Native Plant Tour
Our Native Plant Tour begins with a stroll down the Haney Hillside, moving from cultivated native plantings to the natural landscape of the Shoreland Trail. From there, we walk along the Maine Woods Trail, past fern glens and wetlands, then to the upland spruce-fir forest off the Birch Allée. Please note: this tour lasts about an hour and a half and moves swiftly over hiking trails. Registration is strongly suggested. To join the tour, please meet outside the Market building by the Great Lawn.
Join us for a morning tour before the Gardens opens to the public. Explore our fascinating bird population at the the peak of the spring migration season. Binoculars are recommended; all skill levels welcome.
Every other Thursday, May 18-October 5, 7-9 a.m.
Friday-Monday, June 9-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate Dad with a day out! On Father’s Day, we’re offering free admission for all fathers throughout the day. No need to purchase a ticket for him—just purchase your own and bring Dad along.
Water gardens are growing in popularity for a number of reasons: to attract wildlife like birds and butterflies, to add a melodic sound feature, to contribute light reflection, to offer a place for personal respite, and to cool down a garden space. Water gardens that incorporate unique and lush plants add bold shapes, forms, colors, defined lines, and textures to a garden space. In class, students will make and take home a small water garden container filled with personally selected plants supplied by the Gardens. We'll talk about the wide variety of plant options, materials, and different kinds of water garden designs. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Every other Thursday, May 9-October 10
Learn about the ecological and cultural significance of Maine's native trees, including their role in supporting wildlife, their use by indigenous peoples, and their impact on the state's economy and tourism industry. We'll also shed light on conservation efforts to preserve the state's native tree populations. Some steep paths will be along the way; we recommend sturdy boots or shoes.
Join us for a “Horticulture Happy Hour.” Meet members of the Horticulture team and enjoy happy hour appetizers and a drink (the first drink is complimentary, and additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available at a charge). Registration is required.
Join our resident dragonfly experts, Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet, for an insider look at these fascinating insects. Participants will learn about dragonfly behavior, habitat, and life cycle and have the opportunity to observe dragonflies up close in their natural environment.
Join us for an in-depth look at the role of a curator at a botanical garden. Learn how the Gardens manages the plant collections to support our mission through educational programs, showcasing institutional heritage, facilitating research, and contributing to plant conservation efforts. Katherine Brewer, Curator of Living Collections, will discuss how the special Epimedium and Asclepias collections are built and evaluated.
