Tucked into the village of Northeast Harbor, just outside the national park, are two of the most serene places on Mount Desert Island. The Asticou Azalea Garden was created in the 1950s by landscape designer Charles K. Savage as a Japanese-inspired strolling garden around a pond and stream, with stepping stones, a sand garden, small bridges and a huge variety of azaleas, rhododendrons and other flowering shrubs. It peaks in late spring when the blossoms are in full color, but its design, with moss, stone and conifers, makes it beautiful in summer and fall as well. The Thuya Garden, a short walk away, is a formal perennial garden on a terraced hillside with long flowerbeds, a pergola, a reflecting pool and a view over Northeast Harbor. It is at its best from summer into early fall, when delphiniums, lupines, roses and many other flowers bloom. Both gardens are free to enter with a suggested donation, are open from dawn to dusk during their seasons, and are maintained by a local garden preserve organization. The nearby Asticou Terraces and trails connect them with woodland paths and give overlooks of the harbor and cove. Together they are a lovely, gentle visit that suits many ages and abilities.
What to see
At Asticou, follow the gravel path around the pond and through the sand garden, noting the careful placement of boulders, pines and lanterns, and look for the little house and the stepping stones. In the Thuya Garden, enter through the gate and climb to the terrace to enjoy the long borders, rustic lodge and views over the water.
The lodge and botanical library are not open for tours in all seasons, so confirm before planning to go inside. Birds and butterflies are frequent visitors, benches are plentiful and photography is encouraged, though tripods may be restricted on busy days.
Seasons and timing
The azalea garden opens in spring and stays open into early November, with the best bloom typically in late May and June. The Thuya Garden opens in mid-June and closes in mid-October, with a peak from July through August. The trails and terraces are open year-round. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are the busiest times, so go early or late in the day.
Parking is limited at both gardens, and larger vehicles are not allowed on the narrow lane to Thuya Garden, so consider walking from one to the other or using the Island Explorer if it serves the area. Please stay on the paths, keep dogs on leashes where permitted and respect the quiet.
Pairing the visit
Spend a morning in the gardens and follow it with lunch in Northeast Harbor or a drive down the western side of the island, with a stop at Somes Sound. Combine the gardens with a visit to the village shops and the marina. It is a nice option when fog hides the mountains, because gardens look beautiful in soft light, and on a rainy day the moss and stone become even more atmospheric.
If you love gardens, ask locally about other small public gardens on the island, whose seasons and days vary. Donations support upkeep and are a gracious way to say thanks.
What to expect
The experience
Two free gardens in Northeast Harbor, a Japanese-inspired azalea garden and a terraced perennial garden, open dawn to dusk in season with a suggested donation.
Best time
Late May and June for azaleas; July and August for perennials; mornings and late afternoons.
How long
One to two hours for both gardens.
Tips
Check the season, arrive early or late, mind parking limits, stay on paths and consider a donation.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Quiet, beautiful stops for garden lovers.
- Families
- Fine for children who enjoy gentle walks; keep them on the paths.
- Couples
- A peaceful stroll with harbor views.
- Pair with
- Lunch in Northeast Harbor and a Somes Sound drive.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Do the gardens charge admission?+
They are free, with a suggested donation at each.
When are they open?+
The azalea garden runs from spring into early November and Thuya Garden from mid-June to mid-October, dawn to dusk, with the trails open year-round.
When is the best bloom?+
Azaleas peak in late spring, and the Thuya perennials peak in July and August.
Is parking easy?+
No. Both lots are small, and large vehicles cannot use the narrow lane to Thuya Garden.
Can I walk between them?+
Yes, it is about a fifteen minute walk along Route 3.