The Coastal Botanical Gardens, found in Maine's Mid-Coast Region, may come as a delightful surprise. Relatively new, the 248 acre site celebrated its grand opening in June, 2007. Entering through a forest landscape, newcomers are welcomed at the visitor center (including a gift shop and cafe), and lead by a gardener's library to the Shoreline Trail. With a recent addition of 120 acres from the Pine Tree Conservation Society, the expanded site created the largest botanic garden in New England.
Success doesn't happen overnight, and especially for this time consuming expanse of gardens. Initial group members gathered in 1991, some using their own property for collateral during their first land purchase. This enthusiastic group went on to raise eight million dollars, resulting in a coastal garden beyond their wildest dreams. It's said that the gardens now project a look and presentation of the highest caliber.
The rhododendron and perennial gardens, coupled with the shoreline collection of native plants, were the first plantings established in 2001 and 2002. New sections include Rose Woodland, Great Lawn, Hillside, Meditation and Kitchens gardens. Located in Boothbay Harbor, the gardens are found on Barters Island Road. With a mile long shoreline, views of the bay add a noval backdrop to these well nurtured works of art.