These days, we all find ourselves a bit more focused on how to make sure the environment is preserved. In Maine this feels like a particularly important task given just how special this place is to all of us. Any visit to the great outdoors will remind you why this is important. Beginning in the spring and running through October, a visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features special friends who will help remind you how to keep the land thriving for as long a possible.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers 300 acres of outdoor gardens sitting on the coast of Maine in Boothbay Harbor. It’s a beautiful place to visit throughout the spring, summer, and fall – but we especially love it right now.
Xi Wang / Google
Beginning in May and running just a few more weeks through mid-October, the garden is home to some very unusual visitors!
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook
Brought to life by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, Guardians of the Seeds is a reimagining of his famous troll sculptures. Each one is created from recycled materials and helps guide visitors into understanding more about how they can play a role in creating a more sustainable world. We love that each troll represents a different part of a tree.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook
For instance, Søren represents the branches. Dambo’s trolls are considered a one of the most significant attractions in Denmark and have been found hiding out in places from Scandinavia to California and lots of places in between.
Shawn Surma / Google
In Maine, they’re hidden amongst the trees of the Coastal Botanical Gardens, and can be found by following a map and instructions provided by the staff. To see each of the five trolls requires a bit of a walk, so you may not be able to see them all in one visit.
Dr. Gregory F. Maassen / Google
But if you’re up for the adventure, the journey is beautiful. The troll are spread out evenly along the park’s grounds, and the full walk to see them is about three miles. While the map is easy to follow, some of the trails are not completely cleared so e sure to come prepared with the right footwear.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook
If you prefer not to venture too far into the woods, you an see the first in the central gardens.
Xi Wang / Google
The trolls are made of recycled materials, including things like pallets and other recycled wood. They were assembled by Dambo’s team of 10 people and about 150 local volunteers!
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook While the garden closes for the season in mid-October, the trolls will stick around as long as they can. They live outside so they’ll be at the mercy of the elements, but the hope and expectation is that they’ll be hidden in the woods for years. These new friends are a treat to have in Maine and we recommend visiting them when you can.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is open from May through mid-October each year. And the trolls are expected to be here for years! Visitors are welcome from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but must reserve tickets in advance. Experiencing the trolls is included in a General Admission tickets, and you can learn more about admission and the trolls on the website. You can also follow them on Facebook. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens can be reached at (207) 633-8000.
Xi Wang / Google
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook
Shawn Surma / Google
Dr. Gregory F. Maassen / Google
While the garden closes for the season in mid-October, the trolls will stick around as long as they can. They live outside so they’ll be at the mercy of the elements, but the hope and expectation is that they’ll be hidden in the woods for years. These new friends are a treat to have in Maine and we recommend visiting them when you can.
Looking for more to do in the great outdoors? The misty mornings at Boot Head Preserve in Maine are worth the trip to this hidden corner of the state!
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Address: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, ME, USA
