Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens trip - the Overview

At least 4-5 years ago, when the Monkey was a wee lad and I was able to contain him in a jogging stroller, I took Grammie G with me and we meandered through the trails that consisted of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It wasn't much, but it was a really well groomed walking trail that went through the woods and along the shoreline. At that time they weren't even charging admission.

When I realized the Monkey had a soccer game less than two miles down the road from the gardens, I knew exactly where we were going once the game was over. A trip to Boothbay, in our lives, doesn't come around every day. By the way, we won the game 3-0. :)

The CMBG has overtaken quite the facelift since our last travels along their graveled walkways. The paths along the main Vistor's house are made up of brick and stone and weave around water, rose and herb gardens as well as fantastic sculptures that flow perfectly among the flowers. A 'Children's' garden is established complete with more water gardens and places for kids to play and learn. The same path along the seaside exists just as I remembered it. The Giles Rhododendron & Perennial Garden was in perfect full bloom complete with a waterfall and plenty of lush greenery. We spent two hours scouring the area and left feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejunvinated. Regardless of the amount of people there (it was a very packed Sunday) it was sincerely an 'At One with the Garden' time. So many plants in bloom and so many more to 'pop' at any time now. I want to go back next week!

Information can be found at http://www.mainegardens.com/ to include a map of the grounds and directions. During the monetary process, let them provide you with directions for the best places to visit during that particular time - they know exactly what's in bloom and where you should concentrate your trip.

An 'Interactive' map can be found here: http://www.mainegardens.org/map/index.html

Hours & Admission prices are as follows:

Hours


Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. year-round. In January, February, and March, the Visitor Center is open only on weekdays when the administrative offices are open.

Admission Fees as of April 1, 2011

Members: Free
Adults: $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Children (3-17): $6
Children under 3: Free

Special rates are available for:
Families (2 adults & 2 children under 18): $30
Groups of 10 or more: $9/adult and $4/child
Youth school or camp field trips: call for rates

There is no admission fee from December through March. On the first Wednesday of each month, admission is free for all year-round residents of Lincoln County, Maine. On Saturdays and Sundays, admission is free for all year-round residents of Boothbay, Maine.

Over the next few days, I'll be posting a collage of photographs from our trip. It was fantastic and I hope you enjoy them as much as we did our day. If nothing else, I hope you're inspired to make the trip yourself!

Ahh, well - my boy is heading down for his third goal in three games. Unfortunately, mom was too busy yelling to get the picture of the goal. :)

Click here to read Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - the Overview

Click here to read Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - the Water Gardens

Click here to read Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - The Children's Gardens

Click here to read Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens trip - The Shoreland Trail

Click here to read Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens trip - The Rhododendron & Perennial Garden