Exploring the Ecosystems of the Trolls

Have you discovered the trolls' hidden treasure yet? This tour’s journey will take us through several different forest ecosystems, giving us the opportunity to get to know each one as we travel toward discovering just what the trolls have been protecting. Learn what keeps these ecosystems healthy and how you can help protect them so that everyone may enjoy the natural world for years to come! Expect a moderate hike along some of our trails and wear the appropriate footwear.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sarah Callan
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Vertical Garden Creations

Come join Irene Barber, Adult Education Program Manager, as she puts together one of the wonderful vertical gardens on display in the Lerner Garden of Five Senses. Each garden is designed using locally sourced materials. After learning some of Irene’s favorite tricks, you’ll be ready to start your own vertical gardens by the end of the tour!

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Irene Barber
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Pollinators & Honey

We have a special love of honeybees at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Sarah Callan, Interpretation & Exhibits Educator, and Emily Baisden, Entomologist Educator, will take us on a behind-the-scenes tour of our apiary to learn about the life of our bees and what it takes to care for them. After this look inside the hive, we'll take some time to enjoy the fruits--or honey--of their labor and sample some delicious honey both from our hives and around the world! Bring your sweet tooth and get ready to learn all about the types of honey and what factors influence color and flavor.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sarah Callan
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Art at the Garden

Art is essential in life! At the Gardens, we love to show off artists, both local and from afar. Join Vanessa Nesvig, Interpretation & Exhibits Program Manager, and Caroline Davis, Art & Exhibits Coordinator, to learn the stories behind the collections at the Gardens. We hear a troll or two might even be sighted!

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Vanessa Nesvig
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Moth Lighting Night

Join us and get mothing! The Gardens has teamed up with The Caterpillar Lab for an after-hours mothing extravaganza. Lightsheeting, or “mothing,” is the practice of providing an irresistible surface for insects to land on by illuminating a large white sheet. This favorite pastime of biologists has quickly become a popular hobby for nature lovers, gardeners, and the naturally curious worldwide. Popular events like National Moth Week and Mothapalooza have been attracting more and more attention—and now you, too, can be an explorer at this exclusive, after-hours event.

The Caterpillar Lab Director, Sam Jaffe, will arrange his ultra-moth-attracting setup and be on hand to help identify the hundreds of species we’ll likely attract. Come ready to be amazed by the diversity, size, and beauty of Maine’s nocturnal insect inhabitants. Before long, you too will be hooked on this popular pastime.

For the best experience, avoid bright clothing, wear long sleeves and pants, and bring a flashlight and insect repellant. This program is designed for anyone ages 10 and up, adults and families alike.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sam Jaffe
Price: $15 / $18
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The Caterpillar Walk

The Caterpillar Lab is moving in, and while the exhibit is filled with munching critters offering lots to explore, the real story is the one happening outdoors. In our many gardens (as well as your own backyard), these creatures are living out their strange lives in the wild. Join The Caterpillar Lab Director, Sam Jaffe, on an exploration of the Gardens in search of native caterpillars and other insects. Learn how The Lab finds its caterpillars, all about host plants and parasitoids, and discover caterpillar-finding secrets from one of the world’s foremost caterpillar hunters! This walk is appropriate for naturalists, gardeners, and explorers of all ages. It may not, however, be appropriate for more casually interested younger children.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sam Jaffe
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The Caterpillar Lab

Back by popular demand! Join us August 3-10 when perennial favorite, The Caterpillar Lab, sets up its functioning caterpillar rearing, researching, photographing, filming, and educating facility in our hallways. No two days of this residency are alike! Come experience live caterpillar displays and witness how The Lab cares for and works with these amazing, surprising creatures. Learn more about the exhibit here.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sam Jaffe

Member Evening

Ever wonder what it would be like to have the whole of the Gardens to yourself? Members can come find out! From May through August, join us for any of our several Member Evenings at the Gardens, open 5-7:30 p.m., exclusively for our members. Enjoy these quiet, tranquil hours and relax with us here at the Gardens. Register early--space is limited!

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Dazzling Dahlias

Explore the wide array of the season’s blooming dahlias! Join Courtney Locke on a tour of the Dahlia Garden. We’ll learn about the different groups and characteristics that make up this beautiful display. Courtney will also share some great tips and tricks for caring for your own dahlias at home.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Courtney Locke
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Outdoor Family Fun Days

Thanks to generous support from L.L.Bean, kids 17 and under are free every Wednesday in July and August, 2022. No need to reserve tickets for your young guests – just bring them along and we’ll check them in at the door.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Vanessa Nesvig
Price: Free / $10
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Wetlands Tour

Join us for a staff-led walk through our many wetlands down to the Back River. On this tour, learn how important wetlands are to our ecosystem, how they provide vital habitat for wildlife, and what we can do to preserve them. From ponds to vernal pools to small rivers, we’ll see how water affects each natural community. Please note: this tour lasts about an hour and a half and moves swiftly over our steeper hiking trails. Registration is strongly suggested. To join, please meet outside the Lyn and Daniel Lerner Visitor Center by the Heafitz Wetland Bridge.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Vanessa Nesvig
Price: Free / $10
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Become a Guardian: Trees of the Trolls Tour

Dive into forest ecology and discover how to become a better steward of our ecosystem, just like the Guardians of the Seeds. These trolls have emerged at the Gardens to save the seeds of Maine’s most important tree species—help them protect the trees by deepening your connection to the forest around you. In this guided tour, learn not only how you, too, can become a guardian of the forest like our giant trolls, but all about these important trees, their significance in our landscape, and some of the many threats our forests face. Note that the emphasis of this excursion will be on the Maine forest, and we will only see three trolls on this tour.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sarah Callan
Price: Free / $10
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Highlights Tour

Join us for this hour-long tour through our central gardens. Meet by the Café building and walk through the gardens surrounding the Great Lawn. Learn the origin stories and people who made each garden possible, highlights of the Gardens’ history, design elements, and botanical details.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

Resilient Landscapes in Built Environments | Section II

Mondays, November 28, December 5, 12, & 19th | Continuing the focus on resilient landscapes in built environments, Section II examines New England native plants for function, beauty, and biodiversity in the landscape and achieving high performance with minimal input. Additionally, the final two courses will provide step-by-step information on seasonal implementation and land-management practices relating to strategic planning, plant succession, erosion control, installation of green infrastructure, and contractor-to-client communication essential for establishing and supporting sustainable and resilient landscapes. These virtual courses are designed to be interactive, supporting those students with a working knowledge of native plants to plan for the next level of design and management.

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Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: $250 / $295
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Gardens Aglow

The magic begins as darkness falls. Explore our central garden areas, turned into a festively lit wonderland with more than half a million lights. This year, the seasonal celebration returns to its roots as a walking tour with a new, reimagined design. All tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold onsite.

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Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: $8 / $45
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Member Insider – Spring Birding Migration Walk

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: Free
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Mother’s Day at the Gardens

Treat your mother to flowers at the Gardens! We’re offering free admission for all mothers. No need to purchase a ticket for her—just purchase your own and bring Mom along.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Member Photography Club

Every other Thursday, May 18-October 5, 7-9 a.m.

The Photography Club meets every other Thursday morning from 7-9 a.m., beginning May 18 and ending October 5. Club dues are $25.00 for the entire season, as long as you're a member of the Gardens. Enjoy having the whole of our campus to yourself for two hours before we open to the public, and capture the morning light and mingle with your fellow photographers.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Caroline Davis
Price: $25
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Maine Days

Friday, June 2–Sunday, June 4 | FREE for Maine Residents

Each year during Maine Days, we invite our fellow Maine residents to experience their gardens at no cost—simply get your tickets ahead of time, and bring your Maine State ID or driver's license. Long a family tradition for many, this year’s event takes place Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4. We can’t wait to see you at the Gardens.

Please note that, while it is free for all Mainers, advance registration is required for this event.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Plein Air Days

Friday-Monday, June 9-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Attention artists! Come join us for the annual Plein Air Days long weekend. Bring your art supplies and easels, and admission is free! You must make reservations, but you’re welcome to come any or all of the four days.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: Free
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Father’s Day at the Gardens

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

Make a Container Water Garden

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Courtney Locke
Price: $68 / $85
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Member Evenings

Thursday, May 11; Thursday, May 25; Thursday, June 1; Thursday, June 8; Saturday, June 17; Thursday, July 6; Saturday, July 15; Thursday, July 27; Thursday, August 3; Saturday August 12; Thursday, August 24; from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: Free
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L.L.Bean Outdoor Family Fun Days

Thanks to generous support from L.L.Bean, kids 17 and under are free every Wednesday in July and August. No need to reserve tickets for your young guests – just bring them along and we’ll check them in at the door.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

Accessible Cart Tour

May 1-October 20, Monday-Friday, 9-10:30 a.m., 10-11:30 a.m. & 3-4:30 p.m.
Our one and a half hour accessible cart tours are led by trained Gardens' docents, rain or shine, on our quiet electric cart. The cart can accommodate up to five people. Seating preference is decided on a first-come, first-served basis. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the Gardens. Accessible Cart Tours are $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers, except for Wednesdays when tours are free.

Registration is required ahead of time. Admission to the Gardens is not included and must be purchased separately.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: $12 / $15
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Member Photography Club

Every other Thursday, May 9-October 10

Photography Club is one of the unique perks of being a member. Experience the serenity of the Gardens at 7 a.m., where local wildlife and dew-soaked petals wait around every corner. The club runs every other Thursday from May 9 - October 10, allowing you and club members an opportunity to grow your skills over three seasons.

Please note that there is no meeting on July 4.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Caroline Davis
Price: $35
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Mother’s Day at the Gardens

Treat your mother to flowers at the Gardens! We’re offering free admission for all mothers. No need to purchase a ticket for her—just purchase your own and bring Mom along.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Maine Days

Friday, May 31–Sunday, June 2 | FREE for Maine Residents

Each year during Maine Days, we invite our fellow Maine residents to visit the Gardens at no cost—simply get your tickets ahead of time, and bring your Maine State ID or driver's license. Long a family tradition for many, this year’s event takes place Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. We can’t wait to see you at the Gardens.

Please note that, while it is free for all Mainers, advance registration is required for this event.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Plein Air Days

Friday, June 7-Monday, June 10
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Calling all artists! Join us for our annual Plein Air Days four-day event. You'll bring your easels, paints, sketchbooks, etc., and we'll provide free admission and beautiful surroundings. Artists must register online or over the phone in advance.

While admission is free to artists, we will be open to the public. For the safety and comfort of all guests, we ask that you do not block pathways and keep easels out of garden beds.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Plant Your Own Vertical Garden (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Leave with a beautiful vertical garden in this hands-on workshop. Designers Cheryl Tyler and Jen Dunlap will guide students through a step-by-step process of building and planting an 18"x 14" framed planter. The plant pallet of ferns, mosses, and lichens will be provided for outdoor and indoor applications. Class Level: All Levels. Suitable for teens 14+.

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Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: $45 / $80

Member Insider: Native Trees of Maine

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Alison Webb
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Member’s Evening and “Horticulture Happy Hour”

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.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Butterfly Investigations (Canceled)

This event is canceled and will return on July 16. Sorry for the inconvenience. | Meet us in the Native Butterfly House as we investigate the lives of the butterflies and moths. From egg to adult and everything in between, we’ll search for all stages of a butterfly’s life cycle while learning about their unique adaptations, their essential role in the food web, and how to identify key differences between butterflies and moths. Free with admission.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Deconstructing the Boundaries: The Land Fights Back

Saturday, July 20th, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Our Northeastern United States indigenous citizens are the Maliseet, Micmac, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy, collectively make up the Wabanaki Confederacy. They are also known as “People of the Dawnland.” As members of a global community, we are people of the land. With the growing climate crisis and its reverberations in our societies, we bear witness to how the land fights back. Indigo Arts Alliance and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens commissioned the work of Anna Tsouhlarakis, Shane Perley-Dutcher, Daniel Minter and Arisa White to envision and create a permanent public art piece that amplifies Indigenous wisdom, artistry, and presence.

This year’s 2024 symposium and public art commissions will focus on environmental justice in urban and rural spaces and why it is critical that Black and Brown experiences and knowledge be centered. The work will unpack methods of reparative justice and challenge systems in place today. Witnessing through the lens of scholars, artists, historians and members of our community, we will honor our collective wisdom and forge new ways to be in harmony with the land known as Maine and beyond. Participants will have an opportunity to learn actionable steps that they can take to help create a better world.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Indigo Arts Alliance
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Accessible Cart Tour (Free Wednesday)

Wednesdays, May 1-October 18
9-10:45 a.m., 10-11:30 a.m., 3-4:30 p.m.
Additional tours in July-September at 1-2:30 p.m.

Our one and a half hour accessible cart tours are led by trained Gardens' docents, rain or shine, on our quiet electric cart. The cart can accommodate up to five people. Seating preference is decided on a first-come, first-served basis. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the Gardens. Tours are free on Wednesdays. Our other weekday Accessible Cart Tours are $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Registration is required ahead of time. Admission to the Gardens is not included and must be purchased separately.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Accessible Cart Tour (Free Wednesdays)

Wednesdays, May 1-October 18
9-10:45 a.m., 10-11:30 a.m., 3-4:30 p.m.
Additional tours in July-September at 1-2:30 p.m.

Our one and a half hour accessible cart tours are led by trained Gardens' docents, rain or shine, on our quiet electric cart. The cart can accommodate up to five people. Seating preference is decided on a first-come, first-served basis. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the Gardens. Tours are free on Wednesdays. Our other weekday Accessible Cart Tours are $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Registration is required ahead of time. Admission to the Gardens is not included and must be purchased separately.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Accessible Cart Tour

May 1-October 18, Monday-Friday, 9-10:45 a.m., 10-11:30 a.m., & 3-4:30 p.m.
In July-September, an additional tour is available, 1-2:30 p.m.

Our one and a half hour accessible cart tours are led by trained Gardens' docents, rain or shine, on our quiet electric cart. The cart can accommodate up to five people. Seating preference is decided on a first-come, first-served basis. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the Gardens. Accessible Cart Tours are $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers, except for Wednesdays when tours are free. Registration is required ahead of time. Admission to the Gardens is not included and must be purchased separately.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: $12 / $15
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Accessible Cart Tour

May 1-October 18, Monday-Friday, 9-10:45 a.m., 10-11:30 a.m., & 3-4:30 p.m.
In July-September, an additional tour is available, 1-2:30 p.m.

Our one and a half hour accessible cart tours are led by trained Gardens' docents, rain or shine, on our quiet electric cart. The cart can accommodate up to five people. Seating preference is decided on a first-come, first-served basis. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the Gardens. Accessible Cart Tours are $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers, except for Wednesdays when tours are free. Registration is required ahead of time. Admission to the Gardens is not included and must be purchased separately.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Price: $12 / $15
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