April 10th
"Wings of Spring—Birds of the Backyard and Woods" Tea at 3:30pm with lecture at 4:00pm. Mary Van Nest, a Norway birder, will prepare us for the birds that will be arriving to spend the summer in Maine.
April 12th
Basket Making Class 5:00pm–8:30pm. (Rescheduled due to a storm this February.) Participants will be making a gathering basket under the direction of Karen Ellis and Joyce Sweatt. This is considered an intermediate skill class. Supper of soup and home made bread provided. Pre-registration required. $35
April 23rd
Power Propagators 9:30am–12:00Noon. Join Kristin Perry, Director of Horticulture, and learn the art of dividing plants and potting them up to create more plants. Skills acquired from participating in this event can be used in your own garden. This volunteer event is open to everyone and is not physically demanding.
May 1st
Spring Clean Up Day 10:00am–3:00pm. This is our official opening day at the Garden. We have lots of things that need to be done to get ready for the season. There is a job for everyone. Lunch will be provided. Spend the day or a few hours!
May 1st through June 30th
IN FULL BLOOM: Intimate views of plant life Paintings by Jean Beal and Alice Kirkpatrick
May 10–12th
Wildflower Celebration 10:00am–4:00pm daily. We're kicking off our 16th season on National Public Gardens Day with our annual plant sale focusing on native Maine wild flowers and perennials. Garden tours at 11:00am and 2:00pm daily. Bring the family for a garden scavenger hunt held daily.
May 11th
Lecture and Book Signing 1:00pm. Don Perkins will be at the garden to sign his book The Barns of Maine: Our History, Our Stories and to discuss our great Maine barns. His talk and slide presentation will include features of the McLaughlin barn.
May 14th
Power Propagators See details on April 23rd.
May 24th
IN FULL BLOOM: Intimate views of plant life
Reception from 6 to 8pm. Paintings by Jean Beal and Alice Kirkpatrick
May 24–27th
Lilac Festival 9:00am–4:00pm daily. Experience the colors and scents of one of the largest lilac collections in Maine. This is usually the time for peak lilac blooms. Along with the wonderful lilacs many perennials will also be in bloom. Come and stroll among the three and a half acres of cultivated gardens.
Lilac Festival Schedule
10:00am and 2:00pm Garden tours
11:00am Lilac Care workshop
May 25th
Lecture and Book Signing 1:00pm. Lisa Colburn will discuss what went into writing The Maine Garden Journal. Her book is considered a must for gardeners new to Maine conditions and interesting for longtime gardeners to read.
June 1st
Container Class at Goodwin Nursery in Oxford 9:30am–12:00Noon. Bring your own container to fill with plants purchased at the nursery. With the help of staff, create a wonderful container for a spot in your landscape. Pre-registration required. $10
June 9th
Spring Mini Sessions in the Garden with photographer Emily Delamater Contact Emily for more information.
June 11th
Power Propagators See details on April 23rd above.
June 23rd
"An Afternoon With Roses" 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Join us at a private garden in Norway to enjoy the roses and hear rosarian Dan Stevens talk about how to successfully grow roses in Maine. He will focus on old fashioned varieties and newer hybrids which require less care. Tea will be served. Pre-registration required. $15
June 29th
Bus Tour to Fry and Bedrock Gardens Tour two gardens in New Hampshire, Bedrock Garden in Lee, and Fry Garden located in Peterborough. These gardens are rarely open to the public, so this will be a treat for those who join us. Bag lunch provided. Pre-registration required. $69
July 20th
The Garden Illuminated Starting at sunset this event turns the garden into an enchanted realm. Hundreds of lights cast their magical spell and wish lanterns will be launched at approximately 9:30pm. In addition, wonderful food and drink make this the perfect date night! Call or check the website for cost and further details.
July 23rd
Power Propagators See details on April 23rd above.
August 1st
Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 5:00pm–7:00pm
August 20th
Power Propagators See details on April 23rd above.
For More Information Call or Stop By
McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
97 Main Street, South Paris, Maine 04281
207-743-8820
