October 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter

In this issue…

From the President

“Life starts over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

As I write this on the first day of fall, there’s a trickle of falling leaves in my yard which will soon turn our landscape into a wonderland of autumn colors. Our fall foliage is fleeting, so I encourage you to get out and enjoy it – and maybe do some apple picking as well.

While the height of the growing season is only a memory now, despite my best efforts to extend it, we are reaching the end of the natural, active growing season. A Jesuit friend said “the greatest gift we have is the gift of life”. Fall has always been bittersweet for me with so many changes in the natural life cycle.

I do relish the autumnal quiet of ‘buttoning up my garden’, while it seemed to happen earlier this year. Maybe in the midst of the beginning of a new school year and some of my favorite outdoor dining restaurants and ice cream establishments announcing closing dates, I’ve lost track of our natural calendar.

From the preserving, freezing, saucing, and drying of this year’s harvest to soil preparation, winterizing, bulb planting, and general tool and garden clean-up, there’s certainly plenty to still do outside during these beautiful tranquil days. 

Each year I keep a list of my gardening successes and failures. While this year’s successes are fewer than last year, there are some correctable mistakes. No matter how big or small, successful or challenged your gardens were this year, remember there is always next year. Before we know it, we will be planting next year’s garlic and the 2026 seed catalogs will be arriving in our mailboxes!

I encouraged all of you last month to take in the incredible displays of handiwork and agriculture at a Maine Agricultural Fair. I’m continually amazed and inspired by the talents of the contributors to these great events. And let us not forget the myriad of food offerings. Where else can we access a complete turkey dinner, sausage sandwich, fried dough, cotton candy, apple crisp, a plateful of blooming onions, and pizza in a single outing?! 

The CCMGV Advisory Committee met in September, so I have some news to share:

  • The Advisory is beginning to review and revise our Business Calendar.
  • The “Summer Gala” was a great success and we are planning another “Summer Gala” in 2026. 
  • All Advisory Sub-Committees should submit their budget projects for 2026 by October 13th to Gary Hoyt.
  • There will be at least two Advisory positions open starting in April, 2026. Please consider sharing your talents.
  • Our next Board Meeting will be on October 20th, at Cooperative Extension in Falmouth.
  • Again, please mark your calendars and sign up for the Annual Harvest Celebration (pot luck) scheduled for Thursday, October 9th, 2025, from 5-7:30 P.M. at Maine Audubon in Falmouth.  

Enjoy the end of our growing season. May it yield us not only a beautiful and bountiful harvest, but as importantly, tranquility.

Gary Hoyt
CCMGA President

Roots – Meet MGV Linda Grant

Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Grant stands between two raised bed gardens.Linda grew up in Western New York State and upon graduating from Cornell University, went to New York City for a job in public relations. She and her husband Schuyler moved to New Jersey and raised their family. After their children graduated from college, Linda and Sky moved in 1996 to Yarmouth, Maine. They had summered in Maine for years and liked the state for its environmental concerns and great lifestyle. They have been active community participants in their retirement and Linda decided to pursue her love of gardening by taking the Master Gardener Class in 2009. She’s enjoyed all the projects she’s worked on and has been thrilled to be one of the Plant Sale committee for years. 

In 2021, Linda and Sky moved to Cumberland Crossing in Cumberland, an independent community separated by 10 miles from Oceanview, of which it is a part. As the community was being built and grew, many asked about having a community garden. Linda organized the garden with a few other residents and today there are 18 raised beds with a variety of gardens to enjoy. It’s a wonderful activity, not just for the gardeners, but the whole community enjoys watching the gardens mature and be harvested. Linda acts as the coordinator and liaison with the administration and answers questions when she knows the answer – but like a true Master Gardener also is not afraid to say let’s ask the experts! 

Linda was excited for a new challenge when asked to be the Chair of the Great Chebeague Golf Club’s Sanctuary Committee, to oversee the process of the club becoming an Audubon-certified course. This program promotes ecologically-sound land management and the conservation of natural resources on golf courses worldwide. As this golf course is on a five-mile island in Casco Bay, the club members felt it was important to the island community to follow the best environmental standards going into the future. The process involves developing an environmental plan and then following that plan to accomplish goals in six categories. 

Over the past several years some of the projects include having a children’s bird house building workshop and placing bird and bat houses around the course, managing invasive species, engaging in water quality studies, observing how best to protect the shoreline and mitigate sea level rise damage, protecting a fresh water tidal stream, using the best plant materials, especially native plants – all to provide sustainability and observe climate change effects. The process has taken four years and it is anticipated to be completed in 2026. 

Linda felt confident taking on the above tasks as well as assisting in the redesign of two  public parks in Yarmouth because of what she has learned and continues to learn through the MGV program and informational UMaine sessions. 

She has four grandchildren she sees as often as possible, and  enjoys  golf, planning, maintaining the landscaping at their new home, reading, hiking, and meeting new neighbors.  

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

Project Spotlight: Ronald McDonald House

Master Gardener Volunteer Nicki Griffin waters a colorful flowering plant. In 2019, Robin Babino and Nicki Griffin teamed up to work on the Ronald McDonald House gardens after several non-master gardener volunteers had made a few “mistakes” in taking care of the gardens – as they say, too many cooks spoil the broth!! More MG volunteers have joined over the years and this became a registered Master Gardener Work site. The current crew of Nicki Griffin, Dolores Testa, Pam Nickless, Jen Peavey and Nancy Sarnacki, with Betsy Pope and Robin Babino as advisors, meet each Spring and Fall to plan what improvements can be made. We schedule Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings – one or two volunteers each day – to keep everything watered and in great shape – weeds don’t stand much of a chance with our crew!

Two Master Gardener Volunteers pose near the Ronald McDonald House.With financial support from the Master Gardener Seed Grant program, we were able to add a Native Plant garden in 2023. In 2024, the Seed Grant program helped us purchase the annuals for our many very colorful container gardens, as well as rehabilitating  a problem area with new Spirea and Catmint. In 2025, we were able to add many of the colorful annuals, some tomato plants and more native shrubs.

A display of colorful flowers on the patio of the Ronald McDonald House.We have worked hard to create a colorful and serene place for the 800+ families who come and go from the RMD House. There is lots of seating for anyone stopping by, and the view from the inside looking out is always lovely. Jen Peavey was our master this year at putting together gorgeous containers!

 Every time we work in the gardens we get so many thank-yous from the families, the RMD volunteers and the neighbors who walk by. It’s truly a labor of love for all of us. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Nicki Griffin.

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.

Ask an MGV: Tips & Tricks for your Best Garden Yet

Q: Last fall, I installed a wide variety of native plants in my new side garden. This year I’d like to collect their seeds to share with friends – and with other parts of my yard. How do I get started? 

A: [Excerpted from Maine Home Garden News – September Newsletter – Collecting Native Perennial Seeds: A How-To Guide for Beginners by Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional]

Collecting seeds from native perennials can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. It not only deepens your connection with local ecosystems but also supports native plant restoration and biodiversity. However, it’s important to remember that seeds serve as a crucial food source for wildlife and play a vital role in natural plant reproduction. Always do your research and approach seed collection responsibly.

This guide focuses on native perennials that produce dry seeds, which are typically easier for beginners to collect.

Research Before You Collect

Start by identifying the native perennials from which you plan to collect seeds. Research key details such as:

  • When they flower and produce seeds
  • What the seeds look like when mature
  • How the seeds are dispersed naturally
  • Whether the plant is listed as endangered or threatened

Consider observing your target plants for a full growing season. Keep a journal or calendar to track flower and seed development. This will help you time your collection efforts more effectively in the following year.

Check Legal and Conservation Status

Make sure the plants you’re targeting are not listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by referencing the following resources:

Prepare for Collection

Protect Seeds From Wildlife: Some species produce abundant seeds (e.g., asters), while others produce smaller quantities. To prevent wildlife from eating the seeds before you collect them, consider covering seed heads with mesh bags or similar materials, but only for the plants you intend to harvest.

Gather Tools and Supplies:

  • Pruners or scissors
  • Gloves
  • Paper bags (various sizes)
  • Permanent marker for labeling

Collect Seeds

Timing is Key: Most perennial seeds are ready for harvest 6–8 weeks after blooming. Look for signs of dryness and maturity which varies by species, but mature seeds typically come loose easily and may rattle inside pods or heads.

Harvest Method: Cut mature seed heads and place them upside down in paper bags. Avoid overcrowding the bags as good airflow helps prevent mold and supports further drying. Label each bag with the Latin name, collection date, and location.

Drying Period: Store the bags in a cool, dry location for up to two weeks to allow seeds to finish drying.

A photo of a dried foxglove seed head on a paper plate, with seeds around it to be collected.Clean Seeds

Set Up Your Workspace: Use a shallow, light-colored tray or baking sheet with raised sides to prevent seeds from scattering.

Clean One Species at a Time: Each plant may require a different cleaning technique. For example:

  • Mint family seeds often shake out easily when the seed head is turned upside down.
  • Aster family seeds may need gentle agitation in a bag with coins to separate the seed from the pappus* (the fluffy material that aids in seed dispersal).

*Removing the pappus is not always necessary, especially if seeds will be planted soon.

Remove Debris: Strip away stems, leaves, chaff (outer coverings), and other unwanted plant material. Multiple rounds of cleaning may be needed for full separation.

Store Seeds Properly

Use coin envelopes or small paper packets for storage. Clearly label each envelope with:

  • Latin name
  • Collection location
  • Date of collection

Store envelopes in a cool, dry, and dark place, safe from insects or rodents.

By following these steps, you’ll not only improve your seed-saving success but also contribute to preserving native plant diversity for years to come.

We want to help you with your gardening questions and issues. To get help from your fellow MGVs, submit your questions to Heather Wiggins Berger.

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Growing Native Plants from Seed Webinar

Join Horticulture Professional, Pamela Hargest, on Tuesday, October 7 from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. for a Growing Native Plants from Seed webinar!

This session will cover simple, practical methods for starting native plants from seed, including seed sowing, protecting seedlings from pests, and dividing perennials. Registration is required and sliding scale fee options are available.

Grow Your Own Garlic Workshop

Join us on Wednesday, October 15 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Tidewater Farm for a hands-on workshop and learn how to grow your own garlic from planting to harvest!

UMaine Vegetable and Fruit Researcher, Peyton Ginakes, will lead this interactive session where we’ll discuss how to select garlic varieties, plant seed garlic, provide seasonal care, and properly harvest, cure, and store your crop.

Each participant will have the opportunity to plant garlic at Tidewater Farm and take home a garlic head to plant in their own garden. Registration is required and sliding scale fee options are available.

University of Maine Extension Events

Community Events

MGV Updates

Community Educator Training for MGVs coming soon!

Starting late winter/early spring 2026, we’re launching a 5–6 week online training that will be required for Master Gardener Volunteers who give presentations as part of their volunteer work. This annual training will help ensure presentations are engaging, accessible, and based on best practices for adult learning.

Upon successful completion, volunteers will join the Community Horticulture Education Program, a statewide effort to match trained MGV speakers with local presentation requests. Requesting organizations will choose from a set list of topics and volunteers will use ready-made materials (slides, outlines, etc.) created by subject matter experts.  

In addition to presenting, volunteers will be expected to coordinate with requesting organizations, and collect and submit program impact data and evaluations. 

Why This Change? There’s growing demand for high-quality public presentations aligned with our program priorities. This training will help us expand capacity while ensuring content remains research-based, consistent, and accessible.

If you’re currently giving presentations or would like to gain the skills and confidence to present, please complete this interest form. 

Office Hours Update: The Cumberland County Extension Office will be open Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment only on Fridays.

Hours: Please report your hours and impact in our 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.