills. Please bring garden clippers or pruners (scissors are not recommended). All other materials are supplied.
Resilient landscapes in built environments are connected to the larger, evolving environment. Incorporating low-maintenance design and high-performance results, resilient landscapes sustain and regenerate under stressful environmental conditions rather than falling victim to stressors. These are aesthetic powerhouse systems providing ecological services, giving the landscape professional the opportunity to evolve their business and adapt to the changing environment. In Section I, Design and Structural Components, we will identify and assess the design process and factors, including ecological principles, processes, and materials, in order to create systems that are resilient and regenerative. Four separate online sessions focus on: Ecological Design for Resilience, Applied Soils: Restore and Engineer, Systematic Solutions to Water Management, and Sustainable Materials. Class Level: Advanced
If you've ever considered starting a plant nursery, this one's for you. Whether your goals are driven by a passion for plants, frustrations with supply, or a desire to meet local needs, our panel of three nursery growers and owners will share recommendations for success. Leveraging their different business models, we'll cover everything from sustainability, the changing business climate, lessons learned, and motivations and goals for owning a nursery.
Growing native plants from seed secures stronger genetic diversity and adaptability to our changing climate. This class covers the basic set-up and the correct steps and considerations to grow native woody plants from seed. Through a hands-on workshop, we will explain and demonstrate the ins and outs, including the processes of collection, seasonal timing, germination rates, materials, and the steps of caring for the plant collection to the point they're sold or planted in your clients' gardens or landscapes. Instructors will teach the content according to the plants' natural communities, from coastal maritime to freshwater wetlands and other communities throughout Maine and New England. Please note that the March 6 session will cover different plants from the February 15 session (Growing Native Woody Plants from Seed, Session 2). It is recommended that you take both classes. Class Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Tuesday, February 27
Discover 20 plants considered rare and unusual in this online panel presentation. Staff horticulturists Dan Robarts, Delaney Pitman, and Brent McHale will share their favorite hard-to-find, unusual, and unique plants. Learn what makes their chosen specimens special for humans, pollinators, or both!
Class Level: All Levels
Growing native plants from seed secures stronger genetic diversity and adaptability to our changing climate. This class covers the basic set-up and the correct steps and considerations to grow native woody plants from seed. Through a hands-on workshop, we will explain and demonstrate the ins and outs, including the processes of collection, seasonal timing, germination rates, materials, and the steps of caring for the plant collection to the point they're sold or planted in your clients' gardens or landscapes. Instructors Shawn Jalbert, owner of Native Haunts Nursery, and Nikki Lively Savage, from New England Wetland Plants, will teach the content according to the plants' natural communities, from coastal maritime to freshwater wetlands and other communities throughout Maine and New England. Please note that the March 6 session will cover different plants from the February 15 session (Growing Native Woody Plants from Seed, Session 1). It is recommended that you take both classes. Class Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Tuesday, March 12Evergreens offer our New England landscape contrast, depth, and year-round appeal. Staff horticulturists Kelsie Birney, Courtney Locke, and Alicia Miller introduce 20 of their favorite evergreen species. From groundcovers to trees, broadleaf to conifers, they'll highlight a variety of species that will fit small or large garden spaces.
Class Level: All Levels
For prospective and current students of the Certificate in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture course. This session initiates a student's enrollment and provides a detailed overview of the comprehensive curriculum. We will explain the different tracks for completing the program, including specific information about core and elective courses, the instructors, and the schedule that can be adapted to students' budgets and availability. Experienced hobbyist gardeners or professional gardeners interested in building their proficiency in New England native plants and horticulture practices that support ecology are encouraged to attend the orientation session to learn more about the entire program.
Class Level: Intermediate
Creating a base plan for a plan-view design of your garden may not be the most exciting part of the process, but it is an all-important one! This in-person class will combine presentation and practice on how and what to measure for a new garden or multiple gardens and how to translate it into a scaled drawing. Students will begin developing a design key and practice drafting skills. This scaled base plan will be necessary to pursue further design stages and enable the designer to practice sketching with trace paper and explore ideas. Class Level: Intermediate
Staff horticulturists Jen Dunlap, Catherine Kaczor, and Lon Ames share their top 20 plants for erosion control in this online panel discussion. While these plants can be functional to support our soils, they are beautiful and can be utilized in combinations as ornamental as any traditional garden. Learn about the various heights, habits, and ideal environments.
Class Levels: All Levels
The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research.
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