So far this season, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has welcomed visitors from 47 of the 50 states, all the Canadian provinces, most of Europe, and even such far flung locales as Nigeria, Thailand, New Zealand and Kazakhstan. While most of these visitors undoubtedly arrived here via plane and automobile, CMBG is perhaps, beginning this year, the first U.S. public garden you can visit by boat!

If you drove over the Knickercane Bridge on Barters Island Road this winter, you may have noticed the crew from Fuller Marine constructing a 90-foot ramp and floats along the Gardens’ shorefront. This new facility, known as The Landing, was made possible by a gift from the Rines family. It opened officially on June 7. Four guest moorings are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no additional charge beyond standard admission during business hours.

For guests who arrive by car, The Landing offers a chance to get out onto the Back River and beyond. “Many of our out-of-state guests never have the opportunity to get out onto the water during their visit to our area,” said William Cullina, executive director at the Gardens. “We are now able to offer another way for them to access what I believe is the most beautiful coastline in the U.S.” CMBG has partnered with local outfitter Tidal Transit Kayak Company to offer kayak tours and hourly kayak and paddleboard rentals through the new facility. Additionally, Sheepscot River Tours is offering regular one hour guided cruises on the first Coast Guard certified electric boat operating in Maine. For more information, visit www.mainegardens.org/visit/garden-boat-tours.

The Gardens is located at 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, off Barters Island Road, just over a mile from Route 27 and the Boothbay common. For more information and directions, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101, or visit www.mainegardens.org.