At Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, we consider members part of the family. It’s a reciprocal relationship, and members benefit, too, in so many ways! Beyond free admission, membership means access to the following exclusive events, tours, and programs carefully curated ONLY for members. Members experience more–add these events to your calendar and discover how MUCH more!
Members Only Events
Member Photography Club
Every other Thursday. Last day Oct 9
Join fellow members for two glorious hours of morning light before the gates open to the general public. Held every other Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., we meet in the Cafe and venture out to capture flora and fauna. Every year, we exhibit the fruits of the group's artistic labor with a display on campus. This opportunity is exclusively available to Coastal Maine Botanical members.
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
Member’s Insider: Rhododendron Garden
Join us for a tour of the Giles Rhododendron and Perennial Garden, our oldest garden here at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Catherine Kaczor will lead you down to the garden along our back paths while relaying her knowledge of the area and plants. This tour involves some light hiking along our back trails with inclines. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Please contact us for any mobility concerns, and we would be happy to help!
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
Member’s Insider: Ferns Uncovered
Ferns bring lush, vibrant life to shade gardens with their elegant fronds and incredible diversity, thriving in cool, moist environments where many plants can't keep up. Did you know there are thousands of fern species? Join horticulturist and conservation specialist Lon Ames for a tour to explore the fern collection at the Gardens, where you'll learn about their ecology, genera, species, and unique cultivars.
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
Member’s Insider: The Children’s Garden Story
Our beloved Harold and Bibby Alfond Children's Garden has long been one of our most popular gardens. Inspired by well-known children's books by Maine authors, this garden features several distinct areas that bring these stories to life. Join Jen Dunlap and Erika Huber as they share the full story behind our Children's Garden.
Member’s Insider: Inside the Lerner Garden of Five Senses
The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses engages all five senses through unique design elements and plantings. It is designed to be accessible and inviting for everyone. This garden is also home to our Horticultural Therapy Program, which promotes healing through plants. Join Lesley Paxson and Garron Dorr for a guided tour of the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses and our Horticultural Therapy Program.
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
Member’s Insider: Tiny Bugs, Big Challenges!
Bugs are more than just pests! They help keep our soils healthy, break down dead material, and so much more. Join Zac Smith-Hess on this tour as we travel around the Gardens, exploring the life of our beneficial bugs. Along the walk, Zac will share his expert knowledge of the perils facing our tiny friends.
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
Member’s Insider: Rare and Interesting Plants
Join Dylan Dubay on a tour across the Gardens as he shares his passion for rare and unique plants. Along the way, Dylan will highlight a selection of specimens, each with distinctive features that make them unique. Learn what differentiates these plants and how they contribute to their local landscapes.
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
Member’s Evening
Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 26; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 24; Thursday, August 14; Thursday, August 28; 5-7:30 pm
Make plans to join us for special Member Evenings this coming summer! On these select dates, the Gardens stays open late just for you. Enjoy the summer evenings in the gardens from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner!
