There are countless ways to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is marking its 20th birthday and the 5th anniversary of its 2007 grand opening with a brand new book. Within the 192 pages of “Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A People’s Garden,” readers will find the fascinating story of the Gardens’ genesis and growth, learn more about each of the delightfully unique gardens, and admire vivid photos that reflect this remarkable garden’s beauty and individuality.

The book tells the inside story of the phenomenon some are calling “the miracle in Maine.” It offers in-depth descriptions of the ornamental gardens and how they came to be and describes the multi-featured natural landscape that provides the framework on which they’re built.

The “Dreamers and Doers” section includes first-hand accounts by many of the Gardens’ founders and early members, and a timeline puts the organization’s history into perspective. Among the gardens profiled and pictured in the chapters that follow are the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, Giles Rhododendron Garden, Cleaver Event Lawn & Garden, Haney Hillside Garden, and Vayo Meditation Garden. There’s a chapter devoted to the Bosarge Family Education Center, the greenest public building in Maine. Its gardens are “green,” too, with an abundance of native plants. The final section is devoted to a look ahead to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ future. 

The authors of “Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A People’s Garden,” published by Down East Books, are William Cullina, the Gardens’ Executive Director; Director of Philanthropy Dorothy E. Freeman, Ph.D.; and Director of Communications Barbara Hill Freeman. All three have other books to their credit, and they all know the Gardens through and through. 

Most of the stunning photos that add so much to the book are by William Cullina. Many cover a full page or even two pages. Others are by co-author Barbara Hill Freeman and, in alphabetical order, William S. Brehm of Riverside Studio, Dave Cleaveland of Maine Imaging (aerial photos), Daniel Q. Haney, Lynn Karlin, Robert Mitchell, and Richard Zieg. 

“Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A People’s Garden” is among the most popular items in the Gardens Gift Shop, where it’s available in hardcover for $34.95. Proceeds of those sales benefit the Gardens, and fortunately there are plenty of shoppers because the Gardens has become a favorite destination for all ages in all seasons. “Wow!” is the word heard most often as visitors discover fabulous gardens, stonework, fountains and waterfalls, sculpture, and miles of waterfront and woodland trails on the 248-acre landscape. 

While the Gardens and those associated with the organization continue to earn distinction for exceptional horticulture and award-winning landscape and building designs, visitors simply enjoy the full experience – what they see, what they do, and what they learn. The schedule is full of top-quality programs and activities for adults and children. Special events such as the Maine Fairy House Festival (coming August 3-5), an annual fundraising party and auctions, concerts, and art exhibits attract enthusiastic crowds. 

To learn more, visit www.MaineGardens.org; call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; or stop by the Visitor Center at the Gardens, located off Barters Island Road, just over a mile from Boothbay center.