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A group of volunteers hard at work, deadheading |
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A view of the beautiful sunrise over the |
As if you didn’t already know, the experiences you may encounter here at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are completely unique and unbeatable. Much like our Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, the entire garden seems to stimulate all of your senses when you come by for a visit. The smell of the cool sea breeze coming off the water, the taste of lettuce from the Burpee Kitchen Garden, listening to the children playing in the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, the sight of a fresh bouquet of flowers either indoors or out, or the cool feeling of water spraying from the whale rocks are just a few examples of what you may experience here. One of the things you may not experience directly in your visit is something completely different: passion.
When it comes to CMBG, you’ll find many supportive faces across the state, whether it be from the Board of Directors or even local citizens. However, I’ve never met a group of people more passionate than the volunteers that spend their time in our garden. Being on the horticulture staff, I mostly deal with the horticulture volunteers and work with them daily in the garden. These people don’t care if it’s raining cats and dogs or if the sun’s beating down on them; they start and finish their work with a smile on their face and continue coming back week after week. This doesn’t just apply to the horticulture volunteers, though; this is true for the garden docents, the shuttle drivers, the tour guides, and everyone in between. I want to thank all of you.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens wouldn’t be as spectacular as it is today without the constant devotion of our volunteers. You have all taught me so much this summer about what it means to be selfless and give back to a cause that is greater than myself, and for that I owe you all. You are what helps this garden keep getting better and continuously helps us to grow. Thank you for all your hard work, your smiles, your stories, and your undeniable love for this garden.
-Carrington Flatness, Horticulture Intern (September 6, 2013)
