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A summer stroll through the Preserve’s gardens

Updated: 12 minutes ago

Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the seasonal beauty of the Preserve’s three gardens. Whether you are seeking the tranquility of the Asticou Azalea Garden, the hillside approach to the peaceful seclusion of Thuya Garden, or the stunning design and cultural resonance of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, there is something inspiring waiting for you. 


Asticou Azalea Garden



This year at Asticou, the cherry tree kicked off the season with spectacular blossoms. The range of summer-blooming azaleas and native favorites light up the garden in June and July. Delicate textures, unexpected color combinations, and the quiet movement of water remain central to the garden’s experience. 


Thuya Garden



Thuya Garden is beginning to flourish with the bold Beatrix Farrand rhododendrons putting on a striking display. Visitors are welcomed by a refreshed entry landscape, newly planted this May. The rejuvenation features sweeps of low-bush blueberry and hay-scented fern, along with a new generation of cedar trees to gradually replace the aging originals, honoring both the spirit of the landscape and Charles Savage’s original design.


Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden



At the Abby Garden, early plantings have taken root beautifully. As the team designs the border garden display, they also carefully tend to the mature vines, shrubs, and small trees, preserving their structure and form. They have been working to enhance views of the surrounding borrowed landscape, including the mountains above Little Long Pond and the iconic sculptures sited by Beatrix Farrand, which serve as focal points and destinations within the garden.


We hope you will visit all three gardens throughout the summer to experience them at every stage of their seasonal life. 



Helpful Links: 


Click link below for dates and times to visit the gardens.



The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden opens on July 7. You can make your reservations today.  Members at the Birch, Lily, and Trillium levels do not need to make reservations. The greeter at the top of the avenue will have a list of those member names.

 


Visit Garden Explorer on our website to learn where plants in our landscapes are located.  



If you have ever dreamed of painting in the Preserve’s gardens or lands, we are partnering for the second year with the Bar Harbor Historical Society to offer plein air painting classes in our stunning garden and natural lands settings. Guided by experienced instructors, these sessions are a unique opportunity to explore your creativity surrounded by natural beauty. A few spots are still available—register now on the BHHS website. 



Photographs by Nikolai Fox



 
 
 

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