This month, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens breaks ground on the Edward and Gwendolyn Asplundh Horticulture and Plant Science Center. The Center, designed by Christner Architects, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, and built by Landry/French Construction., is planned for completion by the beginning of 2027 and will support two important parts of the Gardens’ mission: plant science and horticulture. It will establish a hub of plant cultivation, research, propagation, plant conservation, and collaboration unlike any other facility in New England.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has responded to the increased environmental impact of climate change by planning for substantial growth in its plant science teams. As the Gardens have grown, so has the need for more plant-growing space. This state-of-the-art building will provide greenhouses, labs, offices, and storage spaces, enabling plant science and horticulture teams to increase program scope and mission impact.

“We know that plants are essential to the health of the planet, and we continue to research, educate, and inspire people to take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Gretchen Ostherr, President and CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. “By fostering curiosity, deepening understanding, encouraging stewardship, and teaching ecological horticulture practices, we are helping to shape a more sustainable future.”

The Center will house new ecology and microbiology research labs, allowing investigation into conservation techniques, plant migration, and plant responses to climatic changes. Furthermore, a new expanded herbarium will facilitate the study of Maine’s plants and document changes in their distribution over time. The building will also house an expanded seed bank and a new tissue bank to store seeds and other plant material for future research and restoration.

Additionally, two glass greenhouses, three hoop houses, and a head house will support the growth of native and ornamental plants for display, conservation, restoration, and sale to the public. Essential storage and office space will facilitate collaboration among interns, graduate students, and researchers.

Leveraging solar power and collecting rainwater for watering and non-potable water usage, this building will be a sustainable addition to the landscape. The planned landscaping will provide trial gardens, outdoor gardening spaces, and support the beautification of what is currently a storage area for soil and rocks.

“We are so grateful to the Asplundh Family for their catalytic gift to this project, along with many other individuals and foundations who helped fund it.” Ostherr shared. “Additional thanks go to local and state elected officials for elevating our project to ensure its success and the continued impact of our mission.”

For individuals interested in learning more or supporting this project, please contact Jen McKane, Vice President of Philanthropy and Marketing, at jmckane@MaineGardens.org.

About Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

At over 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is New England's largest botanical garden. Home to thousands of different types of plants and visited by hundreds of thousands of guests each year, the Gardens is an inclusive place of learning, beauty, and whimsy around every corner. The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science. To learn more, visit MaineGardens.org.