Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is getting an autumnal makeover, gearing up for its annual free event, The Great Pumpkin Hunt. As the weather cools, staff horticulturists begin to dot the landscape with festive pumpkins galore. This year, pumpkins — from traditionally plump, orange specimens to rare and unusual gourds in all colors and textures — will be placed amongst our special scarecrow exhibit. Be sure to make time to peruse Scarecrows at the Gardens, a collection of festive, kooky, spooky, and creatively handcrafted scarecrows, all created by Gardens staff, local artists, businesses, students, organizations and individuals. Come early and cast your vote for your favorite.

During The Great Pumpkin Hunt, intrepid explorers can search for golden pumpkins hidden throughout the central gardens. Those who unearth the prize gourds will be rewarded with family memberships, guest passes, Gardens Aglow tickets, or gift cards to the Gardenshop. The search begins at 1 p.m. sharp—so be sure to arrive early for the chance to find a golden pumpkin. Games, activities and the announcement of the winner of Scarecrows at the Gardens follow.

Choose the perfect pumpkin to decorate and take home to grace your own seasonal decor. Take part in games like Straw Bale Scramble, Metamorphosis Relay, Pumpkin Ring Toss, Scarecrow Bingo, and Apple in a Haystack. Children 12 and under will receive a stamp for each game played. Collect four stamps, and collect a prize. Finish the day with festive fiddle music by Owen Kennedy and a seasonal snack of fragrant kettle corn.

The Great Pumpkin Hunt takes place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 (rain date, Oct. 27). Although admission to the Gardens is free during this event, donations to Boothbay Region Food Pantry at the door will be gratefully accepted.

Of course, there’s more to the season than pumpkins. While every season has its beauty, autumn’s fall foliage, bright blue skies and crisp, dry air lends itself to an inspired Gardens visit. The Gardens may call the Pine Tree State home, but amongst our acres of evergreens, plenty of deciduous trees color our landscape—fall at the Gardens means a stunning arrangement of yellow, orange, burgundy, scarlet and brown.

Visit us at MaineGardens.org