With 250 acres, most of which is forested, it’s only fitting that Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay should adopt Trees, Timbers and Traditions as its theme for 2013. Throughout the coming seasons, the Gardens will highlight those most culturally and ecologically significant of all plants, trees, with numerous activities for various age groups and interests.  

“Forests and trees are central to our collective Maine identity and an integral part of life and livelihood here in the Pine Tree State,” Director of Education Melissa Cullina said. “In honor of these living treasures, the Gardens has planned a variety of programs and exhibits exploring the many facets of trees, including their importance in horticulture, ecology, ethnobotany, history, art, and our economy.”

The Gardens’ goal is to deepen guests’ appreciation and understanding of the trees and forests of Maine. Other organizations collaborating on this year-long effort at the Gardens include the Boothbay Region Land Trust, Maine Arborist Association, Maine Tree Foundation, and PLT Maine.

The art of the tree

The “Branching Out” exhibit in the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden Story Barn will feature tree-inspired artwork by students from all five Boothbay peninsula schools. The show opens with a reception on May 25 and will continue through mid-October.

This year’s sculpture exhibit, curated by June LaCombe, is called “Living Wood.” The show, which features works in wood by many of New England’s finest sculptors, will open with a reception on June 27 and continue until September 22

Several artists-in-residence will touch on the theme in their work at the Gardens. Maine artisan Susan Perrine, “in residence” from June 11-15, will present workshops on building garden supports out of branches and jewelry out of twigs. She’ll also lead a group project, building a twig tunnel in the Children’s Garden. Katie Lee will teach a workshop, “Drawing and Painting Leaves,” from June 3-7; and Dick Rauh will teach “Drawing Native Plants of Maine” from August 5-9.

Seasons of trees

April 1 will mark the launch of the Remarkable Tree Tour. Using their smartphones, guests will be able to access the tour, which is part of the Gardens’ multi-featured FloraFind computer database.

To celebrate National Arbor Day, on Friday, April 26, Tim Lindsay of Barlett Tree Experts will present a tree-planting workshop. In keeping with the spirit of Arbor Day, everyone will leave with a sapling to plant at home.

Small trees will be among the many items for sale at the plant sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. That coincides with Maine Days at the Gardens, when Maine residents receive free admission (with proper ID) all through the three-day Memorial Day weekend

On Friday, May 31, accomplished musicians Sumner McKane and Joshua Robbins will bring the multi-media presentation “In the Blood” to the Education Center. This unforgettable virtual journey into 19th century Maine vividly brings to life many fascinating historical moments and stories of Maine’s legendary lumbermen and river drivers.  

“Trees in Your New England Garden and Landscape,” the Gardens’ ninth annual symposium, on Saturday, June 29, will feature presentations by nationally known author and professor Dr. Michael Dirr; Director of Horticulture Rodney Eason; and Renae Moran of the UMaine Cooperative Extension.

Learn More

The year’s first nod to trees, a pruning class in early March, sold out almost immediately, pointing up the need to register early for many programs. As the season progresses, the Gardens will add more Trees, Timbers and Traditions programs and activities; and of course there are scores of other programs and events for all ages that are not related to the theme.

To make reservations or learn more, visit www.MaineGardens.org; call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; or stop by the Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.