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| Tell us your favorite places to escape, or that special discovery you’ve recently made. E-mail Steppin’ Out at: kelly@steppinoutmaine.com |
The lovely scent of lupine. The sweet smell of wild roses. The beauty of Asian Lilies and the simplicity of daises. Hundreds of varieties of flowers blanket the Midcoast region. They brighten up landscapes and can make a plain area look absolutely beautiful.
Last Thursday Camden held its 55th Annual Garden tour as did Boothbay & Southport (who had their 5th annual) on Friday. The tours offered visitors a peak at some of the most beautiful gardens in those regions. But if you didn’t have a chance to see the different types of flowers and garden landscapes on display, there are still many more gardens open to visitors. Now you can smell more than just the roses.
In Rockland check out the two gardens at the Farnsworth Art Museum Campus, located at 352 Main St. Built in the 1990s, these gardens have native plants and perennials to enjoy.
Up Route 1 in Rockport is Vesper Children’s Chapel. The non-denominational chapel is located on Chapel Road off of Calderwood Lane. The chapel is in a garden setting and on a rocky ledge that overlooks the ocean.
In Camden, make a stop at the Camden Public Library grounds, Garden Theater and Harbor Park. Located on Main Street, the amphitheater was designed by Fletcher Steele in 1929 and the park was designed by the Olmstead Brothers (1928-1931). It offers scenic ocean views of Camden Harbor and is on the National Register of Historic Places. For a look at a beautiful, naturally designed landscape check out Camden Hills State Park off of Route 1, Camden. Covering 6,500 acres, the park has opportunities for hiking, picnicking and camping. You can also drive to the top of Mt. Battie and enjoy dramatic views of Camden Harbor.
Also in Camden are Merryspring Horticultural Nature Park and The Garden Institute at Merry Gardens. Merryspring is located on Conway Road off of Route 1. The 66-acre park has gardens and trails that pass through undeveloped fields and woods as well as a 10-acre arboretum of native species, a woodland garden with vernal pool and views of the surrounding mountains. There is even a gazebo surrounded by perennial gardens. The Garden Institute is located on Upper Mechanic Street. It is a non-profit preserve and offers educational and horticultural opportunities. There is a large herb garden in addition to the perennial gardens, a children’s garden, among other things.
Visit the Belfast City Park on the Northport Road in Belfast. This 18-acre recreational park overlooks Belfast Bay and has areas for softball, basketball, tennis and its own swimming pool.
On the opposite end of the Midcoast you can check out the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden on Barter’s Island Road in Boothbay. The garden started in 1992 and has paths through 128 acres along a mile of tidal shoreline.
It won’t be long before the summer heat and sun begin to fade into fall. Take the time to enjoy these beautiful spots before they disappear until next year.
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There are treasures such as these all along the coast. Share them with me and other readers. Let us know what makes Midcoast Maine so unique and fascinating.
Send us your favorites. E-mail “Steppin’ Out” at kelly@steppinoutmaine.com or call 207-594-4401 ext. 281.
Until next week, have fun in whatever you do while you’re steppin’ out in Midcoast Maine.
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