Hello, GPOD community!
Stunning Botany Meets Artistic Masterpieces at New England’s Premier Garden Experience
Last week, we unveiled an enchanting glimpse into the Coastal Maine Botanic Garden through the eyes of our dedicated website editor, Christine Alexander, during her recent video shoot with Andy Brand, the garden’s Horticultural Director.
If you missed the first part, make sure to catch up! For today, we dive deeper into Christine’s visual journey, featuring an array of dazzling floral displays alongside eye-catching sculptures that define this botanical paradise.
Christine has consistently described this garden as a lush, vibrant haven, bursting with color and life, even well into late October.
With themed sections galore, visitors can easily linger for days, absorbing the beauty of the expansive grounds.
During her tour, Andy revealed some of the garden’s most cherished areas, including the sensory garden, the children’s garden, and the slope garden.
He generously shared his expertise on their design and maintenance, encouraging visitors to take inspiration home and integrate similar elements into their own gardens.
Beyond the stunning plant life, the Coastal Maine Botanic Garden also boasts diverse programs suitable for all ages, an annual native plant sale, and whimsical sculptures, including the beloved troll installations known as the Guardians of the Seeds, crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Each troll carries its own unique narrative, enchanting everyone who crosses their path.
A Blossoming Haven of Creativity
As we embark on this visual journey, let’s marvel at a brilliantly colored garden bed that breaks from the stereotype of autumn hues.
Instead of the expected oranges and yellows, vibrant berry-toned plants showcase the late-season beauty of the garden.
While infinity pools are often associated with luxury, this garden’s pond features an intriguing blend that feels both chic and natural.
Viewed from different angles, it appears wild and untamed, yet is beautifully complemented by a soft, bubbling fountain nestled among dense, organic plantings.
No pond garden would be complete without an assortment of aquatic flora.
Here, a stunning cluster of lotus adds to the lush ambiance, inviting serenity and tranquility.
Taking a closer look, let’s revisit the innovative green roof showcased in the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, which we highlighted in part one.
Christine’s photos not only capture blooms but also present an array of fascinating foliage varieties.
For instance, the vibrant leopard plant (Ligularia dentata, Zones 3–8) offers a striking palette as the season winds down.
Whimsical Sculptures and Late-Season Blooms
Continuing the theme of artistry in the garden, Christine previously noted the famous Guardians of the Seeds troll statues, but numerous other captivating sculptures also grace the landscape.
One such piece is ‘Chiseled Glass Orb’ by Henry Richardson, which dances with light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as reflections play across its multiple glass plates.
In line with last week’s focus on flowers still in bloom this late in the season, we find delightful surprises like the iconic Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis var. japonica, Zones 3–9), a dependable favorite for cooler gardens.
Finally, let’s meet one of Thomas Dambo’s remarkable troll sculptures – a significant feature of the garden.
Each troll represents distinct elements of a tree, emphasizing how each part contributes to its health and the ecosystem as a whole.
Lilja, the youngest troll, embodies flowers and shares an important message about how colors and scents attract vital pollinators like bees and butterflies.
For a deeper dive into these guardians, explore the five troll statues at CMBG in our special feature: Meet Our Trolls.
Coastal Maine Botanic Garden is truly a standout among the many extraordinary public gardens scattered across the United States.
While visiting every garden might take a lifetime, the community of garden lovers allows us to experience the beauty of these spaces from afar.
If you’ve had a recent visit to a public garden, we would love to hear about your adventures! Feel free to share your pictures with GPOD as per the submission guidelines, or reach out to me on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Source: Finegardening