Your guide to the 2026 garden season
- Land & Garden Preserve
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 17
As spring returns to Mount Desert Island, we’re delighted to share the opening dates for the Preserve’s beloved gardens, each one offering its own seasonal magic.
Online reservations on the Preserve's website:
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden visits: reservations open on March 20
Guided Field Walks and Garden Tours: reservations open on May 6*
Asticou Azalea Garden Lantern Stroll: reservations open on May 6*
*May 20 for non-members
Asticou Azalea Garden will welcome visitors beginning the first weekend of May, just as its famous spring blooms reach their dazzling peak—vibrant azaleas, rhododendrons, and fresh new foliage transforming the garden into a breathtaking celebration of color.
The Lantern Stroll returns on July 30 with a rain date of July 31. This enchanting event has become a community favorite, perfect for families and anyone who enjoys spending a summer evening wandering the garden pathways illuminated by glowing Japanese lanterns.
Thuya Garden opens the second weekend of June, when its terraced borders and handcrafted design elements burst into early summer colors.
The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden will open for the season on the second Tuesday of July, inviting guests into its extraordinary blend of art, architecture, and vibrant horticultural displays. Reservations for the Abby Garden are now open. Visit the Preserve’s website to secure your preferred dates.
While our gardens follow their seasonal rhythms, the Preserve’s natural lands are open year-round, offering miles of trails, scenic views, and peaceful places to explore in every season.
Now is also a wonderful time to join the Preserve as a member. Membership offers valuable benefits and helps support the ongoing care of our gardens and natural lands.
Watch your mailboxes - members will receive more information about activities at the Preserve in May.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Photos by Nikolai Fox
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