Alongside the welcome shift to warmer weather, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens once again opens its gates to the public on May 1. This year, the Gardens remains steadfast in its mission to connect people to plants and nature and promote plant conservation. Visitors of all ages are invited to escape to the Gardens to prioritize their physical and mental health.

"At this time of uncertainty, we reaffirm our promise to provide a safe space for all. Through programs like the library pass and Gardens for All, we hope to remove financial barriers," shares President and CEO Gretchen Ostherr. "We take pride in creating an environment where every person feels a sense of belonging."

Voted one of USA TODAY's 10BEST Botanical Gardens (2025), no two weeks at the Gardens are the same—each is packed with engaging programming and an ever-changing array of vibrant blooms. Whether looking for a casual walk around accessible paths or a more adventurous hike along forest trails, visitors will find inspiration, relaxation, and connection to nature. A robust education slate supports all skill levels, from beginner classes in succulent container gardening to advanced courses on native plants. Pop-up events like Chewonki's Traveling Natural History Program and two residencies with fan favorite The Caterpillar Lab, alongside Thomas Dambo’s permanent exhibit of five giant Trolls, will captivate the whole family.

This summer, the Gardens commemorates the third and final year of an impactful partnership with Portland-based Indigo Arts Alliance. Timely titled Deconstructing the Boundaries: Tending to Communities, an all-day symposium on June 26 will center Black, Brown, and Indigenous relationships with the land and include a panel discussion, hands-on workshops, and the unveiling of two new installations by artists Daniel Minter and Arisa White. Tickets are free and available at indigoartsalliance.me.

Regular visitors will notice two new developments at the Gardens this year. The Great Lawn is undergoing some modifications and additions, including a new upland prairie habitat, which will feature native plants such as early goldenrod, northeastern beard-tongue, coastal plain goldentop, and quaking aspen. The project, in partnership with the landscape architects at Reed Hilderbrand, focuses on accessibility and wayfinding by redesigning bed shapes and walkways. At the far end of the parking lot, the Gardens will also break ground on a new Horticulture and Plant Science Center this season. This facility will enhance plant research and production and is scheduled for completion in 2026. These new developments will help the Gardens to continue their work promoting plant conservation, protecting biodiversity, and inspiring action in the face of climate change.

Rounding out the year, Gardens Aglow will return from Nov. 15 to Jan. 3. Tickets will go on sale to Members on Sept. 1, and to the general public the following week.

The Gardens will be open from May 1 through Oct. 19, seven days a week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. Online purchases receive a $4 discount per ticket.

"We invite everyone to step away from the noise of everyday life, find solace in nature, and form meaningful connections with one another. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens this season," Ostherr states.

To learn more, visit MaineGardens.org.