We've been working our land for over 30 years, maintaining what NATURE has provided us--over 7 acres of native plants, eye-catching ledge outcroppings, and a waterfall-adorned brook meandering through our woodlands, each offering their own quiet, beautiful spaces. Interconnected with these are garden beds filled with blooms and a Pick-Your-Own flower field that we NURTURE. In addition, we have created natural plays spaces for children in the landscape. Petals in the Pines first opened to the public in 2010, and we haven't stopped growing! What you'll find here is a unique blend of the native landscape with cultivated gardens--a place you'll want to immerse yourself in. The result is an experience that many call "magical!" The gardens are located out beyond the house, with grass paths connecting them. There you'll find garden beds both big and small--some out in the open, some tucked in against rock outcroppings. This is where NATURE meets NURTURE. You'll see a combination of cultivated beds (over 250 different plant varieties) interwoven with trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Our UNH/UMaine-certified pollinator meadow has an ever-changing palette of flowers, grasses, shrubs--and flying creatures. Every year we add new native plants to this area, attracting many interesting species of birds, as well as butterflies, moths, and other insects. Be sure to check it out! It's located below the solar panels on the far side of the house. Please stay on the paths in the meadow and gardens (supervise any kids you have with you!). You may find us working on the property, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Admission for walking the gardens (includes our woodland trails and labyrinths) is $7 per adult (kids are free). For garden-/trail-walkers with kids who also play in the Pavilion and Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, the admission is $7 per kid; adults and infants are free. You pay based on why you came--for the kids, or for the adults! Please pay your admission at the Farm Stand porch (cash, check, credit card, venmo), and record how many adults and children are in your group (use the log book clipboard on the counter). If you're a Season Pass holder, there is no fee, but please sign in on the log book clipboard. Hike at your own risk, and watch for slippery rocks! The trails are not suitable for strollers; Please leave pets at home. We occasionally schedule private parties here and the pavilion and play areas will not be available during these times. Please check our calendar before your visit to check availability of the pavilion. Thank you. For our younger visitors, we have opened natural "activity centers" to help them build, create, move, sing, play make-believe, experiment, learn and enjoy. By connecting children with nature, this type of unstructured play and activity helps increase concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving, and relieve stress. For grown-ups, we tap into our decades of knowledge and experience to offer accessible opportunities for individuals and groups to appreciate and learn about our extensive collections of native and cultivated plants.
