The Gardens’ horticulture staff and volunteers will soon plant 23,000 bulbs, so we can all look forward to a fabulous display of color next spring. They may be thinking ahead by six months, but guests are trying to get in a last visit or two while the foliage is still bright and gardens are still blooming with late-season flowers. Special harvest displays embrace the season’s color and abundance: Gourds, hay and scarecrows abound.

The Kitchen Garden Café and Gardens Gift Shop are open until the end of October. The roster of programs and events is shorter, but those that remain are intriguing and fun. For information about the Gardens and fall happenings for all ages, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; visit www.mainegardens.org; or stop by the Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

Free to good homes: pumpkins galore!

Beginning October 28, and continuing while supplies last, all Gardens guests are invited to take home a pumpkin. Even those who simply want to pick out one of the 1,500 colorful, artfully arranged gourds without enjoying the gardens or trails may just stop by for a pumpkin.

New! Kitchen garden dinner

Ray Franklyn, acclaimed chef of the popular Solo Bistro in Bath, will prepare a Kitchen Garden Series Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 17. Prices, which include wine and gratuities, are $75 for members and $90 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101.

Revised Children’s Garden schedule

The Education Department has announced that several children’s activities will continue for one more weekend. Kids may enjoy Storytime at 10 a.m. and feed the chickens at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays, October 26 and 27. Storytime continues every Monday at 10 a.m. year-round. In November, after Storytime moves into the Education Center for the winter, volunteer Pat Jeremiah will spread out a big quilt for youngsters to sit on while she reads and talks with them. She’ll also bring floor puzzles and gear for pretend-gardening fun.

Admissions fees end for season

Beginning on November 1, admission fees will be suspended until April 15. The Visitor and Education centers will be closed on weekends, except when there are special events, including the Frozen Turkey Hunt on November 23 and the Christmas Market on December 14.

November 2 Early Bird membership deals

On Saturday, Nov. 2, Membership Department staff members will set up displays at two Early Bird Sales, where they’ll offer some great incentives for joining now. They’ll be at a table in front of the Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta from 6-9 a.m. and in front of the Bath City Hall from 5:30 to around 8 a.m.

“Harrowing” show continues

Diane Walden’s exhibit and sale of creepy-but-cute sculptures made of plants and other materials will continue through the end of the month in the Education Center Lobby. There are a few in the Visitor Center, too. Walden, who lives in Thomaston and is a horticulturist on the Gardens staff, also creates elegant holiday decorations and floral arrangements and teaches workshops. On December 7, she’ll present two different levels of Festive Holiday Greens classes, traditional and advanced.