This is a 4 session workshop that will teach you procedures for designing gardens. The integration of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals, and bulbs will be covered. The goal of this course is to teach the participants the basics of design and apply these basics through examples and in-class exercises so the participant can then apply what they learn to their specific situation. Each participant will go home with a 50 page manual. No previous design experience is required. Each student will need to purchase an architectural scale ruler, a circle guide template, and a .5mm HB lead technical pencil with eraser.

Almost everyone has seen a bale of hay, but did you know you can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers in them? In this hands-on class, you learn tips and tricks on how to create a “no dig” raised garden bed using mulch hay bales. Each student works with their own 6’ x 8’ tarp and hay bale and has the option to take it home at the end of class. A material fee of $30 can be paid to the instructor.

This workshop will teach the participants how to choose plant shapes and sizes that complement and enhance the various architectural styles of a home. The basics of design will be reviewed with examples, then the participants can apply what they learn through hands-on exercises. This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in garden design.

When selecting plants, it's helpful to have a way to narrow down your choices. To do this, I create what I call a "plant palette" which is a matrix that can help you organize plants that would be good to use in your garden. I will walk you through the process step-by-step by using examples, then you can create a plant palette of your own by applying your knowledge on a real-life exercise. All you need for this workshop is a love of plants and gardening.

This is an in-depth class on growing vegetables and herbs. From kitchen gardens to large vegetable plots, this class will cover all the details for successful and delicious vegetable production. Starting from seed to storing the harvest, you will learn about the many facets of vegetable gardening. Topics include design, managing the soil, starting from seed, transplanting, season extension, integrated pest management practices, using cover crops, pests and diseases, maintenance, irrigation, and specific vegetables.

Growing your own culinary herbs for cooking is fun and will add a fresh flavor to your cooking. Learn how to design an herb garden and to grow herbs from seed. We will also discuss the planting, maintenance, harvesting, drying, and storing of your herbs.

Maine can be a challenging place to garden. Our season is short, our soil is questionable and if we didn't have rocks, we wouldn't have anything to stand on! Still, Maine is a wonderful place to garden. Come to this class to learn what we can grow and when, where to find resources, how to get a soil test, and what gardening by the sea is like. Learn about our native plants, weather cycles, soils, pests, and local resources. It will be a good place to start, so bring your questions!