GRAY – Through the Maine Gardening Series, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County has several horticulture courses planned for this spring and summer.

They include “Pruning for Fun and for Profit;” “Managing a Home Orchard;” “Earth-Friendly Landscaping;” “Right Plant, Right Place;” “Successful Organic Vegetable Gardening;” “Wildflower and Common Plant Identification;” and “Touring Maine’s Garden Gems.”

The courses are designed for the public. Participants will be provided reference materials that complement field experiences and hands-on learning. For a complete list of courses and registration information, contact the Cumberland County Extension Office at 1-800-287-1471 or visit the Web site, www.umext.maine.edu, and click on the Maine Gardening Series button. Class size is limited, so early registration is advised.

Two of the courses will begin in March. “Pruning for Fun and for Profit” includes field sessions at an apple orchard, a highbush blueberry planting site and at a woodlot. Participants will learn how, why and when to prune trees and shrubs. The course will be taught by Extension professor Richard Brzozowski. It begins Tuesday, March 15.

The other course is “Managing a Home Orchard,” beginning Saturday, March 12. It equips home gardeners with the knowledge to plant and maintain a successful home orchard from spring to fall. It will be team-taught with specialists, educators and a pest management scientist from the University of Maine.