Gates to Thuya Gardens - S. McRae Photo
Nestled on a hillside in Northeast Harbor, Maine near Bar Harbor and Seal Harbor on Mount Desert Island, are the glorious Thuya Gardens, the rustic Thuya Lodge and former summer home of Boston landscape architect Joseph Henry Curtis from 1880-1928 and his breathtaking Asticou Terraces scenic trail up the side of the hill overlooking Northeast Harbor.
Thuya Garden & Lodge History
Thuya Lodge Northeast Harbor, ME - S. McRae Photo
“The 140-acre preserve that includes the Thuya Garden, Thuya Lodge, Asticou Terraces and Asticou Landing was given in trust to the residents of Mount Desert by Joseph Henry Curtis, a Boston landscape architect who summered in Northeast Harbor from 1880 until his death in 1928.
Asticou Terraces in Northeast Harbor, ME - S. McRae Photo
He designed the Terrace Trail with its scenic lookouts to traverse up the hillside from the eastern shore of Northeast Harbor to his rustic home, Thuya Lodge. The Lodge was named for the area’s abundant stands of northern white cedar, Thuya occidentalis.
Upon Mr. Curtis’ death, Charles K. Savage, a life-long resident of Northeast Harbor and gifted landscape designer, was appointed trustee, a post he held for 37 years. Mr. Savage’s vision for the property was expansive, and during his tenure Thuya Lodge was renovated to accommodate a growing collection of botanical and horticultural books and the orchard adjacent to the Lodge was transformed into Thuya Garden.- gardenpreserve.org”
Our Experiences
Moss Garden & Moss Covered Bench - S. McRae Photo
There are two ways up to the Thuya Gardens and Lodge. Climb the somewhat challenging and rocky pathway through the Asticou Terraces or drive. We chose to climb the hundreds of stone steps to the top. The views of Northeast Harbor are wonderful and the climb is not as bad as it looks. There are rest areas and overlooks with covered outbuildings. The stonework terraces built into the side of the hill are gentle and well thought out. There are some extraordinary woodland plants and twisted tree forms to witness along the path and the wild blueberries which happened to be ripening were sweet and juicy.
The Thuya Lodge was gorgeous inside and out. 4 fireplaces warm the soul of this antique rustic summer home which is now a museum. There is an extensive library on architecture, botany and landscaping adorning the walls and library of this quaint Maine building.
Thuya Gardens Pond - S. McRae Photo
The Thuya Gardens were in full early summer bloom over the Fourth of July weekend. There are hundreds of varieties of perennials, water gardens, butterflies, secluded sitting areas, several rustic outbuildings, pathways, massive ledges, quaint gates and a secluded pond. Volunteers maintain the meticulously kept gardens and outbuildings. It was a joy to just sit on the benches adorning the many secluded shaded areas of these colorful diverse old new england gardens.
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