Gifts of the Garden: Q&A Sessions

Visit the Massabesic Center to meet the people who are outstanding in their fields and know all the dirt. No need to herb your enthusiasm! Bring your pressing questions about plants, find your inner peas, discover inspiration for laying down roots at home, or just dig the blooms! Our volunteer team of University of New Hampshire Extension Master Gardeners enjoy connecting with our visitors and sharing what it takes to create and maintain the luscious, wildlife-friendly gardens at Massabesic. The gardens on site include pollinator and bird-friendly plants, a rain garden space, vegetable and herb gardens, raised beds, wheelchair-accessible beds, and more. As an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program, Massabesic’s Demonstration Gardens provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat. This informal drop-in style event during a volunteer workday is the perfect opportunity to learn how you can create similar garden spaces in your own backyard, whether you have an acre or a patio pot. Curious about what plants might work well in full sun or full shade? What plants attract birds and pollinators? How can you grow vegetables for yourself, while being friendly to the local wildlife who might want to share your crops? This event is also the perfect time to learn about getting involved in volunteer gardening opportunities at the Massabesic Center. Logistics: You can arrive any time between 9am and 11am. As you approach the front entrance of the main building, follow the All-Persons Trail to the right, around the back of the building. The trail will lead you into the gardens, where you’ll find UNH Extension Master Gardeners wearing nametags while working. They’ll be expecting you, so please strike up a conversation and let the plants be your guide! Dress for the weather. The All-Persons Trail pathway is flat packed gravel suitable for wheelchairs and most mobility devices. Some portions of the gardens are grassy or mulched. The parking lot is primarily dirt and some areas may be muddy or puddled after rains. Sunscreen and personal insect repellant are recommended. Don’t forget your camera! Building hours (and bathroom access) are 11am to 5pm. Visit the gift shop and meet our animal ambassadors after you spend your morning exploring the gardens. This event is free to attend. Please RSVP before September 30 to help us get a headcount of how many people to expect. Walk-ins are welcome but may miss cancellation communications. Gardeners will not be on site during inclement weather. By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver. Children are welcome! Special accommodations for persons with limited mobility, sensory concerns, or other accessibility needs can be provided if you contact Massabesic Center Director Kimmie Whiteman in advance. Support our programs and join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.