Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Column: Winter at the gardens

Tory Paxson
Mon, 03/02/2015 - 11:00am
Melissa officinalis, commonly called lemon balm, is a plant with a history of treating digestive disorders, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mental performance. It is thought to be beneficial to those suffering mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms, ADHD and high blood pressure. Courtesy of William Cullina
This year’s interpretive theme is “Myth, Magic and Medicine,” which explores the rich history between plants and people through workshops, exhibits and more.

    We’re looking forward to spring at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens with many new programs, events and exhibits for the 2015 season. Shake the winter blues by signing up for programs related to the new interpretive theme, “Myth, Magic and Medicine,” or by joining CMBG as a volunteer, intern, or talented new member of our staff. Explore these opportunities and more online at www.mainegardens.org.

    Botanical arts for adults

    Join us for the first Botanical Arts workshop of the season on March 10 in our Flower Collage class from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Under the guidance of renowned paper artist Adrienne Ginter, students will be creating small flower collages inspired by Mary Delany’s 18th century hand-cut flower pictures. Emulating and expanding on Delany’s work, modern supplies will be used (including magazine clippings, color-line paper, Japanese papers and other paper scraps), to create beautiful flower collages on black backgrounds.

    Please bring an X-Acto knife, cutting mats, scissors and magazine scraps if you have them. Extra supplies will be provided for those who need them. Register online.

    While this workshop is open to everyone, it is also a part of our new certificate in botanical arts program. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has invited instructors from across New England and beyond to teach courses in botanically-inspired arts, including book and paper arts, botanical and scientific illustration, plein air painting, fabric design, wood block printing and more.

    All course offerings will incorporate our stunning gardens and grounds for study and inspiration. For more information, visit the “Learning for Adults” page on our website or contact Director of Education Melissa Cullina by phone at 207-633-4333, ext. 104 or by email at mcullina@mainegardens.org.

    ‘Myth, Magic and Medicine’

    The relationship between people and plants is the topic of this year’s new interpretive theme at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Visit us this season to see and learn about the many cultural uses of plants, from the medical to the mystical. Explore the rich traditions, folklore and mythology surrounding plants in New England’s past and present day. Through exhibits, themed gardens, hands-on workshops and more, experience for yourself the myth, magic and medicine of plants!

    Become a part of our team

    Between volunteering, internships and position openings, there are many ways to become a part of the team at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Become an ambassador and help visitors get started on their visit or answer questions out on the grounds, help out with the Pink Lady’s Slipper Survey as a volunteer surveyor, lead guided walking tours and Accessible Cart Tours as a docent, or support educational programming for children by volunteering your time in the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden.

    There are so many ways to assist at the Botanical Gardens that provide a great way to learn and have fun while also helping our guests and keeping our organization strong. Further information on employment, internships and volunteering can be found on our website.

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