August 2023 Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter
In this issue…
- From the President…
- Reporting MGV Hours for 2023
- Field Days at Tidewater Farm
- Master Gardener Speaker Series
- Upcoming Events
- Save the Date: Saturday October 14: Master Gardener Harvest Celebration
- CLYNK
From the President…
Hello, fellow Master Gardeners:
As I write this letter in the latter half of July, it is raining again. Yes, we have had more than our share of rain. Not as bad as Vermont, but way more than we need. I am ready for more days of a Mediterranean climate. My tomatoes and basil agree!
I attended the Field days at Tidewater Farm July 8th. Wow! I was impressed with how beautiful the farm looks. All the beds were clear of weeds (a great success with the current weather). The Culinary and Medicinal Herb Garden is very impressive. As the family chef, next year I will work on expanding the selection of herbs that I grow.
Recently, my wife and I participated in the Cape Elizabeth Garden Tour. It was great fun, and we saw a good number of beautiful gardens. The Garden Tour is a wonderful way to learn about landscape and garden design.
The first property, a beautiful landscape, was designed and executed by professionals at TMR Property Services. They completed the installation in three years.
The second property was completely overrun with invasive plants. The land is now free of invasives thanks to the hard work of the owners. An interesting property with sculptures throughout.
I will not focus on each property, but the last one that I will address is built on a massive ledge. I learned a great deal about the ornamentals that can be used in difficult settings.
This event is a fundraiser for the Fort Williams Garden. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend attending next year. I plan to go.
Enjoy August!
Reporting MGV Hours and Produce Donations
Thank you to everyone who has been reporting their hours so far this year. This is a friendly reminder to report your volunteer hours here: Reporting Master Gardener Volunteer Hours (bookmark this page!). MGVs have until the end of the year (December 31, 2023) to complete their annual requirement of 20 hours or 40 hours if you are currently working on your certification.
Need to check the status of your MGV hours?
Email Becky Gray at extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu or call 207.356.1348
If you are donating produce this season, please report the number of pounds donated here: Cumberland County Maine Harvest for Hunger Donation Report Form.
Field Days at Tidewater Farm
Join us on Saturday, August 12, 10:00 AM to Noon for our Field Day at Tidewater Farm. This event is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family! Demonstrations begin at 10:30 AM. Child-friendly activities will be provided. No registration required.
With the wide variety of flowers blooming in August, enjoy a walk through the gardens and participate in a hands-on demonstration of deadheading annuals and perennials throughout the growing season. Then, learn how to extend the gardening season by planting vegetable crops well into the late summer/early fall. You will also learn about various setups for protecting your crops against frost.
Our friends at the Falmouth Land Trust will be on hand to share information about local trails and nature-based programming. Learn how the Land Trust protects natural resources through conservation easements, and participate in a child-friendly activity.
Cumberland County Master Gardener Speaker Series
2023:
September 14: Creating a Habitat for Backyard Birds with Andrew Tufts/Audubon
October 5 : Drought Resistant Plants with Amy Witt/Earthwalkers
November 16: Native Trees with Jeff Tarling/Arborist
December 6: Holiday Decoration to Share with a Care Facility with Deborah Gray
Upcoming Events
Friday, August 4: Edible Plant Walks l 4 – 6:00 pm Falmouth
Friday, August 4: Medicinal Plant Walk l 4 – 5:30 pm Freeport
Saturday, August 5: Summer Plant Walk l 10 – Noon Falmouth
August 9-20: Wild Seed Project Plant Sale l Online
Saturday, August 12: Field Days at Tidewater Farm l 10 – Noon Falmouth
Tuesday, August 15: Preserving The Harvest l 5:30 – 8:30 pm Falmouth
Tuesday, August 22: Gather and Grow Tour l 6:00 – 7:30 pm Wilton
Tuesday, August 22: Summer Plant Walk l 4-6:00pm Falmouth
Saturday, August 26: Butterfly Festival & Fields Pond Celebration l 10-2:00pm Holden
Tuesday, August 29: Josephine Newman Invasive Plant Control Volunteer Work Day l 9 – Noon Georgetown
Thursday, August 31: Preserving the Harvest l 1:00 – 1:45 pm Online
Friday, September 1: Maine Outdoor Film Festival l 7 – 10 pm Falmouth
Save the Date: Master Gardener Harvest Celebration
Mark your Calendars for Saturday October 14th from 3 – 6pm at Tidewater Farm!
This is the date for our annual Master Gardener Harvest Celebration! There will be a potluck supper, a guest speaker, awards, music, and a basket raffle.
An annual event now down on the farm, the Harvest Celebration is a perfect time to catch up with old friends and meet new Master Gardener Volunteers. The fantastic 2023 Seed Grant Gardens will be featured as well!
Come for the Suppah – Stay for the Fun
Details to follow!
CLYNK
Do you need more CLYNK bags? CLYNK bags can be picked up at the office Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Our account grows steadily and the money supports Cumberland County Master Gardener projects. Collect your returnables in one of our designated CLYNK bags, drop off at your local Hannaford and help us grow our Seed Money.
The Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter is edited by Clarissa Brown and Annika Schmidt.
Event listings are compiled by Stephanie Karakantas. If you would like to submit an article or help with any aspect of the Newsletter contact AJ Cornell, the newsletter coordinator.