The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is, obviously, one of the most beautiful places to visit in the area. It is known for 16 unique gardens that each grow and change throughout the seasons. It is a place to visit over and over again from May 1, 2023 until October 23, 2023. Come back to smell new flowers or spot local animals and insects.
Perhaps a lesser known reason to visit the CMBG relates to their mission statement:
“The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research.”
Visitors will find an array of educational opportunities and events all year long. This is your chance to enhance your own gardening skills, meditate among the plants, or celebrate the natural world in an artistic fashion. This is a partial list of the in-person events happening at CMBG all summer long. We hope you will choose to register for one of these highlighted events or another on the schedule that strikes your fancy.
Learn about Plants and Gardening:
Selecting Native Herbaceous Plants, three parts: May 17, 9:30am-12:30pm (online); July 8, 9:30am-4:00pm (in person); and September 13, 9:30am-12:30pm (online)
This class is a great way to get excited about a summer trip to Maine. During the virtual May session, participants will learn about Spring perennials. The face-to-face session in July will be an opportunity to hear about Summer plants. Lastly, it all wraps up virtually with a review and information about plants that are loved by pollinators.
Construct a Garden Tuteur, June 10, 9:30am-12:30pm
There are many plants that grow well with the assistant of a tuteur or trellis. Participants in this class will walk away with a rustic wooden tuteur to add to their home garden.
Make a Container Garden Bursting with Color, June 24, 9:30am-12:30pm
Have a small space that you want to spruce up with colorful plants? Container gardens filled with the right mix of plants can add visual appeal to any space throughout the seasons. Learn how to mix colors, textures, and shapes to create a shade-loving or sun-worshiping selection of plants.
Is It A Weed? ID & Management, July 14, 9:30am-12:30pm
One person’s weed is another’s favorite plant. Ok, that might be a bit of a stretch, but ultimately weeds are just unwanted plants. Some “weeds” are beneficial to a garden. Some “weeds” are toxic in a garden. Learn to identify the difference from a CMBG horticulturalist.
Landscaping for Wildlife, September 8, 9:30am-11:30am (online) AND September 16, 9:30am-4:00pm (in person)
People build gardens to add beauty to their home and life. Gardens also provide shelter and food for many living things. This hybrid course will start with an online lecture followed by a field-study workshop. Participants will learn how to create a habitat to attract wildlife.
Exercise and Mindfulness in the Garden:
Forest Therapy Walk and Tea, May 6, 9:00am-12:00pm
Stepping into nature and away from the constant activity and technology of life can increase mental wellness. This walk is led by a guide who is certified in Shinrin-yoku, which is the Japanese practice of forest therapy. Be sure to stay to the end to enjoy the tea ceremony.
Native Plant Tour, multiple dates beginning with May 9, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Take a guided hike along the Haney Hillside, Shoreland Trail, and Maine Woods Trail. While participants learn a lot about the plants in the gardens, this tour is included in the exercise section because it tends to move quickly along the trails.
Hone Your Artistic Gifts:
“Going Dutch” – Painting Floral Arrangements in Acrylic, May 8-10, 10:00am-2:30pm
Spend three days studying extraordinary flower arrangements, learning art techniques, and painting with confidence. Be ready to be inspired.
Living Willow Structures, May 13, 9:30am-12:30pm
Have you ever walked by an intricate braided willow tree and wondered how someone made that happen? Learn how to do the process and bring home a tree so you can be the talk of your neighborhood.
Photography: The Art of Flower Portraiture, July 10, 8:00am-2:00pm
Flowers cannot take selfies so they depend on you to take their pictures. An award-winning photographer will share tips on selecting the right lens, finding the perfect light, choosing the ideal flower subject, and making sure everything is in focus.
Mosaic Garden Art for Adults, August 14-16, 10:00am-3:00pm Sometimes a garden is the subject of a piece of art. Sometimes art is created specifically to be part of the garden. Students in this mosaic class will walk away with a garden stepping stone and a garden stake. Everyone is encouraged to bring sentimental items that can be incorporated into their personal work of art.
