December 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter

In this issue…

From the President…

“Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations as the last month of the year.” – Charles Dickens

The tenacious and hardy leaves that were clinging to the trees in my yard last month are now blowing about my yard nestling into special places for the winter. While my brussel sprouts are the last stand of my vegetable garden, most everything else in my yard is done for this growing season (ignoring the final half cord of firewood I still have to stack).

My goal each year is to have all my outdoor gardening and yard tasks completed by Thanksgiving. While our Fall does seem to be never ending, from garlic planting to cover crops, the season’s cold and wind certainly ushers in a desire to get everything done. I do find satisfaction in putting my gardens to bed, while at the same time planning for next year – no matter how big or small.

The CCMGA Board met in November:

  • The Board reviewed a draft of our Association’s restructuring and thoughtful additions and changes have been made.
  • The Board’s goal in the restructuring process has been to become compliant with the Maine Cooperative Extension’s standards as well as to streamline the governance of the Association.
  • Our January Board Meeting will give a final review of all our new restructuring for the Association. We will also consider a proposed budget for the Association’s various needs in January.
  • The Board also discussed our meeting schedule for the coming year as well as dates for special events. 

As we approach the Holidays and a New Year the next growing season is beckoning as seed catalogs are flowing into my mailbox (surprisingly before holiday cards and holiday gift flyers). I remember as a child, growing up in a rural setting, the excitement when the Sears and Roebuck Holiday Toy Catalog came to our mailbox.  My childhood excitement of going through the new toys circling the ones I liked has been transferred to next year’s seed catalogs. While continuing to tell myself now to cut back next year I have already circled a few items. The cutting back may be a New Year’s resolution.

Wishing each of you a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season.

Gary Hoyt

CCMGA President

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Creating Restorative Environments: Therapeutic Elements to Enhance Any Garden Space  (The Science of Therapeutic Gardening – Part 3 of 3)

Garden with bird bathGuest columnist MGV Colleen Griffin is a Registered Horticultural Therapist currently practicing in Southern Maine and co-owner of a therapeutic horticultural practice, Cultivating Well-Being, LLC.  Her recent work has been focused on community wellness and climate anxiety.  Her research, for program development, has led her to the conclusion that spending time in a garden space, as well as becoming involved in community horticultural programs, helps to mitigate our collective anxiety regarding climate change and other stressors in life. We’re lucky to have Colleen contributing a series of three articles to our monthly newsletter! 

Have you ever entered a garden space and immediately had a feeling of connection and contentment? Evidence-based research proves that simply being in the presence of nature has a profound effect on humans, regardless of age, socio-economic status, or geographical location. Our deep connection to natural environments is called “biophilia”, or love of nature and living things. Oliver Sacks, a well-known author and neurologist, took this concept one step further and coined the term “hortophilia”, to describe the deep desire to interact with nature. Designing, planting and tending to a garden space contributes physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual benefits to all who take on the task. Many times, these benefits are sensed long before they are realized.

Biophilic design was created to provide a human connection to nature. It is typically associated with built environments that involve bringing nature and natural elements into unnatural spaces. Biophili landscapes can be used to soften the approach to or entrance of a large building. It is just as effective when utilized to create smaller pocket gardens specifically designed to foster a sense of escape and rejuvenation a strategically placed garden or green space within a medical facility campus can greatly enhance a patient’s experience during an outpatient procedure or extended rehabilitative treatment. Biophilic design is credited with retaining healthcare workers by providing a safe place to seek respite in high-stress work environments. For the master gardener volunteer, having knowledge of therapeutic elements and how to successfully install them will foster well-being and joy to all who enter these specifically designed garden spaces.

Consider the entrance to a public library. Typically, you have a paved walkway from the street or parking lot. A grassy patch of lawn with a few evergreen shrubs adorns the front entrance. This space may be easy to maintain but lacks any interest and likely goes unnoticed. Think of adding biophilic interest with blooming perennials, native plants that attract beneficial wildlife, a short meandering pathway and possibly a birdbath or a windchime. The library entrance now becomes welcoming, engaging and joyful. Patrons entering or exiting the library get a dose of nature every time they visit.

The following design elements can be adapted to most any garden site or green space. Before you begin you must consider who will interact within the garden space and how they will interact with the nature elements.

Safety

A safe environment is paramount regardless of the location, public or private, how the space will be utilized, or who will be accessing the space. Installing a few basic safety items will make the garden more user-friendly and accessible.

  • Lighting – A few well-placed solar lights will effectively illuminate pathways and entrances.
  • Pathways – Solid compacted surfaces are a must especially for those with mobility issues.
  • Research Plant Materials – Toxic plants should not be used in public access gardens.
  • Go Organic! – Avoid chemicals whenever and wherever possible.
  • Irrigation system – Replace the garden hose to reduce tripping hazards.
  • Be a Good Neighbor – Inform neighboring properties prior to garden installation. Always check with your town office regarding any permit or restriction requirements.

Accessibility

An accessible environment affords safe and comfortable use of the garden regardless of age, ability, or activity. Implementing universal design principles is best when creating your garden plan. A person walking and a person in a wheelchair on garden path

  • Pathways/walkways – Made of a solid surface and should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or two adults walking side-by-side. An accessible walkway is at least 36-inches wide.
  • Slope or grade – For easy access, the slope of any pathway should be no more than 1:12, with 1:20 being best.
  • Edging – Consider edge-free beds to avoid unseen obstacles.
  • Irrigation systems – Consider the location of the water source. As stated above, an irrigation system will eliminate the garden-hose-across-the- pathway tripping hazard.
  • Raised beds or large containers – Bring the plants up to the individual who has trouble bending down. This provides engagement and interaction that is not always available at public gardens.

Movement

Certain plant materials enhance movement in the garden. Think of tall grasses that sway gracefully in the breeze. Perennials like lupins and bee balm catch your eye due to movement but will also provide interest in the form or shape and color as well. Wind chimes or a well-placed water feature produce sound as well as movement. Movement in the garden is a powerful engagement tool that provides a sense of wonder and the opportunity to become grounded in the present moment.

Involve the Invisible

View of water feature and garden seating through pruned hedgeTake a moment to notice the invisible elements of the garden. When accessing a potential garden site take a moment to recognize what is already in place. Working with mature trees and shrubs where they stand will not only save time and money but also give the space a sense of timelessness and history. Shade patterns from mature trees, upon a walkway can be a lovely element regardless of the season. Hardy perennials that can be divided, moss covered rocks and rock walls can add much interest to a new or rejuvenated garden site.

Nature Engagement

Depending upon the type of garden you are considering, seating can offer wonderful engagement opportunities. A recent research study found that seating surrounded by plants or under a large shade providing trees were much more desirable and more often occupied than benches that were in an open courtyard with few plants. Through engagement with plants and nature our parasympathetic nervous system is activated resulting in a shift to a more relaxed state. As we transition from fight-or-flight mode to rest-and-restore mode, our heart rate lowers, blood pressure drops, breathing slows and becomes deeper. This shift enables us to come into the present moment and connect with the healing powers of nature.

The addition of a few restorative elements to your garden site will offer an opportunity to engage and connect with nature. Through nature connection people improve their own health and emotional well-being. A bonus is that when people experience a natural connection, they in turn begin to care about natural environments and will take action to protect local ecology. The master gardener volunteer is in a unique position to increase awareness throughout the State of Maine and by doing so will foster a generation of pro-environmental activists.

Roots – Meet MGV Patricia Wheeler

Largely self-taught as a gardener, Patricia Wheeler’s MGV training expanded her knowledge and spurred her community involvement.  “During my internship, I was in the process of moving to Brunswick, so I spent hours working at the Brunswick High School garden and gleaning at Growing to Give,” she says.  “My focus now is the Curtis Memorial Library gardens, where I work with a wonderful team of MGVs transforming the public garden spaces into sustainable native perennial beds that surround the library building. I am also part of the MGV Plant Sale committee.”Master Gardener Patricia Wheeler

Patricia was born in Rochester, NY and has lived in North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Orleans.  “My interest in gardening aligns with my interest in food and cooking,” she says. “Growing vegetables that then become a major component of our diet is a strong motivation for me. My favorite thing to grow is garlic, an essential ingredient in cooking and the first harbinger of spring.”  

Patricia transformed her small backyard in South Portland to become a food growing area with fruit trees, berry bushes and other crops.  While she’s had much success with her gardens, there’s one pest she continues to battle.  “I haven’t solved it yet, but am determined to:  squash vine borers and squash bugs that get the better of my cucurbits.” 

When asked for advice for new gardeners, Patricia recommends:  “Get a soil sample so you have some science to support your efforts, and amend accordingly.  Spend time observing what is successful and soon you’ll develop an instinct for what works.”

In addition to gardening, Patricia enjoys cooking, sewing, quilting, travel, and reading. Of course, it’s no surprise to learn that her happy place is her backyard on a sunny day. 

Is there a Master Gardener Volunteer you’d like to see featured here? Nominate them by emailing Heather Wiggins Berger.

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight

The Casco Bay Dialysis MGV Project, located in Westbrook, was established in 2017 by Dr. Patricia Cantlin with the mission of providing fresh vegetables to dialysis patients at the center. To help make gardening accessible to all patients, Dr. Cantlin created raised beds and container gardening along the front of the dialysis center designed to be wheelchair and walker accessible.  

Casco Bay Dialysis Center doorwayMany of the patients who receive dialysis face challenges such as limited income, food insecurity, and changing health and functional status limiting their ability to garden.  Additionally, many of these patients do not have access to fresh veggies in their daily diets.

The Master Gardener Volunteers collaborate with the dietitian at Casco Bay Dialysis Center to select what vegetables to grow.  Last year, MGVs successfully grew a variety of vegetables including cukes, zucchini, yellow squash, hot peppers, string beans, yellow wax beans, onions, garlic and assorted herbs. The project receives support through the MGV seed grant, as well as donations by MGV Tom Witwicki. 

In order for the Casco Bay Dialysis Center MGV Project to continue, it is in need of 2 to 3 volunteers. Volunteering for this project involves one day a week for 1 to 2 hours depending on needs, such as planting, harvesting, and general gardening maintenance. Volunteering may also include a monthly workday with other MGV’s as needed.  

Bonnie Moger shares that it is incredibly rewarding to grow vegetables for the patients. “They are truly appreciative of our efforts and the fresh produce we are able to provide.”

If you’re interested in volunteering please reach out to Bonnie Moger.

We’re looking for volunteer projects to feature in our Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter. If you are interested in having your project featured – or if there is a project you would like to learn more about – please reach out to Kerri Frazier.

MGV Events

Cumberland County MGV Speaker Series 

The Education Committee has an exciting schedule planned for the months ahead. Most events are offered on a sliding fee. If you have any ideas on topics or presenters please let Barbara or Jim.

  • Monday, December 2: Holiday Wreath Making with Kathy Tarpo | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Falmouth Extension Office 
  • Thursday, January 9: Growing Figs in Maine with Bob McArdle | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Zoom 
  • Thursday, February 13: Drought Resistant Gardens with Amy Witt | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Zoom 
  • Thursday, March 13: Therapeutic Horticulture | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Zoom 
  • Thursday, April 10: Biochar and Soils with Andrew Carpenter of Northern Tilth | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Zoom
  • Thursday, May 8: Insects: Maine’s Oddballs, Tricksters & Lookalikes | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Zoom
  • Thursday, June 12: TBD

Community Events

MGV Updates

Pamela is out of the office until early March. Here is the coverage plan while she’s on leave: 

Garden-related questions:

MGV portal questions (e.g., hours reporting, project enrollment):

  • Please contact Becky Gray, our Statewide Home Horticulture Administrative Specialist, via email or phone at 207-356-1348 (work cell).

To request supplies for educational workshops/events (e.g., publications, brochures):

  • Please contact Jenni Cappello-Ruggiero, our Agriculture and Horticulture Administrative Specialist for Cumberland County, via email or phone at 207-581-8362.

General Cumberland MGV or seed grant questions:

  • Please contact Jenni and Abi. Abi will be sending out the new MG Seed Grant Request Form to project leaders on Tuesday, January 21. Please note that approved MGV projects must be enrolled for the 2025 season in order to receive this form. Seed grant requests will be due back by EOD February 14. The requests will be reviewed and leaders will be notified by the end of February, with orders placed in early March. 
  • Don’t forget to  report your hours and impact in the MGV Dashboard!

Past Editions: Missed a previous newsletter? View them all HERE  (password: ladybug)

About this Newsletter: The Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter is edited by Clarissa Brown, Kerri Frazier, and Heather Wiggins Berger. If you would like to submit an event, article,or help with any aspect of the Newsletter, please contact Heather Wiggins Berger, the newsletter coordinator.