For Mother’s Day this year, MP’s wish is for good weather and a breakfast visit to a local garden with coffee, croissants and a book in hand. If you’re also a mom in search of Sunday morning serenity, here are a few favorite Maine gardens to enjoy plus a few fun events for the weekend:
Hamilton House, South Berwick
This stunning, 18th century Georgian mansion overlooks the banks of the Salmon Falls River and is also home to a beautiful perennial garden. During Mother’s Day weekend, Hamilton House volunteers host a Saturday morning plant sale. Visits to the grounds are free and open to the public. If you’re up for some local exploring, be sure to visit Vaughn Woods State Park (the riverside Hamilton House trail connects the two properties).
Photo courtesy historicnewengland.org
Snug Harbor Farm, Kennebunkport
Snug Harbor Farm is home to unique plants and a charming shop filled with containers and pots, gifts and more for your home and garden. Kids will enjoy viewing the ponies, peacocks, geese and pheasants. On May 12, Snug Harbor is hosting a pop up shop and cafe at their Wardbrook Farm location in West Kennebunk. Families can visit with the baby lambs and explore the property.
CP#1 and her grandmother search for geese at Snug Harbor Farm.
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco
While it may seem an unusual Mother’s Day visit to some, the grounds of this cemetery are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll find flowering trees, bright arrays of tulips, and quiet paths to wander. The first entrance to the cemetery on North Street will bring you to fruit trees and a vast field. The second entrance will lead you to hundreds of bright yellow daffodils by the Saco River.
The Garden at Pineland Farms, New Gloucester
Just across the street from the Main Campus at Pineland is one of our favorite quiet spaces. The one-acre herb, vegetable and perennial garden has a fountain at its center, short paths for little ones to explore and an Adirondack swing designed for moms in need of R&R.
McLaughlin Garden & Homestead, South Paris
Besides being able to say your family visited South Paris for the weekend, this lovely little garden is an ideal place to bring a picnic while the kids roam. MP especially likes the garden shop, where you’ll find glazed pots, Maine made jewelry and gifts for the gardener. Mother’s Day also marks the opening weekend at the garden, where visitors can enjoy a weekend long Wildflower Celebration.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay
There is so much to love about this incredible midcoast garden — from its playful children’s garden to its meandering pathways complete with 50,000 spring bulbs to admire. Best of all, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens generously offers free admission to moms on Mother’s Day.
Merryspring Nature Center, Camden
This lush, 66-acre nature preserve offers family- and pet- friendly walking trails, an arboretum and several shaded spots to enjoy a picnic lunch. You’ll also find plenty of open space for the kids to play, benches for resting, and a gazebo to take in all of the springtime beauty.
Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden, Southwest Harbor
En route into the charming town of Southwest Harbor, you’ll find this gem of a garden. There is a short pathway lined with perennials and plenty of green space to play. The view of Norwood Cove is especially beautiful to take in while picnicking with your family.
We hope you enjoy our roundup of family-friendly Maine gardens, and of course, we always love hearing about your garden discoveries! Send us a note or comment below. And happy Mother’s Day to all of you!