Boothbay, ME – spring returns to Maine, so too does one of the season’s most anticipated traditions, the seasonal reopening of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Mainers can be surrounded by tens of thousands of blooming flowers, winding woodland trails, and the natural scenery of the midcoast. The team at the Gardens has been busy making plans for an exciting season since its winter closure in early January after eight weeks of sparkling lights at Gardens Aglow.
“We cannot wait to welcome back guests,” says Gretchen Ostherr, President and CEO. “We’ve been busy planning family-friendly events, planting hundreds of beautiful spring flowers, and preparing our gardens and buildings to ensure that every guest feels warmly welcomed and leaves with a memorable experience.”
Now in its 19th season, the Gardens continues to grow as both a treasured Maine destination and a nationally recognized botanical garden, recently ranking 7th Best Botanical Garden in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Following a winter feature in three episodes of Antiques Roadshow, the Gardens is preparing to welcome guests from across the USA and the globe.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens continues to be one of Maine’s most popular destinations, ranking third in visitation among tourist attractions in the state, according to Mainebiz.
“We are excited by the potential first-time visitors joining after seeing us on Antiques Roadshow this winter.” Ostherr shared. “Even if you’ve been here before, our gardens constantly change. Maybe this will be the year you discover a new favorite plant, find a trail that leads to a quiet spot by the shoreline, or simply rediscover a place you’ve loved with family and friends. We encourage Mainers to come early in the season and come often—this is your Maine Gardens.”
In 2026, Maine Days runs from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31. During Maine Days,Maine residents receive free admission to the Gardens. Tickets can be secured at MaineGardens.org starting Monday, May 11, until tickets run out. The Gardens is also partnering with more than 70 libraries across Maine this year to share family passes to the Gardens, making it easier to return again and again. If you are interested in loaning a pass, library card holders should enquire at their local library. In addition, L.L.Bean continues to sponsor the Gardens Kids’ Free Wednesday program, offered every Wednesday in July and August, creating more opportunities for families to explore the Gardens together all summer long.
To learn more about these programs and other events, including Gardens Aglow, head to MaineGardens.org. Open through October 18, guests can visit 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.
About Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
At over 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is New England’s largest botanical garden. Home to thousands of different types of plants and visited by hundreds of thousands of guests each year, the Gardens is an inclusive place of learning, beauty, and whimsy around every corner. The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science. To learn more, visit MaineGardens.org.
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