Yesterday dawned cool and drizzly as Hannah, and I embarked on our journey to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, Maine a three-hour drive. It’s been three years since we first visited, and it’s on Hannah’s summer “To Do” list.

In this era of COVID-19 we purchased tickets in advance for a specific entry time. Five minutes before our “appointment,” the drizzle dried up, and the cloudy skies brightened a touch – a sign it was going to be a wonderful day. And it was. Masks were required to be worn inside and outside, where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Some high-volume attractions required masks even though outdoors, and folks conformed to the guidelines.

The gardens are one of Maine’s true gems. Beautiful. Peaceful. Vibrant. Eye-candy for a girl with a camera. With over 500 photos to sort through for the keepers, I’ll share my favorites in a few posts.

The gardens – the mix of colors, the textures, the blooms, the hardscape all come together in a happy explosion of visual art.

Inspired walkways and

shaded garden rooms invite introspection and appreciation of nature.

Patterns and designs

speak to your soul.

Sculptures like this whale – one of my favorites – make me smile.

Stone carvings reflect nature.

Art nestled around every corner makes the woods feel magical.

Art creates windows on the world.

New this visit are these printed metal panels.

They are tucked in the greenery

and by the ponds (my second favorite panel)

enhancing beauty (my favorite panel).

The art in the botanical garden comes in many forms.

It’s in the fences and in the weather vanes.

And, in the buildings themselves.

On the roofs.

On the fence posts.

Art imitates life and is enjoyed by all.

What I’ve learned from this visit, in addition to the fact that a great garden doesn’t happen with hand-me-down plants alone, is that I need whimsy in my garden. I need art. My butterfly nursery is a start, but I have ideas!

#coastalmainebotanicalgarden
#artinthegarden