mclaughlin gardens

They had every variety of lilac bush that there must be known to mankind. The gardens were beautiful and I found many places to just sit and relax while traversing the flowers.

At this time of year most of the plants had flowered but it was obvious the beauty available in season. Bees were busy with the phlox and were entertaining watching their activity. What an amazing place to visit. The age of the barn. The size of the trees. Awesome

Attended lilac festival weekend at McLaughlin's Garden and what a wonderful place. Went with a group of photographers the volunteers there were very energetic, polite, and informative. Would recommend more people visit it is based on donations and definitely would have been worth a admittance fee to help with the upkeep.

We especially like going during lilac season--they have many varieties but the gardens are well-kept at any time during the growing season. They have a small gift shop and carry trees and plants for sale.

Quiet oasis with lots of flowers and shrubs and walking paths. They serve lunch but you should check their schedule before going. Nice way to spend a couple of hours.

What an interesting place. So many varieties of lilacs. A nice garden store sells annuals and perrenials.

Unique, serene gardens, specializing in shady areas and of course the world class lilac collection. We live in the area and go there many times during the season. We especially appreciated their lantern event this year.

Visit the gardens any time of year. Horticultural talks all year long, some free of charge. Volunteers welcome spring through fall for help in many areas. A gem in the community and state of Maine!

beautiful and well used and kept sometimess has artists painting in the garden has a gift shop, small but nice and art in the barn

The Lilac Festival was a bit of a bust this year- poor bud formation last summer and an early spring. However, the gardens were lovely and there was so much in bloom including some lilacs. I suspect there is always something in bloom. A great place to saunter through. You can take a plant listing with you to identify plants as you go.

The gardens were planted by a man over his adult lifetime. His best collection is the lilacs, but there are extensive and enviable shade gardens. I used several ideas from this to plant my own. There is a charming gift shop and they sell plants. People in the community got together to keep this home from being sold to an individual when Mr. McLaughlin died, and maintain the grounds. They weren't selling food when we visited, but they used to and perhaps during the summer they do? It was a lovely place to stop for lunch.

The tea room has nice salads using home grown ingredients, excellent white chili, awesome sandwiches and tasty desserts. It was closed last fall when we tried to go back and the staff said it may not reopen in the spring. I hope they change thier mionds and do reopen. It is the only tea room in the area and it would be a shame to see it go.