Botanical gardens come into being in a variety of ways, and they offer vastly different amenities; but no matter where they are or how long they’ve been in existence, they have more than plants in common. Their true roots are in the geology and natural and human history of their sites, topography, and geographical location. Their past, present, and future are the work of highly committed individuals.
On Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ 248 acres, the natural elements are more evident than in smaller, more-manicured properties or urban settings. Our size enables our designers, including acclaimed landscape architects Herb Schaal, FASLA, principal of EDAW in Colorado, and Bruce John Riddell, ASLA, of Bar Harbor, Maine, to create gardens and landscapes on a scale seldom found in botanical gardens.
You’ll see glorious formal gardens here, and an overall design that’s both appealing and impressive; but you’ll also find antique stone walls; nearly a mile of sparkling waterfront; massive ledges covered in mosses, lichens, and ferns; and native forest – in fact, the essence of Maine.
The combination is unbeatable, as we’ve heard over and over again from our visitors. Their enthusiasm will become yours as you discover the Gardens for yourself. You can see the highlights in a few hours; or you can explore forever, experiencing the grounds in different seasons and varying weather conditions. And, of course, you can watch our gardens grow and bloom and transform themselves into something altogether different within a familiar framework. After all, if there’s one thing that’s certain about gardens, it’s that they are forever changing.
Where Does the Money Come From?
Anyone who knows the cost of waterfront land, elegant buildings, mature plants, and stonework on a grand scale, not to mention the labor to build, plant, and create them, will wonder how Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is funded.
The answer is that nearly all of the money has come from generous individuals who believe in the vision of this project. The balance of the funds has come from private
foundations, corporations and government grants.
From the Very Beginning
The first influx of funds came from the initial membership campaign in 1991, when nearly 1,000 individuals joined and paid dues to show their support of what at that time was simply a captivating idea. Numerous Charter Members are still involved today. Since then, many other people have joined in various membership categories, including at “donor levels.”
In 1995, when after a long search we discovered the perfect 128-acre parcel of waterfront land for our botanical garden, we next had to find a way to pay for it. Incredibly, several founders and others involved at the very beginning used their own homes as collateral to purchase the land, thus also saving it from becoming a subdivision.
A decade later, in 2005, seeing the breadth of the Gardens project and deeming it worthy of their support, the Pine Tree Conservation Society donated 120 acres adjacent to our original property, instantly elevating us to our current status as the largest botanical garden in New England.
Contributions in All Sizes and Shapes
Donations large and small have made our annual appeals and preliminary capital campaign successful. Grants of all sizes from foundations and businesses bring in much-needed funds, and matching grants have always brought forth an added measure of generosity from contributors.
Volunteers add to the Gardens’ coffers by donating their time and performing tasks we’d otherwise have to hire out. In-kind contributions of goods and services also benefit us as if they were cash.
The tradition of giving continues at the Gardens, and we encourage you to do your part. To learn how, visit the “Support Us” section of the Web site. And thank you to each and every one of you who help make the Gardens grow through your gifts.
