One of the most popular nearby attractions to Boothbay Harbor is reopening for the season on May 1. The gardens will be open daily, 9am-5pm, until October 23, 2022. The wonderful thing about visiting the gardens is there is always something new to see. New flowers are blooming. New birds and insects are visiting. New exhibits are on display.
New this year is an exciting recycled-materials exhibit titled “Guardians of the Seeds.” Five wooden trolls have been hidden in the natural wooded areas of the gardens. The friendly giants invite you to “disconnect from the world, only to reconnect with the Earth.” The trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are joining a world-famous family. Danish recycled-materials artist, Thomas Dambo, has been building trolls that are displayed around the globe. Each tells the story of conservation and the concept of a world village. The troll experience incorporates a bit of a scavenger hunt:
- Pick up a Guardians of the Seeds Map and Guide at the front desk.
- At each troll, read the clues on the accompanying signs.
- Solve the puzzle to find the hidden seeds.
The hike to see all five trolls and the seeds is about five miles and requires four-five hours of time. It is not expected that everyone will see all of the trolls on one visit so we recommend that you set aside a couple of days to visit the gardens; the close proximity to Five Gables Inn makes this easy. One of the trolls is in the Central Gardens, the others are accessible via trails that are sometimes steep and unimproved. If you do take the time to see all of the trolls, you will meet:
- Strong Roskva who stands for the trunks
- Young Lilja who holds the scent of the flowers
- Wise and mysterious Birk who holds the roots
- Curious Søren who sticks up for the branches
- Wandering Gro who smiles with the leaves
The CMBG is very artist friendly. Among their full calendar of events are numerous opportunities for creativity. The Photography Club meets every other Thursday morning two hours before the park opens to the general public. This is a unique chance to frame the perfect photograph without having to wait for other guests to get out of the shot. The Photography Club is available to members of the Gardens.
Plein Air Days is quickly approaching. Artists can set up an easel to paint, draw, or sketch without paying admission fees. Plein Air Days is free but pre-registration is required for the May 14-17 event. The tulips and daffodils are plentiful that time of year. Attend for one day or register for all four.
Looking to enjoy a little active meditation? Come to the Gardens on May 21 to learn about the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku. The practice of forest therapy/forest bathing allows you to use all five senses as you walk mindfully through the forest. The practice is guided by Susan Bickford and ends with a tea ceremony.
Of course, you do not have to plan a visit around a special event or exhibit. The CMBG boast 16 unique gardens and key features:
- Native Butterfly and Moth House: The 2,160 square foot Gothic-style hoop house supports native insects from caterpillar to moth or butterfly.
- Dahlia Garden: What started as a trial garden has turned into a permanent fixture featuring flowers in nearly every color of the rainbow.
- Learning Apiary and Native Bee Exhibit: Resident beekeepers are regularly on hand to answer questions about the 16 honey bee hives at the Gardens.
- Great Lawn: Inspired by nineteenth-century landscape parks, this is a place for visitors to walk, play, and picnic.
- Founder’s Grove: The seven pin oaks planted here represent the seven original founders of the Gardens.
- Lerner Garden of the Five Senses: Visitors are able to smell, taste, see, hear, and touch along the winding paths of this small garden that is less than an acre in size.
- Slater Forest Pond: Large stepping stones set into the water bring out the inner child in everyone who visits.
- Cleaver Lawn: This area was built to establish a research collection of plants.
- Arbor Garden: Step into an informal spin on the formal rose garden tradition.
- Burpee Kitchen Garden: The herbs, edible flowers, fruits, and vegetables that grow here help support the menu at the Kitchen Garden Café.
- Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden: Inspired by well-known children’s books by Maine authors, this area is often bustling with activity.
- Haney Hillside Garden: 1,000 feet of switchback paths traverse the steep and rocky hillside garden.
- Vayo Meditation Garden: Seek this out for a bit of tranquility.
- Fairy House Village: Natural building materials abound in this area that is perfect for playful creativity.
- Shoreland Trail and The Landing: This is one of the best places to spot local wildlife.
- Giles Rhododendron and Perennial Garden: The first planned Garden at CMBG, it boasts 175 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas.
