Mount Desert Island offers public gardens

It’s surprising how many Maine gardeners are unaware of the splendid public gardens on Mount Desert Island and thus deny themselves the pleasure of an all-day outing extraordinaire. So, here is a little enticement to visit the big three horticultural attractions located on that blessed hunk of granite in the sea.

Wild Gardens of Acadia is part of Acadia National Park and is located in the Sieur de Mont Springs area. You can find the spot either by stopping at the Visitor’s Center near Bar Harbor and obtaining a map, or better yet, by driving aimlessly around the park until the sign appears. I can’t think of a better place to drive in such a fashion.

Once you get there, be prepared for an experience which is both educational and aesthetic. As the name implies, these gardens are kept in a semi-wild state and feature all manner of native and introduced plants, labeled with Latin and common names. The layout is an appealing labyrinth of interconnected paths, easy walking even for the less than ambitious. The occasional bench is provided for rest or contemplation.

Northeast Harbor is home to two world-class public gardens, each with a very different theme and atmosphere. Approaching the harbor village from the north on Routes 3 and 198, it’s easy to zip right past the Asticou Azalea Gardens without knowing what you are missing. As the road descends into the village and just before it forks to go on either side of the harbor, the gardens are located on the left side. The sign is tastefully small but easily noticeable, and there is a small parking lot provided.

Entering the carved wooden gate with its mythical serpentine creature overhanging, you enter a serene world of Japanese inspired gardens arranged around an exquisite stream and pond system whose natural appearance belies the careful sculpting and molding that went into its creation. The major plantings are, indeed, azaleas which have now finished blooming, but there is always plenty to see at other times of the summer and fall.

A carefully raked sand garden is one feature that even the western eye, unacquainted with the finer points of zen contemplativeness, cannot help falling in love with. Carefully raked patterns in white sand surround ancient looking rocks which symbolize islands in a tranquil sea.

Major landmarks in the garden are its very old specimens of Alberta spruce and weeping hemlock. Both underwent nearly catastrophic facelifts a few years ago when a Japanese conifer specialist was imported to prune them. Happily, the trees are resuming a more natural look today.

Stepping stones and moss gardens, Japanese lanterns and statuary as well as all sorts of exotic woody and herbaceous plants combine to make this garden almost a vacation in itself. Plan to spend an hour or two at least so that you can appreciate each vista and intimate space.

Once you regain the highway, turning left as you leave the parking lot of Asticou Gardens, proceed to the fork and go left. Stay on Route 3 heading towards Seal Harbor, but keep a sharp eye for the sign on the left side of the road, for Thuya Gardens. It’s less than half a mile from Asticou Inn.

Driving slowly up the meandering road that climbs the steep bluff overlooking Northeast Harbor, you will eventually reach another magnificent piece of earth, lovingly molded into near perfection. Thuya’s wooden gates are elaborately carved with panels depicting local wildflowers and critters.

Thuya is a bit more formal than Asticou, but still manages a natural look in every way. A splendid reflecting pool with close-cropped grass down to its very edge, always looks as though it just arrived on the scene as if by magic and might depart at any moment.

Carefully coordinated color themes are the main feature of the flower beds which line an ascending corridor. At the top, an open shelter with comfy garden couches rewards the visitor with an unsurpassed opportunity to survey the whole garden.

Think of these gardens whenever you feel the need for a horticultural escape. Take visiting friends and relatives there and they will have one more reason to envy us our native (or in my case, adopted) state.

Michael Zuck of Bangor is a horticulturist and the NEWS garden columnist. Send inquiries to him at 2106 Essex St., Bangor, Maine 04401.