Join us for the second section of Resilient Landscapes in the Built Environment, with Section II beginning on Monday, November 28 with a focus on native plants, sustainable green infrastructure practices, and contractors and clients in unison. Learn more about Resilient Landscapes in the Built Environment program and our other professional horticulture classes.
Mondays, November 28, December 5, 12, and 19th
Continuing the focus of resilient landscapes in built environments, Section II examines New England native plants for function in the landscape, including their biodiversity and beauty, achieving high performance with minimal input. Additionally, in the final two courses, the instructor will: provide step-by-step information on seasonal implementation and land-management practices relating to succession, identify concepts of green infrastructure, and discuss contractor-to-client communication essential for success. Courses are designed to be interactive, supporting students with a working knowledge of native plants to plan for the next level of design and maintenance.
Day 1:
Native Woody Plants with Andy Brand
Day 2:
Native Herbaceous Plants with Heather McCargo
Day 3:
Sustainable Implementation Practices with Trevor Smith & David Homa
Day 4:
Contractors and Clients in Unison with Trevor Smith
Day 1: Native Woody Plants
with Andy Brand, Director of Horticulture, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Andy will take participants on a virtual tour of native woody plants, from the rare to the common to several under-used species. He’ll discuss straight versus cultivated species and how they’re used in designed resilient landscapes. Instruction will include developing plant identification skills; evaluating and selecting woody plants appropriate for specific built landscapes; and recognizing woody plants, individually and communally, that contribute habitat and structure to the year-round landscape.
Day 2: Native Herbaceous Plants
with Heather McCargo, Founder of Maine’s Wild Seed Project
Students will continue to study a range of native herbaceous plants, such as those thriving in versatile conditions and those preferring specific cultural conditions, all of which lead to healthier ecological landscapes. Class content will cover trends in the native plant nursery trade, wildlife benefits, project testimonials, seasonal planting and management methods according to species’ habit and successional growth, and visual aesthetic for seasonal appeal.
Day 3: Sustainable Implementation Practices
with Trevor Smith, landscape designer, and Design and Education Manager at Weston Nurseries, and David Homa, Permaculture landscaper of PostCarbon Designs
This class will examine how green infrastructure (GI) sustainably manages the water and drought conditions that impact landscape performance and practices. Just as traditionally implemented landscape designs cannot be left alone, resilient landscapes also need long-term attention as they naturally evolve. Considering environmental factors and available resources, Trevor and David will discuss project timing and execution with regard to year-round practices, as well as how to evaluate timelines while ensuring minimal harm and maximum beneficial impact.
Day 4: Contractors and Clients in Unison
with Trevor Smith, landscape designer, and Design and Education Manager at Weston Nurseries
The final step between knowing and practicing is often the hardest to take. This final class examines the minutiae of the business, from working with employees and sub-contractors to explaining goals and processes to clients who may not understand ecological systems. Students will leave confident in their ability to accurately communicate their ideas and methods about achieving a beautiful, resilient landscape. Coordinating the goals and the people in a New England climate needs the deep understanding of the project manager who recognizes the importance of the whole system to achieve resilience and sustainability.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
(207) 633-8000 | info@MaineGardens.org
105 Botanical Gardens Drive | P.O. Box 234
Boothbay, ME 04537
Irene Brady Barber
Adult Education Program Manager
Horticultural Therapist, HTR
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens Dr.
Boothbay, ME 04537
ibarber@mainegardens.org
207-633-8034
The 2023 Grow Maine Green Expo will be at the Augusta Civic Center on Wednesday, January 25, 2023; we will have load-in and set-up for the trade show on Tuesday, the 24th.
COVID-19 Guidelines for MELNA Events
MELNA will follow all CDC guidelines in effect at the time and place of MELNA events. As of this writing (Nov., 2021) this means all non-vaccinated individuals should wear masks. Although fully vaccinated individuals have the option of masking or not, masking is strongly encouraged. Hand sanitizers will be present at all events.
Charity Work Project:
Each year requests are submitted to our organization to request our expertise in landscaping a particular locale. It is our difficult task to choose a project deserving of our attention. Once chosen, a landscape is designed, plants and materials are donated by our membership in a coordinated effort, and we descend upon the site for the installation. It is an amazing to see a site transformed so quickly by many experienced hands. Equipment and materials quickly move about, completing the project many times in a matter of hours. The camaraderie amongst the workers is a true draw on the day for many. If you haven’t had the experience, we encourage you to become involved – you will be in awe of what we can do!
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact
Don Sproul, Executive Director
Maine Landscape and Nursery Association
PO Box 4666
Augusta, ME 04330
Email: MngmtPlus@aol.com
Phone: (207) 623-6430
Fax: (207) 623-6431