Coastal Maine Botanical Garden 5.4.26

I spent three seasons workamping at Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. At the time, I wanted so badly to take a trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden but it was just too far for a day trip from that location. I am workamping this season on the coast in Southern Maine and find myself less than a hour drive from this special place. Yesterday, the weather was looking promising and I traveled the short distance to check it out.

I ended up purchasing an annual membership since I was sure I would be returning multiple times during the summer and fall season. And, as a bonus, my membership allows me access to many more public gardens across the country who participate in a reciprocal agreement. It was not a hard decision for me!!

The gardens are an interesting mix of natural and more formal spaces with an extensive ‘forested’ trail system around the perimeter. Spring flowers were putting on a spectacular display.

There was an extensive collection of Hellebores – which are one of my favorite spring perennials!

Native bleeding heart, marsh marigold and snowdrops…

Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda) and Corylopsis gotoana (Fragrant Winter Hazel)

There were some early rhodendrons and azaleas blooming in the Rhodendron Garden. In order:

Rhodendron “April Snow” – Rhodendron dauricum “Album” – Rhodendron “April Gem”

Rhododendron “Rosebud” – Rhododendron “Cornell Pink”

The most whimsical part of the garden are the extraordinary bigger-than-life giant trolls that are located in various locations throughout the property. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, the structures are collectively called the Guardians of the Seeds and are intended to celebrate the Maine woods. Made from recycled wood, each troll has an important mission that is shared on interpretive displays.

There are two more trolls that I did not pass by during my travels through the garden, so I will need to go back!!

Looking forward to many more trips to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden during the season as plants continue to leaf out and flower. There is also a very cool children’s garden and I will save that for another post. 🙂