All this rain getting you down? Don’t let it! April showers bring May flowers and we’re totally ready for it! When the clouds part and the sun reappears, head outside and enjoy the great Maine outdoors. Not looking to take a mega-hike through the wilderness? Not to worry! Walking through one of the state’s many gardens is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a easy, relaxed way. This one might be one of the best flower gardens in Maine!
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead, located in South Paris, is perfect for a sunny day outside!
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
We owe the gardens to Bernard McLaughlin who, in 1936, started cultivated them on a 100-year-old Maine farmstead.
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
He had no formal training in horticulture and managed to tend the gardens on his own until his passing in 1995, at the age of 98.
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
Today the garden is open daily at no cost to the public.
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
The walk through the two-acre gardens reveals the dedication of the volunteers who work alongside the nonprofit organization that exists to preserve the home, barn and garden for the public to use.
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
The pathways are gentle and meandering, leading visitors through the collection of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, sedum, cimicifuga, sempervivums, all beneath the cover of ages old deciduous and coniferous trees.
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
Turn down the lane rising up behind the barn and you’ll find an extensive collection of local Maine wildflowers
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
But, what McLaughlin Gardens might be best known for is the annual Lilac Festival that takes place each year over Memorial Day Weekend.
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
With over 200 lilacs, the collection here is the largest in New England!
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
From May 25th to 28th, come and enjoy this unique collection and be sure to visit the barn and historic pieces as well.
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
We recommend walking through the gardens for a little while, then relaxing anywhere you feel the calling!
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
Loving flowers can be exhausting work!
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
McLaughlin Garden and Homestead can be found at 97 Main Street in South Paris, Maine. They can be reached on (207) 743-8820. While walks begin in a few weeks, there are some great educational events that take place throughout the year. Check out their events and program schedule here.
McLaughlin Garden / Facebook
The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
Another great way to see the beauty of Maine’s nature without hiking uphill is this wonderful walk in York. It leads to a totally wacky bridge!
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