Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
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The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 128 acres (51.8 ha) are a newly-created botanical garden located on Barters Island Road in Boothbay, Maine, USA. The gardens are currently under development, with new gardens added each year. They are open to the public between dawn and dusk daily, and admission is currently free.
The Gardens began in 1991 with the idea of creating a botanical garden in the Mid-coast of Maine. The idea became reality in 1996 when the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens purchased 128 acres (51.8 ha) in Boothbay. With its diverse natural ecosystems, two-thirds of a mile (1 km) of tidal waterfront on the Back River, dramatic topography, and more than 300 native plant species already on the site, this property seemed ideal. At present, the Gardens contain a young birch tree avenue, and two miles (3 km) of walks, trails, and drives that provide access to the gardens and the natural areas. Several gardens are accessible from the Shore Walk, including the Fern Garden, the Wetlands Garden, and the native plant Shoreland Garden. The Entrance Garden is host to a growing rhododendron collection. The Fern Trail and the Heath Trails feature mosses, lichens, heaths and ferns.
When complete, the Gardens will feature a visitor and education center on a 5 acre (2 ha) main campus, surrounded by ornamental display gardens, with woodland gardens and the natural plants of the Maine woods. In coming years, the Gardens administration hopes to create a dogwood garden with a cornus kousa collection that is second to none. All gardens will be framed within the wetlands and shoreline at the edges of the site.
