Spring 2011 Classes at Skillin's!

Hello again,

What a series of Spring classes we will be having at Skillin's!

Brunswick 442-8111         or 1-800-339-8111          

Cumberland 829-5619      or 1-800-348-8498                          

Falmouth 781-3860          or 1-800-244-3860

http://www.skillins.com/

Our FREE classes will be held Saturdays at all three locations (unless otherwise stated) at 10 AM and 2 PM. Space is limited so reserve today for the classes of your choice! Just give us a call at any of the above numbers or drop us a note at skillins@maine.rr.com (just tell us which store location you are interested in! Class participants receive a special Skillin’s 10% discount coupon for use on the weekend of your class.

SKILLIN’S CUSTOMERS WHO ATTEND 8 CLASSES IN THIS SERIES RECEIVE A $50 SKILLIN'S GIFT CERTIFICATE! (each SUBJECT counts for one class!)

March 2, 9, 16, 23 Elements of Floral Design (10 AM Cumberland only)

Join us for a great new, hands-on, class series with an awesome teacher! With power point presentations and hands-on designing, you will learn the elements of form (Class #1), line and space (#2), color (#3), and texture (#4) used in creating a beautiful floral arrangement. A variety of design styles and techniques will be used during the four part series. Come and learn while having lots of fun creating your own special piece. $75.00 includes materials

March 5 Seed Starting (10 am and 2 pm)

You’re just in time; many seeds need to be sown in late winter and early spring. Skillin’s has been performing this ritual for 125 Springs (hey you are as young as you feel!) and we really have it under our green thumb. We will share with you some of our home spun techniques. It’s time to get started. Free

March 12 Fresh Floral Arranging (10 am and 2 pm)

How about brightening your home with fresh flowers arranged by you? This is our most popular hands on class. There is limited space so sign up early. $15.00 material fee (Special encore class scheduled for Falmouth on March 13 @ 2 PM!!)


March 19 Pruning for a Purpose (10 am and 2 pm Brunswick AND Cumberland)

To prune or not to prune, that is the growing question. Proper pruning makes our outdoor trees and shrubs look great and healthy. Learn techniques to help rejuvenate and keep your landscape in shape. Free

March 19 Vegetable Gardening (9 AM only Falmouth, part of our Open House celebration!)


March 26 Vegetable Gardening (9 AM only Brunswick and Cumberland, part of our Open House celebration!)

Let us give you the best tips going for how to plan and prepare a vegetable garden. Over the years, we have seen the good and the bad so we can advise on the best and safest steps to be had. Free

*MORE Open House classes will be scheduled SOON and here they are:

New class: March 19 What's New in Skillin's Country! 2 PM Falmouth. A preview of new plants and products for 2011!



New class: March 20 Growing a Kitchen Garden 2 PM Falmouth. A fresh and healthy class that will teach you how to grow fresh and healthy food!
 
March 26 Growing a Kitchen Garden 2 PM Brunswick


March 26 What's New in Skillin's Country 2 PM Cumberland

March 27 Growing a Kitchen Garden 2 PM Cumberland
March 27 What's New in Skillin's Country 2 PM Brunswick
March 26 Pruning for a Purpose (10 AM and 2 PM Falmouth Only)

April 2 Gardening 101 (10 am and 2 pm)

What better way to celebrate spring than to talk about some gardening basics that you may be wondering about. We are gardening in Maine; what plants work reliably the best? Why lime my lawn? What fertilizer should I use that is best for my yard but also our planet? I have a budget, how can I stretch my dollars? For 126 springs we have been answering these and many other gardening questions. Let’s talk gardening and learn. We will emphasize how best to Plant for the Planet in your yard! Free and well worth more!
(10 AM sold out in Falmouth)


April 9 Outdoor Gardening with Annuals and Perennials (10 am and 2 pm)

The classics and the new! The red, purple, yellow and blue! Butterflies can be free to fly, hummingbirds to almost sing in your garden. People change, plants too; we would love to show you what to do! Here too, there are some very awesome plants we can show you that grow well in Maine. Free
(10 AM sold out in Falmouth)



April 16 The Pursuit of the Rose! (10 am only)
The layers of petals, the bright yet tender colors, the unmatched fragrance; ahh! the pursuit of the rose. We know it can be done; let us show you how it will be done! Free

April 16 Creating Theme Gardens and Outdoor Rooms (2 PM only)

 Fragrance--oh my! Moonlit flowers--sigh! Butterflies fluttering from colorful petal to petal! You know you want this and more so don't "settle!"; Wow! Let us show you how! Free

April 23 Container Gardening (10 am only)

There is more than one way to garden. Whether you live in a condo, apartment, or want to use small spaces, gardening in containers provides a creative use of limited space. Let us show you how to grow season long flowers in creative ways. Free
(10 AM sold out in Falmouth)



April 23 Container Edibles (2 PM only)

More and more of us want to grow some of our own food as naturally and conveniently as we can! Let us show you how—this will be a great way to learn some new tricks with vegetables and herbs that can be grown indoors AND out! Free

April 30 Vegetable Gardening (10 AM Special Time)

Let us show you how to safely and smartly grow your own food. Gardening, especially vegetable gardening can be so rewarding and a fun and healthy activity too for family and friends! Free
(10 AM sold out in Falmouth)



April 30 Vine Time (2 PM Special Time)

Spring means the time is fine to talk about the vine. And vertical is in! And what great varieties can be grown! Onward and upward we say to the kiwi! Honeysuckle reach for the sky! Here is clematis! There goes Dutchman’s Pipe—it’s really smoking! Free

June 11 The New Wave: Grasses!! (10 AM Special Time)

You bet your Grass we’re having a class! Grasses set apart any landscape (they give any landscape a natural look of class) and they grow well in Maine. Let us be your guide through the plumes and blooms, the heights and textures and the sights. Want some class? Check out grass! Free



Thanks!

Mike Skillin

Skillin's Greenhouses

February 16, 2011
(updated March 20, 2011)



January February 2011 Classes and Events

Hello again,

And Happy New Year to all of you in Skillin's Country.

Here are Skillin’s January and February 2011 Classes and Events!

Brunswick 442-8111  or  1-800-339-8111 

Cumberland 829-5619  or  1-800-348-8498 

Falmouth 781-3860   or   1-800-244-3860

                                                    

Our FREE classes will be held Saturdays at all three locations (unless otherwise stated) at 10 AM. Space is limited so reserve today for the classes of your choice! Just give us a call at any of the above numbers or drop us a note at skillins@maine.rr.com. Class participants receive a special Skillin’s 10% discount coupon for use on the weekend of your class.

SKILLIN’S CUSTOMERS WHO ATTEND 6 OUT OF OUR 8 CLASSES IN THIS SERIES RECEIVE A $50 SKILLIN”S GIFT CERTIFICATE!

JANUARY

8th –Fresh Flower Arranging! (10 AM & 2 PM)

We’ve got the flowers, have you got the time? Create your own colorful fresh floral masterpiece to brighten your home. This limited space class is our most popular Skillin’s class. It is no wonder; we are consistently voted as Maine’s Favorite Florist. $15.00 fee

Note: Falmouth is sold out for this class, there are openings in Brunswick and Cumberland!

15th -Growing Healthy Houseplants– (10 AM) (Also 2 PM in Falmouth)

Time to learn how to make your houseplants green and clean! We kick off another exciting series of classes by talking indoor gardening. Houseplants bring cleaner healthier air to the home and office, indoor dish gardens can be fun—even without loads of sun! We will show some of the tricks of the trade and maybe a few family secrets! Come one, come all! We’ll help you Plant for the Planet by giving all class goers a free 4” potted plant of your choice. Free

29th -Orchids and Their Care (10 AM)

Special guest instruction from the Maine Orchid Society! Orchids are one of the most rewarding houseplants you could ever have. Let us show you how to easily care for them in your home. Special note for Cumberland class goers: In this location we will be discussing how to grow Native Orchids. This is a great class and one that we REALLY hope you can make! Free

Note: Falmouth class is sold out for January 29; we do have openings for Brunswick and Cumberland (Native Orchid care being taught in Cumberland).
FEBRUARY

1-Spring Bonds Go On Sale!

2011 is the 21st year of selling our pre-season SPRING BONDS. When you purchase a $50 bond you pay only $37.50!!! This 25% off coupon can be used anytime after April 1 for almost all regularly priced items. Supplies are limited so buy your SPRING BONDS before they run out! Purchase your bonds at any Skillin’s location OR http://www.skillins.com/!

5th-Indoor Gardening (10 AM Brunswick and Cumberland, 2 PM Falmouth)

Let us show you how to garden indoors and to raise edibles! Herbs, micro greens and other fresh edibles can be grown just great in YOUR home. What a healthy and productive pursuit! Free

5th-Landscape Design Principles (10 AM Falmouth, 2 PM Brunswick and Cumberland)

Join Chad (5th generation) Skillin as he discusses landscape design principles. Chad is Skillin’s Landscape Designer and has great experience with landscaping and practical landscape designs. Let Chad educate you on some good solid landscape design practices as well as giving you some informal help with your yard design. This is also a great opportunity to schedule time with Chad to visit your yard and create an effective plan for your yard. We will have guest instruction for our Cumberland class. Free

14th-Valentine’s Day at Skillin’s! We are Maine’s Favorite Florist. For generations we have carried the message of love to so many. Make the call—we will deliver. Or come in and see us—we will give you the “can’t miss” message to take home!

19th -Windowsill Gardening (10 AM) (ALSO a 2 PM CLASS in Falmouth!)

The sun is getting warmer and the days longer. We have the containers and the color. Let us show you how easy it is to bring it all to your home or apartment! We will also show you how to grow some great herbs to spice up your life! Free

26th—The Edible Landscape (10 AM Falmouth, 2 PM Brunswick & Cumberland)

A good landscape makes perfect sense—and what is more sensible and useful than an edible landscape! Let us show you how to grow berries that are blue and red, cherries that are sweet and apples and pears that can’t be beat! Bring a bib; you will be drooling over the possibilities! Free

26th—The Garden Journal (9 AM Cumberland, Noon Falmouth, 3 PM Brunswick)

Gardening seasons are behind us and more lie just ahead. Learn some neat ways to record what we have done and what we have dreamed; Let’s plan on what we will do and on what we want to see! Join celebrity writer and gardener KCB of Skillin’s Garden Log fame and let’s learn together about how to be impulsively organized. It’s time! Free

Special Four Part Hands on Landscape Design Class

Falmouth

February 8, 15, 22, March 1 5:00PM (Tuesdays)

February 10, 17, 24, March 3 10:00 AM (Thursdays)

Brunswick

March 8, 15, 22, 29 5:00PM

What a great chance to get a jump start on plotting how to landscape your home the right way! Class fee is $40 to cover materials—you will have a great landscape plan at the finish; this is a class that you will learn from; fun will be had but homework will be required! You will be drawing your own landscape design plan!

Skillin's Spring 2010 Open House Classes

Hello again!

Following is our schedule of Special Skillin's Classes for Our Spring Open Houses. Our Open House dates  are  March 27 and March 28 for Skillin's Brunswick and Cumberland.

Open House times are 8 AM to 5 PM for Saturday the  27th AND 9 AM to 5 PM for Sunday the 28th.

You may contact us at skillins@maine.rr.com.

Here is the schedule:

Saturday (March 27 in Brunswick and Cumberland)

9 AM Brunswick and Cumberland Vegetable Gardening (Master Gardener instructor) (reservation required)

11 AM Brunswick Gardening Organically (Craig Nelson) (no reservation required; walk ins welcome!)
Craig Nelson will be representing the Organica Company, a leading company in the organic gardening field. Craig is a good friend of Skillin's and you will really appreciate his no nonsense and practical approach to gardening. We are fortunate to have him at Skillin's! Please stop by!

11 AM Cumberland Lawn Care (Jesse O'Brien Downeast Turf Co.) (no reservation required; walkins welcome!)
Jesse O'Brien has been associated with Skillin's since the 1970's and helped Skillin's grow a great deal as our Nursery Manager in the 1980's. Jesse now is a co-owner of Downeast Turf Company here in Maine. So Jesse has many years of experience with turf and also many years of retail experience. He is also a darned good teachers as is many students at SMCC and UMO can attest to. We are pleased and honored to have our esteemed friend Jesse O'Brien back for our 2 PM Lawn Care class. We hope you can make it!


2 PM Brunswick Lawn Care (Jesse O'Brien Downeast Turf Co.) (no reservation required; walk ins welcome!)
Jesse O'Brien has been associated with Skillin's since the 1970's and helped Skillin's grow a great deal as our Nursery Manager in the 1980's. Jesse now is a co-owner of Downeast Turf Company here in Maine. So Jesse has many years of experience with turf and also many years of retail experience. He is also a darned good teachers as is many students at SMCC and UMO can attest to. We are pleased and honored to have our esteemed friend Jesse O'Brien back for our 2 PM Lawn Care class. We hope you can make it!


2 PM Cumberland Gardening Organically (Craig Nelson) (no reservation required; walk ins welcome!)
Craig Nelson will be representing the Organica Company, a leading company in the organic gardening field. Craig is a good friend of Skillin's and you will really appreciate his no nonsense and practical approach to gardening. We are fortunate to have him at Skillin's! Please stop by!

Saturday (March 27 in Falmouth)

10 AM and 2 PM Pruning for a Purpose (Tim Lindsay, Bartlett Tree) (reservation required)
To prune or not to prune, that is the growing question. Proper pruning makes our outdoor trees and shrubs look great and healthy. We are bringing in some experts to show you how to "do it right the first time" and every time. Learn techniques to help rejuvenate and keep your landscape in shape. Free

Sunday (March 28 in Brunswick and Cumberland)

11 AM Brunswick New Plants for Skillin's for 2010! Shrubs, Perennials  and Annuals (no reservation; walk ins welcome) (entertaining AND expert instruction provided by Tim Bate, Becky Moening and Mike Skillin)
Excited does not describe my feelings for this class! In my 23 adult years at Skillin's I have never been so intrigued by the diversity and interest that all of our new plant additions offer this year.(this is true!) Tim and Becky have been slaving away to create a great program for you and I will be on hand as well. (this too is true). We will cheer, we will exult, we will laugh but we will not cry unless we cry out "I can't wait to see these plants in MY garden". This could be a life changing experience for all! (don't bet against this being true!) This is a good chance to get an up close and personal look at some great new plants.

11 AM Cumberland Cumberland Growing Edibles in Containers! (no reservation required; walk ins welcome) (enthusiastic and expert instruction by Melissa Madigan)Melissa taught a highly acclaimed Windowsill Gardening class this past February and in that class discussed Winter growing of vegetables and herbs for the indoors. Melissa and Mary of Skillin's Falmouth did a great deal of indoor edible gardening this past winter and Melissa is going to give tips on how you can grow fresh vegetables and herbs in the home during all weather times. She will also be able to give tips on growing edibles outdoors as she will be teaching our Container Edibles this April.



2 PM Brunswick Growing Edibles in Containers! (no reservation required; walk ins welcome) (enthusiastic and expert instruction by Melissa Madigan)Melissa taught a highly acclaimed Windowsill Gardening class this past February and in that class discussed Winter growing of vegetables and herbs for the indoors. Melissa and Mary of Skillin's Falmouth did a great deal of indoor edible gardening this past winter and Melissa is going to give tips on how you can grow fresh vegetables and herbs in the home during all weather times. She will also be able to give tips on growing edibles outdoors as she will be teaching our Container Edibles this April.



2 PM Cumberland New Plants for Skillin's for 2010! Shrubs, Perennials and Annuals (no reservations; walk ins welcome) (entertaining AND expert instruction provided by Tim Bate, Becky Moening and Mike Skillin)
Excited does not describe my feelings for this class! In my 23 adult years at Skillin's I have never been so intrigued by the diversity and interest that all of our new plant additions offer this year.(this is true!) Tim and Becky have been slaving away to create a great program for you and I will be on hand as well. (this too is true). We will cheer, we will exult, we will laugh but we will not cry unless we cry out "I can't wait to see these plants in MY garden". This could be a life changing experience for all! (don't bet against this being true!) This is a good chance to get an up close and personal look at some great new plants.

Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
March 23, 2010 (updated)

Skillin's Classes and Events January February 2010!

Hello again,

And Happy New Year! Here is a list of Skillin's Classes and Events for January February 2010!


Brunswick 442-8111 Cumberland 829-5619 Falmouth 781-3860
1-800-339-8111 1-800-348-8498 1-800-244-3860


http://www.skillins.com/


Our FREE classes will be held Saturdays at all three locations (unless otherwise stated) at 10 AM. Space is limited so reserve today for the classes of your choice! Just give us a call at any of the above numbers or drop us a note at skillins@maine.rr.com. Class participants receive a special Skillin’s 10% discount coupon for use on the weekend of your class.

SKILLIN’S CUSTOMERS WHO ATTEND 5 OUT OF OUR 7 CLASSES IN THIS SERIES RECEIVE A $50 SKILLIN”S GIFT CERTIFICATE!


JANUARY

16th -Growing Healthy Houseplants– (10 AM)

Time to learn how to make your houseplants green and clean! We kick off another exciting series of classes by talking indoor gardening. Houseplants bring cleaner healthier air to the home and office, indoor dish gardens can be fun—even without loads of sun! We will show some of the tricks of the trade and maybe a few family secrets! Come one, come all! We’ll help you Plant for the Planet by giving all class goers a free 4” potted plant of your choice. Free

23rd –Fresh Flower Arranging! (10 AM & 2 PM)

We’ve got the flowers, have you got the time? Create your own colorful fresh floral masterpiece to brighten your home. This limited space class is our most popular Skillin’s class. It is no wonder; we are consistently voted as Maine’s Favorite Florist. $15.00 fee


30th -Orchids and Their Care (10 AM)
Special guest instruction from the Maine Orchid Society! Orchids are one of the most rewarding houseplants you could ever have. Let us show you how to easily care for them in your home. Wrap your favorite orchids snugly and bring them to the class for some potting and care advice! This is a great class and one that we REALLY hope you can make! Free

FEBRUARY

1-Spring Bonds Go On Sale!

2010 is the 20th year of selling our pre-season SPRING BONDS. When you purchase a $50 bond you pay only $37.50!!! This 25% off coupon can be used anytime after April 1 for almost all regularly priced items. Supplies are limited so buy your SPRING BONDS before they run out! Purchase your bonds at any Skillin’s location OR www.skillins.com!


6th-Landscape Design Principles (10 AM Falmouth, 2 PM Brunswick)
Join Chad (5th generation) Skillin as he discusses landscape design principles. Chad is Skillin’s Landscape Designer and has great experience with landscaping and practical landscape designs. Let Chad educate you on some good solid landscape design practices as well as giving you some informal help with your yard design. This is also a great opportunity to schedule time with Chad to visit your yard and create an effective plan for your yard. Free

14th-Valentine’s Day at Skillin’s! We are Maine’s Favorite Florist. For generations we have carried the message of love to so many. Make the call—we will deliver. Or come in and see us—we will give you the “can’t miss” message to take home!


20th -Windowsill Gardening (10 AM) (and 2 PM in Falmouth, 10 AM is sold out in Falmouth!)
The sun is getting warmer and the days longer. We have the containers and the color. Let us show you how easy it is to bring it all to your home or apartment! We will also show you how to grow some great herbs to spice up your life! Free

27th—The Edible Landscape (10 AM Falmouth & Cumberland, 2 PM Brunswick, )
A good landscape makes perfect sense—and what is more sensible and useful than an edible landscape! Let us show you how to grow berries that are blue and red, cherries that are sweet and apples and pears that can’t be beat! Bring a bib; you will be drooling over the possibilities! Free
27th—The Garden Journal (9 AM Cumberland, Noon Falmouth, 3 PM Brunswick)

Gardening seasons are behind us and more lie just ahead. Learn some neat ways to record what we have done and what we have dreamed; Let’s plan on what we will do and on what we want to see! Join celebrity writer and gardener KCB of Skillin’s Garden Log fame and let’s learn together about how to be impulsively organized. It’s time! Free


Special Four Part Hands on Design Class
Falmouth

February 9, 16, 23, March 2 5:00PM
February 11, 18, 25, March 4 10:00 AM

Brunswick

March 9, 16, 23,30 5:00PM

What a great chance to get a jump start on plotting how to landscape your home the right way! Class fee is $40 to cover materials—you will have a great landscape plan at the finish; this is a class that you will learn from; fun will be had but homework will be required! You will be drawing your own landscape design plan!


Thanks,

Mike Skillin

Skillin's Garden Classes Sept and Oct 2009

Hello again,

Following is a listing of classes starting August 29 here at Skillin's. These classes are some of our most popular so we hope you take advantage!

Our FREE classes will be held Saturdays at 10 AM (unless otherwise stated).

Call Brunswick 442-8111 (1-800-339-8111), Cumberland 829-5619 (1-800-348-8498), or Falmouth 781-3860 (1-800-244-3860) to register. You may also register by emailing us at info@skillins.com, just specify the date, time, and location! These classes can sell out fast so sign up today!

Class participants receive a special Skillin’s 10% off coupon!


AUGUST

29—Dividing, Relocating, Transplanting Class

Don’t be shocked! We’ll show you how to move your plants so they can grow and grow and grow! Fall is a great time to replan and rearrange the garden; upcoming cooler temperatures make fall a great time for planting!


SEPTEMBER


12-Pruning for a Purpose

Make your outdoor plants take a new shape. Proper pruning helps rejuvenate established plants and start new plants on a great growing path!


19-Thriving Houseplants!

Okay the plants on your porch and patio are now back inside with you. Don’t want to bungle your jungle? Let us show you how a great variety of plants can thrive indoors. We’ll help you Plant for the Planet by giving all class goers a free 4” potted plant of your choice.

26-Composting Class

Let us give you “the poop” on making your garden soil richer in a highly natural way. Wise gardeners know the key to good gardening is the soil and the key to good soil is….COMPOST!

OCTOBER

3-Bulb Planning and Planting

Fall is the time to plant bulbs for Spring color and we have the best selection in Maine as well as easy to use supplies! Remember that tu-lips are better than none and that the first step toward Spring is the planting of bulbs in the fall!

10-Fresh Floral Arranging (10 AM & 2 PM)

We are all about color and fun here at Skillin’s! Or is it fun then color? No matter because everyone’s favorite class is back! We will show you how to make the coolest, most colorist, most funnest arrangement!
There is a $15 fee to cover materials.

17- Birds in the Back Yard

Gardening is great! And birding is awesome—they really go hand in hand; 2 outdoor activities that attract people of the same feather. HaHaHa! Let us show you how to attract and keep the finest of our feathered friends.

24-Pumpkin Carving with Skillin’s (10 AM TO 4 PM)

Bring family and friends, purchase pumpkins for half price and let us help you carve the coolest, scariest, funniest and “ghouliest” pumpkins ever. Pumpkin carving is great family fun and we have some tricks and treats (yes refreshments for you!) up our sleeve!

31- Beds to Rest

Getting a good winters rest makes the Spring look brighter. Let us share with you how to get your perennials, roses and shrubs tucked away for winter.

Four Part Landscape Design Series (Brunswick Sept 9,16,23,30 10 AM) (Falmouth Sept 10,17,24, Oct 1 10 AM)

What a great chance to get a jump start on plotting how to landscape your home the right way! Class fee is $40 to cover materials—you will have a great landscape plan at the finish; this is a class that you will learn from; fun will be had but homework will be required!