You belong here.

Learn more about the Gardens’ commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment where every member of our community is valued, respected, and appreciated. We acknowledge that a society is stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful when it is diverse. We are committed to identifying and striving to eliminate barriers that, historically, have prevented the full participation of communities most impacted by inequity.

Inclusive and accessible, the Gardens welcomes YOU.

Accessibility at the Gardens

Accessible Pathways

Pathways in the central gardens are all ADA compliant, and ramps are available anywhere there are stairs. The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses features sensory-stimulating plants and areas dedicated to each of the five senses.

We supply wheelchairs and scooters on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more here.

A person driving an accessible electric scooter cart on a flat pathway.

Accessible Cart Tours (ACT)

Our one-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 (5) passengers. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the Gardens. The tour is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers (in addition to admission), except on Wednesdays when the accessible cart tours are free.

Shuttle Stops

Free 10-passenger shuttles offer service around the perimeter of the Gardens. They run every 20-25 minutes, with numerous hop-on, hop-off stops—guests should be aware that there is still walking required between shuttle stops and nearby destinations. We try to accommodate as many guests as possible, but the shuttle does get busy during high-traffic periods.

Lerner Garden of the Five Senses: A Garden Built for Accessibility

Less than an acre in size, the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses features winding paths that circle through five regions emphasizing the five senses. This garden also features several designs geared toward universal accessibility. The brick paving’s changes in the surface and pattern help guide visually impaired visitors while providing a smooth, hard surface and gentle slope for wheeled mobility aids. The fountain provides a constant sound to help orient those who cannot see, while ample opportunities for tactile and visual stimulation provide interest for those who cannot hear. Raised beds in the horticultural therapy area feature cutaways to make room for gardeners in wheelchairs.

Therapeutic Horticulture

Located in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, our therapeutic horticulture services provides people of all abilities with a rich, dynamic horticultural experience. Therapeutic, garden-based sessions engage and support the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of all participants. A trained horticultural therapist customizes and leads each session, helping to enhance the quality of life for every participant. Learn more here.

Therapeutic Gardening Field Trips

Students of all ages and abilities can learn about and enjoy plants through interactive, engaging, and therapeutic plant-based activities. Led by Horticultural Therapist Irene Brady, this 2-hour program helps foster decision-making, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and creative problem-solving through plants, soil, and water. Learn more here.

Financial Accessibility & Admission

To make a visit to the Gardens as financially accessible as possible, we offer a number of ways to save on the price of admission. Please reach out to us directly if you have questions; we can be reached by phone at 207-633-8000, or email info@mainegardens.org. We look forward to seeing you at the Gardens!

Gardens for All 

During the regular season, those unable to meet the price of admission may visit the Gardens at no cost through our Gardens for All program. Participating guests may obtain up to six (6) day passes and arrive at any time of day. Reserve your Gardens for All tickets online in advance of your visit.

Get Gardens for All Tickets

 

Boothbay & Lincoln County Residents:

We are pleased to offer free admission throughout our regular season to our Boothbay neighbors on weekends and to all Lincoln County residents on the first Wednesday of each month. Make advance registrations by calling the Gardens at 207-633-8000.Please show proof of residency at the front desk upon arrival.

Personal Care Assistant Program

CMBG offers free admission for PCAs accompanying guests with disabilities. To receive this benefit, identify yourself as a PCA upon arrival with your paying guest.

Active Duty Military

The Gardens offers free admission for all active-duty military personnel. To receive complimentary admission, please identify yourself at the front desk upon arrival.

AHS Reciprocal Admission Program

Members of other gardens participating in the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program may visit for free. This benefit extends to those individual(s) whose name is listed on the card. In the case of a family, couple, or household membership that does not list individual names, we extend the benefit(s) to at least two of the members. Please present your current membership card of a participating garden to admissions upon arrival.

Library Pass Program

Through our Library Pass Program, a number of local libraries hold a pass to the Gardens, and their patrons can receive free admission. Please contact your local library for more information or to encourage them to join the program.

Wabanaki Nations

We want to welcome you to the land that is traditionally yours. Please accept our gift of reciprocity and enjoy the Gardens free of charge. To receive complimentary admission, please let us know upon arrival. Advance tickets are not required.

Amenities

Restrooms

Wheelchair-accessible, family bathrooms are located in the left porch wing of the Lerner Visitor Center. There are also restrooms in the Café, Bosarge Family Education Center, and in the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden.

Parking & Bike Rack

The accessible parking lot is the one located closest to the entrance of the Gardens. Visitors can also be dropped off at the front entrance to the Lerner Visitor Center where they can wait to meet the rest of their group. Bike racks are also available in this accessible lot.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of the Gardens. A private room is available upon request.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at all times. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.” Service animals must be on a leash and never left unattended. Please clean up after them.

Gardenshop

Gardenshop prioritizes products that reflect a broader diversity of artists, makers, and authors, uplifting voices, experiences, and histories of marginalized communities and their relationships with the natural world. Gardenshop’s collection of books by, for, and about Native people grows every year, and the shop also features a section dedicated to women in the sciences. Gardenshop sells work by people from the disabled community, makers who are financially challenged, Black and Brown and Indigenous people, and those from the LGBTQ community.

Education

If you are taking an adult education class and need additional accommodation for mobility or other needs, please reach out to us at (207) 633-8000 or info@mainegardens.org and we will do our best to help.