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Maine Gardens and Landscapes

While Maine's abundant natural beauty is evident along its rocky coastline, National Park and deep wild woods, it is also found in lovingly crafted gardens and highlighted through landscape architecture. Maine's many gardens and landscapes are a wonderful way to see the spectacular diversity of plant varieties and growing environments that lend themselves to brilliant displays of horticultural creativity.

• Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of our wonderful Garden Clubs throughout the state that offer tours of locals' gardens, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is not to be missed.
• Maine's 1.5 million acres of State Park land allow visitors to explore landscapes that are a perfect hybrid of human and natural design so be sure you bring your hiking boots.
• Maine's natural beauty has long been a siren call to many landscape architects and New York City's famed Central Park co-designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, has even left his mark in Maine including designing Deering Oaks Park in Portland.
• Maine also has amazing nurseries and garden centers with display gardens, as well as unique specialty growers and seed companies with national reputations, so stop by and take home something special to plant from Maine as a reminder of your visit. Don't miss the farm tour at Johnny's Seeds in Albion, Maine!
• Lupine, the flower to lovingly illustrated by Barbara Cooney in the children's book Miss Rumphius, paints a colorful picture along Maine roadsides, fields and meadows. During the month of June, the lupines bloom tall and spike-like and grace our landscape with purples, pinks, and white.

Explore by Region

• Maine Beaches Quintessential beach communities line the white sand beaches along Maine's southern coast. Lighthouses dot the shore; resorts and inns share stunning views with beachfront cottages and lobster shacks. Enjoy abundant recreation, from swimming, surfing and sailing, to kayaking, hiking, biking and golf. Bird watchers, art lovers and seafood connoisseurs find many reasons to return, year after year. Annual events that celebrate local culture take place throughout the year. During the South Berwick Strawberry Festival, strawberry shortcake is the star of the show, along with entertainment, artisans and a variety of local treats.
• Greater Portland and Casco Bay Some of Maine's most popular gardens and parks are located hear the historic seaport of Portland, Maine's largest city. Deering Oaks Park (designed in part by Frederick Law Olmsted) and the Tate House and Colonial Herb Garden are both wonderful examples of Maine's gardens and landscapes. Portland is the gateway to the Bay's many islands and surrounding coastal communities. This region is known for its award-winning cuisine, the Old Port's lively shopping district, and diverse arts and entertainment options.
• Maine Lakes and Mountains Maine's Lakes & Mountains attract visitors with its spectacular mountain ranges, hundreds of glacial lakes and interesting and creative communities. McLaughlin Garden in South Paris holds programs and events throughout the year, with their annual Lilac Festival kicking off the summer season. There are many activities for outdoor adventurers, wildlife watchers, foliage lovers and history buffs alike. In the fall, enjoy the stunning vistas along the region's many scenic byways.
• Midocast Scenic bays, craggy peninsulas and sparkling offshore islands surround Midcoast Maine's fishing villages, seaside resorts and bustling harbor towns. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are the highlight of this area's gardens. This region is rich with Maine's maritime past and there are endless options for adventure - from biking to sea kayaking, but leave time to enjoy great dining and the thriving arts community.
• Downeast and Acadia Downeast Maine is filled with glorious landscapes - from Acadia National Park to the peaceful woods of Grand Lake Stream. Thuya Garden and Asticou Azelea gardens on Mount Desert Island make the most of the landscape and highlight native plants. Enjoy myriad lighthouses, shopping and dining on the freshest seafood imaginable. This region also offers a medley of lodging options, from cozy B&B's to luxurious resorts.

View Maine's Gardens & Landscapes Trip Ideas to start planning your tour.