Tidewater Farm Events

Soil Health

person holding soil in their hand, small roots are poking out of the handful of soilTuesday, September 15
5-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 register online

Join UMaine Extension Horticulture Staff, Rebecca Long, for an engaging workshop on the foundation of a successful garden: healthy soil. Soil is a living system, and understanding how its physical, chemical, and biological properties work together can help you grow healthier, more productive plants.

In this workshop, you’ll explore the role of soil organic matter and the soil food web, learn how to assess the health of your garden soil, and discover how to use soil test results to guide management decisions. We’ll also discuss practical techniques for building and protecting soil health, from improving soil structure and organic matter to supporting the organisms that help your soil function.

Participants will gain practical knowledge and strategies to better understand, manage, and improve the soil in their own gardens. This workshop will take place at the UMaine Gardens at Tidewater Farm, 200 Presumpscot Point Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Registration is required and the program fee is $15 per person.

The Natural Dye Garden

Composite with marigold and cosmo flowers growing in garden bed, orange and red natural-dyed fiber strands to rightSaturday, September 19
2-4 p.m.
Cost: $50 register online

Join fiber farmer, fiber artist, and natural dye grower, Eileen Flanagan, for a hands-on workshop exploring the colorful world of dye gardening. Growing plants for natural dyes is a rewarding way to combine gardening, creativity, and traditional craft while discovering the surprising range of colors that can be produced from your own backyard.

In this interactive class, you’ll learn about popular dye plants, their growing requirements, and how to create a diverse natural color palette using flowers, leaves, and other plant materials. We’ll also explore the basics of the natural dyeing process, along with a touch of the history and creative possibilities of botanical dyes.

Participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience creating a botanically printed silk scarf using fresh dye plants and flowers from Eileen’s garden in Vassalboro. Everyone will leave with a unique hand-printed scarf and the inspiration to start growing their own dye garden. This workshop will take place at the UMaine Gardens at Tidewater Farm, 200 Presumpscot Point Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Registration is required and the program fee is $50 per person.

If you have any questions or would like to request an accommodation for one of these events, please contact Pamela Hargest at pamela.hargest@maine.edu or 207.949.4524.

The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity institution committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.