The parking lot expansion will help, as it will at Tower Hill BG too (I am a trustee and VP there). Never thought about the 'getting in for free' part though – I always forget! I was speaking there so didnt need to worry this time.

Boat ride ! Yes!!! On my next visit.

It is. Not my style, but it was photo worthy and I would imagine that most visitors would like it.

I didn't see any, but I was there too early I think. I would imagine that they could, or even have in the past. I have friends in New Hampshire and Vermont who have had some luck.

Hmm. I would think not, but then again, there are those who raise blue poppies in Rhode Island and not Zone 3!

I know, right? It's certainly worth the drive!

I would imagine that this is a complaint presented by many neighbors of botanic gardens, as they often view such museums and public gardens as elitist for some reason. Probably because they are fancy, need to raise funds and have endowments. I would suggest first thinking about the alternatives. Would a condo complex or new series of homes be a better neighbor? What about a restaurant or a golf course? A resort? A hotel? The fact is that you live on the coast and as beautiful an area that it is, the land will eventually go private (especially if the government has its way – think about Federal land and reverves being sold for natural resources now). What if it became a casino as our coastal land here in Mass is turning into? Let me share what I have as neighbors in a 1 mile radius now – a section 8 housing project which opened our dead end road up to speeding traffic, an incinerator for garbage, a landfil and a solar array. Not to mention a new exit on the Mass pike. Progress? Perhaps, but I would give anything to have a world class botanic garden dedicated to preserving many of the wild species found not only in Maine but globally on my doorstep. Growth comes with parking needs, facilities and more. I would imagine that the garden is taking every step to properly address such issues with a minimum of impact.

Thans Amity! I just said to Joe that we need to go up there again. I mean, I spent most of my entire childhood on the coast of Maine (Kennebunkport). I miss it so.