Asticou Azalea Gardens - S. McRae Photo
Asticou Azalea Gardens are an excellent example of the blending of New England coastal landscaping design and the Japanese garden culture. This was my 2nd trip to these gardens and they seemed more interesting and beautiful with each experience. There are so many angles to view the landscape from that it over saturates the visual senses of my tiny brain. Easily spend 1-2 hours examining and photographing the extensive collection amassed in this relatively small area. There are new plantings interspersed with the wonderful old specimens that form this Japanese inspired garden. The centerpiece of course is the pond fed by a hidden stream that intertwines throughs the gardens. I can’t begin to describe the beauty of these gardens, the shapes and forms of the plantings, the hidden gardens, the layers of greenery and color and the endless shaded paths that only lead to the next visual explosion of form and color.
Asticou Gardens in Northeast Harbor, ME - S. McRae Photo
A Brief History
“Charles K. Savage, a life-long resident of Northeast Harbor and owner of the Asticou Inn, designed and built the Asticou Azalea Garden in 1956. He was inspired by his love of native plants, his study of Japanese garden design, and his desire to preserve the plant collection of Beatrix Farrand. – gardenpreserve.org”
Japanese Influences at the Asticou Azalea Gardens
The influences of Japanese Gardens are extensive with its pond, water features, sand garden, integrated plantings, pathways and statues and the collection of asian specimen plants, shrubs and trees. Attentive yearly pruning of several specimens give the illusion of giant outdoor bonsai to scale with their natural surroundings. This is a special place and worth a visit while exploring the Bar Harbor Region and Acadia National Park.
Japanese Influences at Asticou Azalea Gardens - S. McRae Photo
Obscured view of the Zen Garden - S. McRae Photo
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