Today Julie Hustvet is taking us along on a visit to one of the premiere botanical gardens in New England.

I took a trip out to Maine last fall (September 2021), so of course I had to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (which happens also to have an extensive dahlia display).

Syneilesis aconitifolia (Zones 4–8) also goes by the common name of shredded umbrella plant, and it is easy to see why it got that name. Its beautiful leaves are especially dramatic when they first emerge in the spring, but they look wonderful well into fall.

Giant butterbur (Petasites japonicus var. giganteaus, Zones 5–9) makes truly huge, dramatic leaves. This plant loves wet locations, and though the leaves are amazing, it can spread aggressively, so plant with care.

In late summer, the ornamental grasses come into their peak, making an airy cloud of flowers at the back of this planting.

This is part of a special exhibit of recycled wood sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

This beautiful pond is lined with naturalistic plantings that fit into the New England landscape all around.

This panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata, Zones 5–9) may be the variety ‘Fire Light’ or a similar cultivar that turns a strong red color as the flowers age.

These dahlias (Dahlia variabilis, Zones 8–10 or as a tender bulb) can bloom most of the summer, but they always peak in the fall.

Informative signage welcomes you to the butterfly and moth garden, which is filled with plants for these beautiful animals to feed on.

Silver and white dominate this planting to magical effect.

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