Gardens in Greater Portland

The Longfellow house and gardens became the property of the Maine Historical Society in 1901, and the society oversaw the re-creation of a Colonial Revival-style garden. The garden was dismantled in 2007 during library restoration, but an ancient lilac was preserved, and became part of a total garden rehabilitation. It now has many plantings from the early-20th-century plans. The garden has a popular children’s gate. 

The public is welcome to visit and enjoy the gardens and the view of the Presumpscot River. You may see a master gardener volunteer at work; feel free to ask any questions you may have. Gardens include an apiary, the children’s garden, a cottage garden, and gathering circle, the Norm Steele Harvest for Hunger Garden, an orchard and a pollinator garden. Also, the gardens give access to the adjacent Portland Trails. (Please be respectful of all instructors and students while educational programs and workshops are taking place, and please do not interfere with any wildlife.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

This 65-acre sanctuary is the headquarters of Maine Audubon. There is a apple orchard and peony garden to enjoy, along with miles of trails winding along a pond and through forest, meadow, orchard, and salt marsh.