To Register:
Hort Shorts & More

Contact us:
1-800-287-1471 (in Maine)
780-4205 (local)

e-mail

Practical Courses for Home Gardeners and Backyarders

Dear  Friend,
As part of our popular Hort Shorts & More series, we are pleased to offer a variety  of courses and workshops for the  horticulture, agriculture  and nature enthusiast.

With the usual high quality standards for hands-on education in place, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension has assembled a fine group of  knowledgeable instructors to share their expertise with you. User-friendly reference materials  will accompany the learning.  Also,  ongoing support from the UMaine Extension Office in Cumberland County can be expected.  As you consider registering for one or more of these courses or workshops, please do not hesitate to contact us at 780-4205 or 1-800-287-1471 (in Maine).
 

Sincerely,   

Amy Melissa Witt, Horticulturist                 

Yardscaping

Did you know that over 2.9 million pounds of yard care pesticides were brought into Maine  in 2004?  Learn how to eliminate this environmentally unfriendly habit and have an even healthier yard grown without the excessive use of pesticides, fertilizers and water.

Date:  Tuesday, April 22    Time:  6:30 - 8:30 pm Location: South Portland Library, Main Branch Instructor: Mike Sowers, Master Gardener & YardScaper, Cost: $15, Limit: 20

Course Code: A

Backyard Production of Poultry for Meat

This course is designed for anyone who wants to keep poultry for their home use or for local sales of meat.  Participants will learn how to select the appropriate breed and type of poultry for desired use; learn the stages of development (brooding, growing, finishing) for meat production; learn how to house and care for their flock for best performance; learn about regulations for selling meat in Maine; and learn how to slaughter poultry.

Dates: Wednesdays, April 23 & 30 ,Time:  6 :30 - 8:30 pm, Location: Maine Forest Service, Gray

Instructor: Dr. Richard Brzozowski , Extension Educator, Cost: $20/person or couple ,Limit: 20

Course Code: B

Medicine Wheel Gardens
The Medicine Wheel Garden is a journey of self-discovery and healing from start to finish in full-circle form. Inspired by ancient indigenous cultures around the world, this class will cover the basics of creating personal sacred space in the Garden. Using the therapeutic benefits of plants, soil, stones, directions, objects and creative process in a healing blend of old and new. Bring lots of ideas to share and themes to explore.

Dates: Thursdays, April 24 and May 1, Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Location: Room 208, Payson Smith Hall, USM, Portland Campus

Instructor:  Ann Miles, Master Gardener, Cost: $15, Limit: 20 registrants

Course Code: C

Square Foot Gardening

Would you like a garden that is filled with tasty vegetables, savory herbs and beautiful flowers, but no weeds or hard work?   Participants will learn how to install a beautiful and productive garden that will save time, water, work and money.   This is a great project for the whole family. 

Dates: Wednesdays, May 21, 28 & June 4 , Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Locations:  May 21 - Yarmouth Log Cabin, Route One, May 28 - Yarmouth Town Hall, Community Room, June 4 - Master Gardener residence in Falmouth

Instructors: Taught by Master Gardeners

Cost: $40/person or family (with Square Foot Gardening book) 

Course Code: D1 $25/person or family (without book)

Course Code: D2 (with book) Limit:  25 registrants

Garden Gem Tours

Registration deadline for tours is July 1

Transportation provided for both trips.

Eartheart Gardens & Centennial Garden (Harpswell)

The day will begin with a tour of Eartheart Gardens, a nursery that was founded in 1993 to offer the Siberian and Japanese iris originations of Dr. Currier McEwen.  Over the years, Eartheart Gardens has expanded to include Japanese and Siberian Iris selections developed by other breeders as well.  Next, we will visit the Centennial Garden in Harpswell Center.  The day will finish up with a stop at Dyer’s Greenhouse. 

Date:  Friday, July 18 Time: 9 am - 3pm, Cost:  $25/person  Limit: 12 participants

Course Code: E1

Bring your own lunch (beverages and dessert provided)

Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Boylston, MA)

Join us as we travel down to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, headquarters of the Worcester County Horticultural Society.  The 132-acre site features both formal and informal style gardens, an orchard, cottage and vegetable gardens, a secret garden, meadows, woodlands and much more.   Some of the finest plants appropriate for New England climates are showcased at Tower Hill.  

Date: Friday, August 8  ,Time: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

The bus will leave the Park & Ride in South Portland (Exit 45 off the Maine Turnpike) near the Maine Mall at 8:00.  The bus will also do a pick-up at the Park & Ride/Train Station in Wells (Exit 19 of the Maine Turnpike) at 8:15.

Cost: $45/person     Limit: 50 participants Course Code: E2                         

Bring your own lunch or plan to buy on site.

For more information on educational programs in your area, contact your county Extension office.