Dormant is a word in every gardener’s vocabulary, but there never seems to be a truly dormant period at the Gardens. Not only do planning, ordering, and other activities go on all winter, but there are also fascinating programs to help get everyone who loves gardens and gardening get through the colder months. Festive events will add some fun to the season ahead.

Of course, winter is not yet here, and the beautiful and whimsical harvest displays continue at the Gardens. The pumpkin give-away will also continue while supplies last. Just stop by to take home a bright reminder of autumn glory.

New: Fireside Book Club

Once the garden is put to bed, there’s time for reading about (what else?) gardens and gardeners. Director of Education Melissa Cullina has chosen four diverse books that blend the botanical and the literary and will appeal to plant and nature enthusiasts. At 3 p.m. on one Tuesday each month, beginning November 19, participants in the new Fireside Book Club will gather around the fireplace in the Visitor Center to discuss the book selection and enjoy tea and treats.  

The book for November 19 is “The Brother Gardeners” by Andrea Wulf. According to Cullina, the author brings to life the science and adventure of 18th century plant collecting through the story of six men who created the modern garden and changed the horticultural world in the process. This garden revolution began in 1733, when colonial farmer John Bartram of Philadelphia shipped two boxes of precious American plants and seeds to Peter Collinson in London.

These men formed the nucleus of a botany movement, which included famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus; Philip Miller, bestselling author of “The Gardeners Dictionary;” and Joseph Banks and David Solander, two botanist explorers who scoured the globe for plant life aboard Captain Cook’s Endeavor.

As they cultivated exotic blooms from around the world, they helped make Britain an epicenter of horticultural and botanical expertise. “The Brother Gardeners” paints a vivid portrait of an emerging world of knowledge and gardening as we know it today.

The price to join the Fireside Book Club and enjoy all four sessions is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Boothbay Region Land Trust and local garden club members may register at the member fee.

Preregistration is required, and participants are asked to read the books to be discussed before coming to the sessions. To learn about the other three books and to register, visit www.mainegardens.org, or call 207-633-4333, ext. 101.

Solo Bistro Chef’s dinner

More than half the spaces are already filled for the Kitchen Garden Series Dinner to be prepared on Sunday, Nov. 17, by noted chef Ray Franklyn of Bath’s Solo Bistro. Prices, which include wine and gratuities, are $75 for members and $90 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101.

Storytime fun continues

The Gardens’ own “Miss Rumphius,” volunteer Pat Jeremiah, will present Storytime at 10 a.m. every Monday in the Education Center. She’ll spread out a big, colorful quilt for youngsters to sit on while she reads. There’s time for conversation, floor puzzles, and even pretend gardening, too.

Free admission and lots to do

Admission to the Gardens is free for all visitors from November 1 through April 15. Upcoming special events include the Frozen Turkey Hunt on November 23 and the Christmas Market on December 14.

On December 7, horticulturist and floral arranger Diane Walden will present two different levels of Festive Holiday Greens classes, traditional and advanced. And membership staff members, who will have displays at the Bath and Damariscotta Early Bird Sales on Saturday, Nov. 2, would love to say hi and talk about the many benefits of being a Gardens member.