I had the honor last week of joining the faculty at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden to give a two day workshop on Gardening for Wildlife as part of the Certificate Program in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture.
As a general rule I don’t tend to spend much time in botanical gardens because I don’t enjoy the “Plant Zoo” mentality, which is a collection of specimen plants from around the world that have no ecological connection to each other. Just one of this, one of that, like animals in a zoo but with plants.
A wildlife garden is dependent on specific native plant communities which work together with the wildlife to form an ecosystem.
However, the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden has adopted a different mission: to showcase the native plants of coastal Maine.
Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (CMBG) is a public garden located in Boothbay, Maine, United States. The garden spans over 270 acres and features a diverse collection of plants, gardens, and landscapes that showcase the beauty and ecology of coastal Maine.
The garden was founded in 2007 and has since become one of the largest botanical gardens in New England. It features a variety of gardens and landscapes, including a formal rose garden, a mixed border garden, a wildflower meadow, and a variety of woodland and coastal habitats.
One of the highlights of the garden is the Rhodes Center for Ocean Ecology, which houses a marine science research facility and interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the ecology of the Gulf of Maine.
In addition to its beautiful gardens, CMBG also offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and events, including gardening classes, bird walks, and nature camps for children.
The garden is also a popular destination for visitors who are interested in sustainable gardening practices, as it showcases a number of innovative and sustainable garden designs, such as rain gardens and native plant gardens.
Overall, the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is a unique and beautiful destination for anyone interested in plants, gardening, and the natural beauty of coastal Maine. Whether you’re a gardener, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful place to spend the day, CMBG is definitely worth a visit.
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