There are so many places in Maine that will make you feel as though you’ve entered a new world. From foggy coasts to dense forests, it’s easy to get away from it all in Vacationland. But one of our favorite things about this state is how easy it is to find spots that truly transport you. Visiting this special garden in Northeast Harbor will do just that!
In 1956, Northeast Harbor resident, Charles K. Savage took his love of plants, flowers and gardens and created one of Maine’s most beautiful and serene spots.
rjcox / Flickr
Step through the doors for a day in The Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor.
JR P / Flickr
It all came to be when local resident, Beatrix Farrand, dismantled her estate in Bar Harbor and needed a new home for her plants and flowers.
JR P / Flickr John D. Rockefeller Jr. provided the financial support necessary to create Asticou using Farrand’s plants and flowers.
To make Asticou a reality, Savage studied Japanese garden design to model the gardens after a Japanese stroll garden.
JR P / Flickr
Today, visitors will enjoy the paths that wind meticulously throughout each individual and unique garden.
JR P / Flickr Savage’s study of Japanese design has also meant the careful inclusion of a zen garden with rocks and sand. The careful raking of the garden is meant to evoke imagery of islands and flowing water.
JR P / Flickr
The Asticou Azalea Garden’s balances natural and man-made beauty.
JR P / Flickr A walk along the circular path will take visitors through beautiful garden rooms - some with stone benches to sit and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Despite being planned and man-made, the garden has become its own natural oasis.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Birds and flowers, along with butterflies and native wildlife can be seen throughout the area.
cmansfielf / Flickr
wemooninthewoods / Flickr
From sunny, open spaces to lush green forest areas, Asticou Azalea Garden is truly another world.
Brian Boucheron / Flickr
The Asticou Azalea Garden is open during daylight hours from May 1st through October 31st, so there’s still time to enjoy.
JR P / Flickr
And, for another otherworldly garden, head over to the accompanying Thuya Gardens nearby.
JR P / Flickr Thuya, also built by Savage, features semi-formal English border beds and indigenous eastern Maine woodlands. The garden is located on a granite hillside overlooking Northeast Harbor.
Asticou Azalea Garden is located at 3 Sound Drive in Northeast Harbor, Maine. For more information, along with directions and more history head over to this website.
rjcox / Flickr
JR P / Flickr
John D. Rockefeller Jr. provided the financial support necessary to create Asticou using Farrand’s plants and flowers.
Savage’s study of Japanese design has also meant the careful inclusion of a zen garden with rocks and sand. The careful raking of the garden is meant to evoke imagery of islands and flowing water.
A walk along the circular path will take visitors through beautiful garden rooms - some with stone benches to sit and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
cmansfielf / Flickr
wemooninthewoods / Flickr
Brian Boucheron / Flickr
Thuya, also built by Savage, features semi-formal English border beds and indigenous eastern Maine woodlands. The garden is located on a granite hillside overlooking Northeast Harbor.
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