SUMNER – Hedgehog Hill, a small farm in the foothills of Western Maine, offers classes and walks during the summer.

There is a large variety of plants, herbs and everlastings as well as herbal wreaths, dried flower arrangements, decorated baskets, bouquets, herbal teas, jams and jellies, herbal vinegars and honeys, culinary herbs, potpourri, natural moth repelling herbs, catnip and dried materials. There are a dozen terraced display gardens around the buildings, shade gardens and two grape arbors.

Special events will be as follows:

Spring Fair, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 6, 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The grounds have several perennial gardens with spring bulbs, and the shop will be filled with gifts.

Open Farm Day, Sunday, July 24: Hedgehog Hill Farm will participate with more than 80 farms throughout Maine, which will be open to the public. There will be farm-raised products for sale, displays and samples.

Common Ground Country Fair on Sept. 23, 24 and 25: The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will host the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity. Hedgehog Hill Farm will be in the agricultural booth area.

Thanksgiving weekend open house on Nov. 25, 26 and 27: There will be wreaths, arrangements, jams and jellies, bouquets of dried flowers and swags.

The workshop schedule is announced.

“Gardening with Perennials,” Saturday, May 28: The day-long class will focus on gardening with herbaceous perennials. Principles of soil preparation, design and maintenance will be taught by staff.

“Making Hypertufa Garden Containers,” Saturday, June 4 and 11: The class is devoted to making stone-like pots for favorite plants.

“Designing Everlasting Wreaths and Arrangements,” Thursday, July 21, Saturday, Aug. 6: Ample time to complete a wreath or a container arrangement.

“Handmade papermaking,” Thursday, July 14, and Saturday, July 16: Using natural fibers, herbs and flowers, create elegant papers as art, as decoration or cards. Workshop will by taught by Jim Neal, artist and craftsman.

“Photographing Nature Using Digital Cameras,” July 23: Participants will learn the complimentary aspects of using digital cameras, photo imaging software and the printer to design aesthetically exciting images.

The workshop will be taught by Mark Silber, a distinguished photographer, author and owner of Hedgehog Hill Farm.

Workshops on a wide range of horticultural and associated topics are given at the farm. Speaking engagements at the farm or on location are arranged on request. Call or e-mail for fees at info@hedgehoghillfarm.com.

The schedule of Sundays in the Gardens at 2 is announced. Programs are free and open to the public at 2 p.m. Sundays. One hour lectures are held rain or shine.

“Sustainable Gardening,” June 12: Soil preparation and soil health maintenance, seeding, planting, garden and plant health. Is it possible to have a healthy garden without having to eradicate all the weeds and insects?

“Perennial Garden Design,” June 19: Site selection, preparation, plant choices, design principles and maintenance. Tours of perennial gardens at the farm.

“Herbs for Pleasure and Fun,” June 26: Tours of herbs in the perennial border, in walkways, in culinary or cutting gardens, in patio containers.

“Gardening in the Shade,” July 3: A tour of several shade gardens at Hedgehog Hill, where common and uncommon plants are combined in designs.

“Small Fruits and Berries,” July 10: A tour of the grape arbors, raspberry, blackberry, rhubarb and blueberry gardens, with tips on design, planting, and maintenance.

“Culinary Herbs,” July 17: See, smell and taste a number of cooking herbs, from basils to angelica. Ideas on growing and using culinary plants.

“Photographing in the Gardens,” July 24: A lecture and tour of the grounds for people who are interested in improving their skills with their own 35-mm cameras. A discussion and an hour of shooting.

“Everlastings on Display,” July 31: Tour the production gardens that include thousands of plants that can be air dried. Learn about harvesting and designing.

“Flowers for Beauty and Cutting,” Aug. 7: See old favorites and new varieties. Take home ideas for next year’s gardens.

“Preserving Herbs for Use throughout the Year,” Aug. 14: When and how to pick and preserve herbs for culinary use throughout the year. Unique tips for gardeners and cooks.

“Saving Seeds,” Aug. 21: Learn to gather, dry and store a variety of seeds from plants. Tips for cultivated and wild plant propagation.

Anyone wanting more information should visit 54 Hedgehog Hill Road, Sumner, the Web at www.HedgehogHillFarm.com; e-mail info@HedgehogHillFarm.com; or call 388-2341.

The farm chosen by the editors of Yankee Magazine as Editor’s Choice as one of six destinations in New England for visiting this spring.


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