April showers bring May flowers, they say! We are hoping all of this rainy spring weather brings a blooming May to Maine. We are showcasing picturesque gardens and arboretums throughout the state for an idyllic family outing or Mother’s Day trip. From the famed Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay to the Asticou Azalea Garden on Mount Desert Island, there are many gardens to visit in Maine for perfect spring day trips. Asticou Azalea Garden Southwest Harbor, MDI, Maine Reopening May 1, 2023 The Land and Garden Preserve is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of historic gardens, natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks on Mount Desert Island. The preserve was founded in 1991 and covers over 1,500 acres of land, including three gardens: the Asticou Azalea Garden, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, and Thuya Garden. Both the Rockefeller Garden and Thuya Garden are due to open later this summer, but the Asticou Azalea Garden will be reopening on May 1. The Asticou Azalea Garden is a beautiful 2-acre garden that was designed by Charles K. Savage in the early 1950s and is named after the Asticou Inn, located nearby. The garden is known for its stunning display of azaleas, which bloom in a variety of colors from late May through early June. The garden also features a wide variety of other plants, including rhododendrons, Japanese maples, and ferns. One of the highlights of the Asticou Azalea Garden is its traditional Japanese garden, which includes a small pond, a tea house, and a beautiful stone bridge. Learn more at gardenpreserve.org.   Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Boothbay, Maine Reopening May 1, 2023 The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens span 270 beautiful acres in Boothbay, first founded in 1991 and then opened to the public in 2007. The garden is on the coast and features a wide variety of native plants, as well as many non-native species that thrive in the coastal climate. One of the main attractions is the Giles Rhododendron Garden, which features over 100 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas. Other highlights include the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, the Butterfly and Moth House, the Dahlia Garden, the Fairy House Village, the Vayo Meditation Garden, and the Bibby & Harold Alfond Children’s Garden. In addition to its gardens, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. Visitors can take guided tours, attend workshops and lectures, and participate in hands-on activities for all ages. Learn more at mainegardens.org.   Merryspring Nature Center Camden, Maine Open Year Round The Merryspring Nature Center is a nonprofit organization in Camden and covers over 66 acres of land with a wide variety of gardens, trails, and natural habitats. The center was founded in 1974 and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Maine’s natural beauty and wildlife. It offers a range of educational programs and events for people of all ages, including nature walks, bird watching, gardening workshops, and more. The extensive collection of gardens includes a kitchen garden, a rose garden, a perennial garden, and a wildflower meadow. The gardens feature a variety of plantings, including native and non-native species, and offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of Maine’s flora. Learn more at merryspring.org.   McLaughlin Garden & Homestead South Paris, Maine Reopening May 13, 2023 The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead is a charming and historic destination that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the beauty and simplicity of Maine’s rural heritage. Established in 1936 by Bernard McLaughlin and his wife, Lois, the homestead is now operated by a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of the property. The garden covers 7 acres of land and features a wide variety of plantings, including perennials, annuals, and shrubs. One of the main attractions is the collection of over 200 varieties of lilacs, which bloom in May and June and fill the garden with their fragrant scent. In addition to the garden, the McLaughlin Homestead includes a restored 1840s farmhouse, a barn, and several outbuildings, and offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and tours. Learn more at mclaughlingarden.org   The Gardens at Pineland Farms New Gloucester, Maine Open Year Round The Gardens at Pineland Farms are public gardens located in New Gloucester with a variety of gardens, trails, and natural habitats including a certified “Monarch Butterfly Waystation.” The extensive gardens include Lilac Garden, Cutting Garden, and Annuals Display. There are over 130 varieties of perennials, several thousand flowering annuals, and a wide array of vegetables, herbs, ornamental conifers, and more The fresh produce and cut floral arrangements are harvested for use and sale at the Pineland Farms Market and enjoyed at the Pineland Farm to Table Dinners. During spring, summer, and fall the Garden is a popular spot for weddings, educational programs, and events. Pineland Farms is an acclaimed agro-tourism and recreational destination where you can also enjoy disc golf, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, and more. Learn more at pinelandfarms.org.   Viles Arboretum Augusta, Maine Open Year Round The Viles Arboretum is a nonprofit in Augusta that covers over 224 acres and features a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and plants. One of the main attractions is the extensive collection of trees, which includes over 300 species from around the world. Visitors can explore the various gardens and trails that wind through the arboretum, including the Conifer Collection, the Rhododendron Collection, the Lilac Collection, the Hosta Collection, and the Butterfly Garden. The arboretum also includes several ponds and wetlands that provide habitats for wildlife including birds, turtles, and frogs. Visitors can also observe the arboretum’s resident beavers, who live in the wetlands and can often be seen building their dams and lodges. Founded in 1981, the arboretum is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Maine’s natural beauty and offers a range of educational programs and events for people of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and summer camps. Learn more at vilesarboretum.org.