{"id":46943,"date":"2026-04-01T09:09:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:09:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/?p=46943"},"modified":"2026-04-01T09:09:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:09:43","slug":"spring-2026-master-gardener-volunteer-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/2026\/04\/01\/spring-2026-master-gardener-volunteer-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><b>In this issue\u2026<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"#President\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From the President<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"#Committee\">From the Plant Sale Committee<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"#Roots\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Roots: Meet Emily Mazurak<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"#Spotlight\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Volunteer Spotlight: Yarmouth Community Gardens<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"#Ask\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ask an MGV: Tips &amp; Tricks for Your Best Garden Yet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Events\">Upcoming Events<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"#Updates\">MGV Updates<\/a><a id=\"President\"><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>From the President<\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&#8220;I used to visit and revisit it a dozen times a day and stand in\u00a0deep contemplation over\u00a0my vegetable progeny with a love\u00a0that nobody could share or conceive of who had never taken\u00a0part in the process of creation.\u00a0 It was one of the most bewitching\u00a0sights in the world to observe a hill of beans thrusting aside\u00a0the soil, or a row of early peas just peeping forth sufficiently\u00a0to trace a line of delicate green.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&#8211; Nathaniel Hawthorne, \u201cThe Old Manse\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If only the excitement, anticipation and new growth of Spring could transfer to late March when the snow departs from my garden beds and yard. The longer daylight hours bring a whole new brighter feeling to my days\u2026but it&#8217;s so much more than that! There are so many other reasons why Spring is special (both new and re-experienced events): first day of yard clean-up, pulling up those driveway snow markers, eating out on an ocean side deck, first beach walks, thoughts of the upcoming strawberry season, seeing the first blossoms on my new peach trees (if they survived), garlic scapes emerging and the smell of lilacs and fruit trees in full bloom.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As I write this in mid-March, my cold frame is disassembled in my shed, vegetable and annual flower seeds are waiting to get started indoors for the summer season. The peas my granddaughter plants annually wait in their packets, the asparagus bed still slumbers, but I check it each day for sprouts, and the cold crops are still but a dream, yet I am bursting with optimism for this season!\u00a0 Certainly, while the growing conditions have not yet arrived, I have managed to stay on schedule this late winter (seeds have arrived, growing trays and lights are ready, garden planting rotations are planned and my seed inventory is done) which makes me hopeful for a wonderful growing season.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\u201cI like to think of seeds as tiny archives of the past, storing information about who and where we\u2019ve been, our decisions, challenges, and innovations, generation after generation.\u00a0 We are all standing on the shoulders of the people who have come before us, and seeds are woven through that story.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&#8211; Andrea Tursini, Introductory Letter to the 2025 High Mowing Seed Catalog 2025<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While every month of the Maine Spring growing season is a busy month for gardeners, I would like to make my annual suggestions for things you might enjoy in the upcoming season:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Firstly, visit a neighbor\u2019s\/friend\u2019s garden or stop by Tidewater. No matter how big or small a garden may be, there will be joy shared. Admire the array of choices, gardening skills, and seek to gain gardening wisdom and insights. The world looks like a much nicer place when we are in a backyard without emails, cellphones, political talk and the evening news.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Secondly, support our local horticultural vendors and Maine seed companies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thirdly, involve and share your gardening expertise and time with young children. It is the perfect time to involve children as school ends and despite their many activities, they are more available. I am continually amazed by the children in my neighborhood and my two local grandchildren. They ask great questions and seek answers, simple answers, which are the best! \u201cPoppy, when will the peas\/tomatoes be ready?\u201d While I grow a good quantity of peas, with my grandchildren eating them fresh off the vine in the garden, very few peas get into the house! Enjoy inspiring a \u201cfuture master gardener.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>A few Cumberland Co MGV Advisory Committee updates:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0A big THANK YOU to Pamela Hargest for her patience, hospitality, expertise, and common sense supporting me and all that we do!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Advisory Committee has spent a great deal of time productively planning governance and reviewing our new guidelines. Be assured the Advisory intends to continue the commitment to our educational and food security missions.\u00a0 It is our hope to strengthen the MGV committees and to provide a wider range of opportunities for volunteers to be included in leadership and advisory roles through our committees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our next advisory committee meeting is on Monday, April 27<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A very positive MGV Plant Sale planning report has been presented. Thank you to everyone who will roll up their sleeves and contribute to our largest fund-raising event.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Again, please keep in mind and leave room in your growing season calendars for the Spring Fling (Thursday, April 16<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, 5-8 PM Potluck, Wolfe\u2019s Neck Farm), Annual Plant Sale (Saturday, May 23<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">rd<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tidewater Farm), Summer Gala (Wednesday, August 12<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Tidewater) and Annual Harvest Celebration (November 12<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Falmouth Audubon).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is my last newsletter! Thank you for the privilege of sharing my thoughts and suggestions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Enjoy the upcoming growing season. May it yield us not only a beautiful and bountiful harvest, but as importantly, tranquility.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gary Hoyt<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cumberland Co MGV Advisory Committee Outgoing- President<a id=\"Committee\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>From the MGV Plant Sale Committee<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">March is such a fickle month with temperatures fluctuating from record highs to frigid conditions.\u00a0 Like many of you, we\u2019re itching to start working in our gardens. One day we think about turning over the soil and the next day we\u2019re hunkered down inside our homes.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"46989\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-46989\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Master Gardener Volunteers standing in the education tent at the 2025 plant sale\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-951x713.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/04\/MGV-Education-Crew.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Master Gardener Volunteers at the 2025 plant sale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While the temperatures keep changing, one constant you can rely on is the Master Gardener Plant Sale.\u00a0 We hope that you\u2019re planning on volunteering for the annual fundraiser &#8211; our largest of the year, the proceeds of which fund a variety of MGV activities, especially the seed grant projects.\u00a0This year\u2019s event is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend. We\u2019ll be out there slinging plants on <\/span><b>Saturday, May 23 from 9:00 am to noon<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at Tidewater Farm in Falmouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In late April, you will receive an email calling for volunteers needed on the day of the sale.\u00a0 There are multiple areas that would benefit from your expertise: perennials, annuals, veggies, gently used items, check-out, education and\/or parking.\u00a0 Make sure you sign up!\u00a0 It\u2019s a great way to meet your MGV volunteer requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Between now and the day of the sale, several committees need assistance.\u00a0 The Dig Team will be starting to transplant perennials from generous garden donors.\u00a0 The Annual Flower and Veggies Team are starting their work, planting seeds, watering and transplanting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finally, as you start your spring clean-up, consider donating your gently used garden tools, decorative garden gear, and accessories.\u00a0 Your clutter can become someone\u2019s treasure.\u00a0 The Gently Used Committee would love to receive your donation.\u00a0 You can drop off these items at Tidewater Farm on Friday, May 22 between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm or the morning of the sale before 8:00 am.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We look forward to working together to make this year\u2019s plant sale a success!<a id=\"Roots\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Roots: Meet Emily Mazurak, Master Gardener Volunteer<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"46950\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-46950 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Photo-Emily-Mazurak-256x300.jpg\" alt=\"Selfie of Emily Mazurak on a hike in a riverbed\" width=\"256\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Photo-Emily-Mazurak-256x300.jpg 256w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Photo-Emily-Mazurak-105x123.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Photo-Emily-Mazurak-317x372.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Photo-Emily-Mazurak-423x496.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Photo-Emily-Mazurak.jpg 546w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,256px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">New Master Gardener Volunteer Emily Mazurak<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Originally from Bedford, New York, Emily now lives in Gorham, where her love of gardening has truly blossomed. After moving to Maine a few years ago, she was looking for a way to get involved in her community when a friend introduced her to the Master Gardener Volunteer program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cWith my background in public health, I\u2019ve seen how powerful it is to understand where food comes from,\u201d Emily says. \u201cI loved the idea of helping people see how approachable gardening can be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Emily\u2019s gardening journey began in 2010 with a small community garden plot in Washington, D.C. Over the years, and several moves, she continued gardening wherever she could. When she and her family settled in Gorham in 2021, they inherited raised beds and plenty of opportunity. Since then, she\u2019s been transforming parts of her yard into pollinator-friendly gardens and is excited to try growing blueberries this year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Her favorite thing to grow? Tomatoes. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing better than snacking on cherry tomatoes right in the garden,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Like many gardeners, Emily has learned through trial and error, like the time she planted her garlic bulbs upside down her first year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Outside the garden, Emily works as a school nurse in Westbrook and enjoys hiking and visiting local breweries. As an MGV, she\u2019s excited to keep learning, growing, and giving back to her community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Is there an MGV you\u2019d like to know more about?\u00a0 Please send their name to <\/span><\/i><a href=\"mailto:heatherwberger@gmail.com\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heather Wiggins Berger<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for a future article.<a id=\"Spotlight\"><\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Project Spotlight: Yarmouth Community Garden<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"46949\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-46949 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Gardens-Garlic-300x225.png\" alt=\"Bunch of red garlic with stems attached after being harvested at the Yarmouth Community Garden\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Gardens-Garlic-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Gardens-Garlic-105x79.png 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Gardens-Garlic-317x238.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Gardens-Garlic.png 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Freshly harvested garlic from the Yarmouth Community Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Yarmouth Community Garden, located on the Frank Knight Preserve in Yarmouth, Maine, is not just a pretty place. In addition to the enjoyment that hikers and dog walkers get while strolling past the colorful garden, it has had an important role since 2003 in supplying over 67,000 pounds of organic vegetables for the Yarmouth Food Pantry and senior housing residents. This past year a whopping 4,456 pounds was harvested on approximately one quarter acre of land.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"46948\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-46948 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Beds-300x225.png\" alt=\"Bed of green plants at growing at the Yarmouth Community Garden\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Beds-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Beds-105x79.png 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Beds-317x238.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Beds.png 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thriving vegetable garden beds at the Yarmouth Community Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yarmouth Community Garden consists of three areas, the production garden, a children\u2019s garden used for educational camps in the summer, and a renter\u2019s garden. Each area is overseen by a skilled, paid, part-time coordinator. Currently there are over seventy renters who grow an amazing variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers in 129 ten foot by ten foot plots. In return, the renters are required to volunteer six hours per plot in the production garden. It is their hard work that assists the garden coordinator in preparing, planting, weeding and harvesting the land. There are two scheduled mornings of work a week but volunteers come as their schedules allow, to weed or mow. The work creates a wonderful community feeling as the gardeners learn planting tips, share seeds and seedlings, assist each other and join in monthly potlucks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">More volunteer help is always needed. There are several dedicated volunteers who do not have a plot, but enjoy helping out. 1,206 volunteer hours went into the garden in 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"46947\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-46947 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Baskets-300x225.png\" alt=\"Color plastic baskets full of harvested produce at the Yarmouth Community Garden\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Baskets-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Baskets-105x79.png 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Baskets-317x238.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Yarmouth-Community-Garden-Baskets.png 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Produce donations from the Yarmouth Community Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The big question each year is determining what, and how much, the garden should grow. The Steering Committee relies on feedback from the pantry and the senior residents who are our customers. An interesting trend is that as our state becomes more diverse the demand for certain vegetables has changed. The garden is now growing crops such as hot peppers, sweet potatoes, and a variety of greens as well as staples such as onions, potatoes and carrots for more traditional tastes. Seedlings come from Bumbleroot Farms in Windham at no cost as well as through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The garden benefits many people in the community, not just by providing food, but serving as a serene haven for artists, photographers, and residents of all ages. It benefits the environment with its native pollinator garden, beehives and organic practices, demonstrating that it is so much more than a pretty place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to<\/span><a href=\"mailto:ewalsh1000@icloud.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ellen Wash<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We\u2019re looking for volunteer projects to feature in our Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter. If you are interested in having your project featured &#8211; or if there is a project you would like to learn more about &#8211; please reach out to <\/span><\/i><a href=\"mailto:pdxsail@gmail.com\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kerri Frazier<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<a id=\"Ask\"><\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Ask an MGV: Tips &amp; Tricks for your Best Garden Yet<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Q: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This has been the coldest climatological winter in more than 10 years for much of the state. It\u2019s gotten me wondering how plants can survive in such low temperatures, especially those that set buds in the fall like rhododendrons. What is it in their structure or make up that allows this to happen?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>A: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">[<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Answer excerpted from Jonathan Foster\u2019s article in the Cooperative Extension\u2019s Garden and Yard newsletter]<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before we get to the actual mechanisms, it\u2019s important to frame the answer in an ideal ecosystem that the plants in question have evolved and acclimated to &#8211; proper geographical placement for the species, predictable seasonal shifts, an methodical decrease in temperature in the fall and increase in temperature in the spring, adequate precipitation\/irrigation, etc. Plants, especially flowering plants, thrive on routine with regular shifts in seasonal conditions. They will, of course, adapt to changes from year to year, but those adaptations may have an impact on processes like flowering. Tragically, climate change is forcing these changes at a rate many plants struggle to adopt. All of that to say that plants, like all organisms, will perform their functions better or worse depending on conditions and resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With that large caveat out of the way, let\u2019s talk about the amazing way plants protect overwintering flower buds! Internal ice is the real enemy during the cold months. Obviously, plants are full of water and when that water freezes, it expands into crystals that burst or pierce plant cells, destroying them. In fact, what actually kills the cells is massive leakage and dehydration upon thawing, which is why cold damage on plants often turns soggy. Sudden, early or late hard freezes can kill unprepared plants\u2019 tissues by freezing before mitigating circumstances are in place. But if the plant has properly prepared, there are two mechanisms that guard against ice: extracellular freezing and deep supercooling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Extracellular freezing occurs when the plant actively pumps water out of living cells into (1) the vast network of empty space between cells in a plant anatomical region called the apoplast or (2) the reinforced cells in the freeze-tolerant bud scales that surround the flower bud. Ice that forms in the apoplast has a lot more room to expand into without damaging living cells. And bud scale cells are hardened with stronger cell wall tissues and reinforced architecture that can withstand ice for a longer period of time (and they\u2019re ultimately less important than the bud tissue below, and therefore expendable if they do sustain damage).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deep supercooling is an ancillary mechanism that happens as a result of basic chemistry. When the water is pumped out of the cellular solution inside living cells, the internal solute concentration becomes higher, which lowers the solution\u2019s freezing point. Water can actually remain liquid well below freezing temperatures if the conditions are right, though in plants this capability varies widely by species.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, to your question, cold-hardy rhododendrons tend to allow bud scales to take the brunt of internal freezing by moving water into those zones in preparation for freezes and to maintain the bud tissues themselves lower down in supercooled, usually ice-free conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you want to go deeper, you can check out these additional references:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usbg.gov\/blog\/frostbitten-flora-what-happens-plant-cells-when-it-freezes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cWhat Happens to Plant Cells When It Freezes?\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> US Botanical Garden website<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/openlibrary.org\/books\/OL3433267M\/The_biology_of_horticulture\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Biology of Horticulture, by Preece and Read, \u201cFreeze Avoidance\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (a textbook explanation accessible to broad audiences)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25859249\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cIce nuclear activity in various tissues of Rhododendron\u2026,\u201d Ishakowa, et al, Frontiers in Plant Science (March 2015)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (if you\u2019re interested in a scientific deep dive into the phenomenon)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We want to help you with your gardening questions and issues. To get help from your fellow MGVs, submit your questions to <\/span><\/i><a href=\"mailto:heatherwberger@gmail.com\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heather Wiggins Berger<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<a id=\"Events\"><\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Upcoming Events<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><b>Spring Fling\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Please join us for the Master Gardener Volunteer 2026 Spring Fling scheduled for Thursday, April 16, from 5-8pm at the Smith Center at Wolfe\u2019s Neck Center. Celebrate the arrival of spring with our annual gathering. Enjoy guest speakers, a potluck dinner, and the company of your fellow volunteers to kick off the season. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/signup.com\/client\/invitation2\/secure\/461691172066\/false#\/invitation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">RSVP today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Speaker Series\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Education Committee is pleased to present the following learning opportunities:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, April 15:<\/b> <b>Nature Site Walk with Amy Witt Orris Falls Trail | <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">9 AM &#8211; 11 AM |\u00a0 South Berwick |\u00a0 $7.50 (payable on the day of the walk) | RSVP to <\/span><a href=\"mailto:catzrul1@live.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Barbara Dee<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to reserve a spot | This walk is not designed to include dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Orris Falls trail winds through a diverse habitat featuring a balancing rock (large glacial erratic), beaver wetlands, Orris Falls 90-foot gorge, overlooks with views of Mt. Agamenticus, and a historic homestead foundation from the 1800&#8217;s.\u00a0 The walk is approximately 3 miles out and back. \u00a0 Orris Falls, 551 Emery&#8217;s Bridge Rd \u00b7 South Berwick, ME<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, May 7: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine-extension.formtitan.com\/ftproject\/events?eventid=a1cUy000005nPon\"><b>Container Gardening<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> |\u00a0 5:30 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Tidewater Farm, Falmouth | $20<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tuesday, June 2:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine-extension.formtitan.com\/ftproject\/events?eventid=a1cUy000005o6nJ\"><b>Growing and Preserving Herbs<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> |\u00a0 5:30 &#8211; 7:00 PM |\u00a0 Tidewater Farm, Falmouth | $15<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions for workshops and presentations.\u00a0 Keep the suggestions coming to <\/span><a href=\"mailto:catzrul1@live.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Barbara Dee<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>University of Maine Extension Events<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tuesday, April 7:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine-extension.formtitan.com\/ftproject\/events?eventid=a1cUy000005Mr81\"><b>Produce Sharing Tables: An Approach to Garden-Grown Food Access <\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">|\u00a0 6:00 &#8211; 7:15 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 $0 &#8211; $15<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tuesday, April 14:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine-extension.formtitan.com\/ftproject\/events?eventid=a1cUy000005MuOr\"><b>Community Gardens and Food Security in Maine<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 6:00 &#8211; 7:15 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 $0 &#8211; $15<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, April 23: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/event\/preserving-the-harvest-boiling-water-bath-canning\/\"><b>Preserving the Harvest: Boiling Water Bath Canning<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> | 5:30 &#8211; 8:00 PM |\u00a0 Falmouth | $25<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, May 13: \u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/campscui.active.com\/orgs\/LewistonAdultEducation?newcui=true&amp;e4q=30dfcfc3-4d0e-4aa2-b329-d5d5296e6ea0&amp;e4p=7a093239-9493-4300-b90e-f79b799ba008&amp;e4ts=1773939567&amp;e4c=active&amp;e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&amp;e4rt=Safetynet&amp;e4h=d4e5b5a46874ce3d33c2be56f3b63cb5#\/selectSessions\/3743036\"><b>Pickling Spring Vegetables<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:30 &#8211; 8:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Lewiston\u00a0 |\u00a0 $23<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, June 10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine-extension.formtitan.com\/ftproject\/events?eventid=a1cUy000005o89B\"><b>Big Yields on Small Plots<\/b><\/a><b> |<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 5:30 &#8211; 7:00 PM | Tidewater Farm, Falmouth | $15<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Community Events<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, April 1:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/grow-your-own-organic-garden-2026\/\"><b>Grow Your Own Organic Garden<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 6:00 &#8211; 7:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 South Portland\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, April 2: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/hedgerow-workshop\/\"><b>Hedgerow Workshop:\u00a0 Natural Pest Management <\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0|\u00a0 5:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, April 8: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/gardening-q-a\/\"><b>Gardening Q &amp; A <\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0|\u00a0 6:00 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, April 15:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/plums-101\/\"><b>Plums 101<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 6:00 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, April 15: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/natural-communities-willows\/\"><b>Natural Communities Webinar:\u00a0 Willows<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:30 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, April 16: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/climate-smart-garden-design\/\"><b>Climate-Smart Garden Design<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 12:00 &#8211; 1:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday April 16: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/natural-communities-visit-willows-gilsland\/\"><b>Natural Communities Visit: Willows at Gilsland Farm<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:30 &#8211; 6:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Falmouth\u00a0 |\u00a0 $8<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, April 16: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/science-for-self-reliance-gardening-with-responsible-pest-management-beneficial-habitat\/\"><b>Science for Self-Reliance Gardening with Responsible Pest Management + Beneficial Habitat<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 &#8211; 6:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Brunswick\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Saturday, April 18: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/bench-grafting-workshop-2\/\"><b>Bench Grafting: Learn to Graft Fruit Tree Scionwood Onto Rootstock<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 10:00 &#8211; 12:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Unity\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, April 23:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/wildseedproject.net\/events\/xn17pl0xa52ce52v9y5kmv5210nxcf\"><b> Introduction to Native Plant Guilds<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 3:00 &#8211; 5:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 $40<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tuesday, April 28:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cumberlandswcd.org\/calendar\/yardscaping-from-lawns-to-landscapes\"><b>Yardscaping: From Lawns to Landscapes<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Saco\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, April 29:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/science-for-self-reliance-forestry-at-home\/\"><b>Science for Self-Reliance:\u00a0 Forestry at Home<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 | \u00a0 6:00 &#8211; 7:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Brunswick\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, April 30: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/climate-smart-garden-design-2\/\"><b>Climate-Smart Garden Design: Part 2<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 12:00 &#8211; 1:00\u00a0 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, May 6: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/natural-communities-servicceberry\/\"><b>Natural Communities Webinar: Serviceberry<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:30 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 | Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, May 7: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/natural-communities-visit-forest-biddeford\/\"><b>Natural Communities Visit: Forest Edges at Biddeford Pool<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 &#8211; 6:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Biddeford\u00a0 |\u00a0 $8<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tuesday, May 12:\u00a0 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/intro-to-inaturalist-webinar\/\"><b>Intro to iNaturalist Webinar<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> |\u00a0 6:30 &#8211; 8:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wednesday, May 13: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/intro-to-inaturalist-at-gilsland-farm\/\"><b>Intro to iNaturalist at Gilsland Farm<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 4:00 &#8211; 5:30 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Falmouth\u00a0 | \u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, May 14: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/climate-smart-garden-design-3\/\"><b>Climate-Smart Garden Design: Part 3<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 12:00 &#8211; 1:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Online\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Saturday, May 16: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/event-calendar\/topworking\/\"><b>Topworking: Learn to Graft Fruit Tree Scionwood Onto Established Trees<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> | 10:00 &#8211; 12:30 PM | Richmond |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Thursday, May 21: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/maineaudubon.org\/events\/plant-walk-native-plants-of-gilsland-farm\/\"><b>Plant Walk: Native Plants of Gilsland Farm<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 &#8211; 6:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Falmouth\u00a0 |\u00a0 Free<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tuesday, June 11: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cumberlandswcd.org\/calendar\/yardscaping-from-lawns-to-landscapes-1\"><b>Yardscaping: From Lawns to Landscapes<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 &#8211; 7:00 PM\u00a0 |\u00a0 Cape Elizabeth\u00a0 | \u00a0 Free<a id=\"Updates\"><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>MGV Updates<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"46970\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-46970\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-300x300.png\" alt=\"Ava at a young age wearing a pink cowboy hat and tan gardening gloves working in a raised gardening bed\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-105x105.png 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-317x317.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-423x423.png 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-634x634.png 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-846x846.png 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-951x951.png 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid-32x32.png 32w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2026\/03\/Ava-Gardening-Kid.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,193px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ava working in her mom&#8217;s garden as a kid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><b>Welcome, Ava Sharpe!<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ava, the Cumberland County Extension Office\u2019s new Administrative Specialist, is new to Maine from Austin, Texas, but recently lived in Western Massachusetts while studying at Mount Holyoke College. In her role as the Agriculture and Horticulture Administrative Specialist in Cumberland she is excited to help support the work that Master Gardener Volunteers do, and to get to know MGV projects in the county and beyond. Ava has a background in science and community education, a passion for maps, and a love of reading. She looks forward to meeting you at the MGV Spring Fling or Plant Sale, or at another time soon!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>We&#8217;re hiring a Tidewater Farm Food Security Apprentice!<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Tidewater Farm Food Security Apprentice is based at the University of Maine Gardens at Tidewater Farm, in Falmouth, which promotes the Harvest for Hunger Program and provides education opportunities for children and adults. This position will focus on vegetable production and food security initiatives at Tidewater Farm and in the Greater Portland area with the Cumberland County Gleaning Initiative, including but not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assisting with general field work, planting, record-keeping, tool maintenance, irrigation, harvesting and pest management at Tidewater Farm.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting gleaning initiatives on-site and in collaboration with the Cumberland County Food Security Council.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Delivering gleaned produce from local farms to community partners in the Greater Portland area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Communicating with garden visitors about their horticulture needs and providing research-based answers to their horticulture-related questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This position is a part-time (16 hours\/week), temporary position from May 26 &#8211; November 14, with an hourly rate of $20.90. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com\/hcmUI\/CandidateExperience\/en\/sites\/CX_1\/job\/2480\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apply online here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Kudos to You!\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New this spring: Share your appreciation for your fellow master gardener volunteers. Whether it&#8217;s pulling weeds or showing up with great energy, let your fellow volunteers know how much you appreciate them. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSexJbSo_CcxgrMDvuFmxDUk_isHgkPi3kOwpfKhFhk0JNYBNQ\/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=108326664130845478985\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fill out the kudos form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>Past Editions: <\/b>We are in the process of making past editions of the newsletter easier to find. All CCMGV newsletter editions will be available on this <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/category\/horticulture\/master-gardener-newsletter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Master Gardener Newsletter page<\/a> soon! Thanks for bearing with us as we do some digital spring cleaning!<\/p>\n<p><b>About this Newsletter: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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 <\/span><a href=\"mailto:heatherwberger@gmail.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heather Wiggins Berger<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the newsletter coordinator.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this issue\u2026 From the President From the Plant Sale Committee\u00a0 Roots: Meet Emily Mazurak Volunteer Spotlight: Yarmouth Community Gardens Ask an MGV: Tips &amp; Tricks for Your Best Garden Yet Upcoming Events MGV Updates From the President &#8220;I used to visit and revisit it a dozen times a day and stand in\u00a0deep contemplation over\u00a0my [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":237,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[829],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-master-gardener-newsletter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - 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