Asticou Azalea Garden

This garden at the edge of Northeast Harbor was designed and opened in 1956 by Charles K. Savage, whose family, since the 1880s, has operated the Asticou Inn that stands on the other side of Peabody Drive. Aided by financial support from John D. Rockefeller, Savage worked to salvage as many plants as possible when the pioneering landscape architect Beatrix Farrand closed down her Reef Point estate in Bar Harbor. (The innkeeper, again with Rockefeller’s help, also saved Reef Point plants for renovating and improving the Thuya Garden less than a mile down the road.)
The Azalea Garden, although intended to feature native Maine plants, includes many design features — a raked sand garden, flowing water, and stones — common to traditional Japanese gardens, a particular interest of Savage’s. It is open to the public during daylight hours from May 1st through October 31st.
“A flowering cherry tree heralds the start of the season in mid-May, followed by azaleas and rhododendrons in many hues in late May through June,” the garden’s website says. “July blooms include Japanese iris, smoke bush, rosebay rhododendron, and the fragrant sweet azalea. August is quiet and serene, accented by blooming water lilies, and in September and October the garden glows with the colors of fall.”
  • The Garden is open seven days per week from sunrise to sunset, May through October (sometimes November depending on weather).
  • Suggested entrance donation of $5 per person.
  • Parking is limited.
  • Public restrooms are available and are wheelchair accessible.
  • Food or drink is not allowed.
  • Pets (except service animals) are not allowed.
  • Please limit cell phone conversations to outside the Garden area.
  • For group visits, please contact the Land and Garden Preserve at 207-276-3727.
Asticou Azalea Garden Map
1. Main Gate
2. Moss Corridor
3. Sand Garden View
4. Pebble Point
5. South Bridge
6. South Lawn
7. Pine Mountainscape
8. South Gate
9. Lily Pond
10. Sand Garden
11. North Bridge
12. North Lawn
13. Streamside Garden
14. Restroom
15. Azalea Mountainscape
16. Fall Color Planting
Category: Garden
Region: Northeast Harbor
3 Sound Drive, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
207.276.3727
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