Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A Nature Lover’s ParadiseCoastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A Nature Lover’s Paradise Nestled amidst the captivating coastal landscape of Maine, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) has emerged as one of the state’s most celebrated attractions. Recognized by five prestigious publishers, “the Gardens” inspire and educate visitors with their diverse natural habitats, botanical wonders, and ecological significance. Spanning over 300 acres, CMBG boasts 17 distinct gardens showcasing both native Maine flora and species thriving in northern coastal climates. From the ethereal Butterfly House to the vibrant Dahlia Garden, the Gardens offer a mesmerizing array of horticultural delights. Immerse yourself in the interactive bee exhibit at the apiary, marvel at the sweeping Great Lawn, or seek tranquility in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses. Stroll along the picturesque Shoreland Trails, spot the whimsical Fairy House Village, and admire the impressive Guardians of the Seeds Giant Trolls exhibit. CMBG is a year-round destination, offering a calendar of special tours, lectures, films, and educational programs. Visit mainegardens.org for the latest schedule. The Gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 through October 20. To enhance your experience, plan to spend a full day exploring the Gardens. The Snack Shack and Gardens Café provide dining options to refuel. Sun protection, comfortable shoes, and bottled water are highly recommended. Electric scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent, while accessible cart rides for up to five people can be arranged with advance registration. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a sanctuary of beauty, wonder, and education. It is a place to connect with the natural world, embrace the wonders of botany, and create lasting memories. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from afar, put CMBG at the top of your itinerary when exploring the enchanting coast of Maine.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) has been named one of Maine’s top attractions by five different publishers. Known locally as “the Gardens,” they inspire and educate people about natural history, habitats, botany, horticulture, and ecology. According to information from the Gardens, the campus welcomes more than 200,000 guests from the U.S. and abroad each year; and CMBG is the largest botanical garden in New England, with more than 300 acres, including 17 gardens featuring native Maine plants and others suited to northern coastal conditions.
Attractions include the Butterfly House, Dahlia Garden, an apiary with an interactive bee exhibit, the Great Lawn, Founders Grove, Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, Slater Forest Pond, Cleaver Lawn, Arbor Garden, Burpee Kitchen Garden, Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, Haney Hillside Garden, Vayo Meditation Garden, Fairy House Village, Shoreland Trails & The Landing, Giles Rhododendron & Perennial Garden, plus 20 sculptures and the permanent Guardians of the Seeds Giant Trolls exhibit.
Find a calendar of special tours, lectures, films, events and educational programs at mainegardens.org. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 through Oct. 20, (207) 633-8000, 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay. Moms get in free on Mother’s Day, dads get in free on Father’s Day, and Maine residents get in free during Maine Days, May 31 through June 2.
Plan to spend the day. Snack Shack and Gardens Café offer dining options. Sun protection, comfortable shoes, and bottled water are recommended. Electric scooters are available for rent, wheelchairs are free for those who need assistance, and accessible cart rides for up to five people are available with advance registration.
