Harvest season is in full swing at the Gardens. In addition to the 15,000 pounds of pumpkins and other gourds brightening the Central Gardens, a bevy of eerie, funny, and/or cute scarecrows populates the Children’s Garden, whether on a roof, in the Tidely-Idly, or other surprising spots. Plenty of flowers are still in bloom, even roses; decorative grasses are taller than ever; and trees are beginning their annual burst of color.

For information about the Gardens and fall programs for all ages, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; visit www.mainegardens.org; or stop by the Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

Chef announces October 16 menu

Christopher Anderson, chef and co-owner with his wife of Wings Hill Inn & Restaurant in Belgrade Lakes will prepare a fall-flavored, multi-course meal at the Gardens on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. The menu for this Kitchen Garden Series Dinner will include an appetizer of wild-mushroom “pudding” with mushroom toast and fresh yogurt cheese; a seafood course of grilled giant prawn with baby greens and spiced pumpkin-seed pesto; an entrée of slow-roasted duck breast with caramelized Brussels sprouts and crispy rice cake; and chocolate cappuccino for dessert.

The price, which includes wine and gratuities, is $75 for members and $90 for nonmembers. Seating is limited, but a few spaces remain. For reservations, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101.

Native woody plants for Maine gardens

On Thursday and Friday, October 17 and 18, from 9-4 each day, staff horticulturist and educator Justin Nichols will present an intensive course for Maine gardeners on selecting and using native trees and shrubs. The workshop combines classroom time in the Education Center and forays into the garden and nearby sites. Fees are $120 for members and $150 for nonmembers, and preregistration is required.

Justin Nichols has been professionally maintaining gardens for 20 years, including five years at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. He is a certified organic land care professional. He also has a master’s degree in education and enjoys teaching horticulture to people of all ages.

Fall in the Children’s Garden

Other than Storytimes, which continue all winter on Mondays at 10 a.m., the season for children’s and family programs is winding down. The final session of the “Little Diggers” gardening program for kids from 3-5 years old is from 9:30-11:30 a.m., on Thursday, Oct. 17. Fees per child are $12 for members and $17 for nonmembers, and reservations are required.

During the final Cider Sunday, 1-3 p.m. on October 13, visitors can enjoy a cup of cider they press themselves. Each day of the season’s last weekend of children’s activities, October 12 and 13, includes Storytime at 10 a.m., Garden Puppet Theater in the Story Barn at 11 a.m., and chicken feeding at 12:30 p.m. Because of Cider Sunday, the 2 p.m. Nature Investigation will be on Saturday only.

Reminders

On Friday, Oct. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., horticulturist Irene Brady Barber will show how to bring outdoor plants inside for the winter to provide color, scent, and a healthy environment; and everyone will get to pot up and take home a plant to brighten their own home “greenscape.” Fees for this workshop in the Education Center are $35 for members and $42 for nonmembers.

Horticulturist and floral arranger Diane Walden’s creepy-but-cute Harrowing Harvest Folk are fun and easy to make out of plants and other materials. She’ll teach a workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Fees are $35 for members and $42 for nonmembers.