From Private Estate to Botanical Destination: The Story of 19 Birch Lane in Midcoast Maine
A Hidden Beginning in Midcoast Maine
In 2008, Aric Odone purchased 19 Birch Lane — at the time, a quiet private residence set on five acres with a horse barn and a handful of aging pastures. There was no grand plan, no vision yet of a botanical garden or wedding venue — only a landscape waiting patiently to be reimagined.
The home itself carries a story rooted in history. Originally built in the mid-1800s as a parsonage for a local church in Rockland, it was later moved in the early 1990s to its current setting in South Thomaston. Years later, Aric discovered something deeply personal — his grandparents, Floyd and Dena Nelson, had once exchanged their wedding vows in that very parsonage. A quiet thread of history, waiting to be rediscovered.
The Wedding That Sparked a Vision
For more than a decade, from 2008 to 2022, 19 Birch Lane remained simply a home. That changed when Aric and his fiancée, Patti, chose to host their own wedding on the property. What began as a single celebration became something much more — a realization that this place could hold meaning not just for them, but for others as well.
In 2022, after nearly 25 years in the utility industry, Aric made a life-changing decision to step away and pursue something entirely different — to create a one-of-a-kind destination rooted in beauty, nature, and experience. Initially, the vision centered around the barn as a wedding venue. But during the challenges of the COVID era, that plan shifted. What emerged instead was something far more distinctive — a botanical wedding venue where gardens, not structures, would take center stage.
From that moment forward, the land became the focus — and the canvas.
The fall of 2023 marked the beginning of transformation. With a rented excavator, long days, and an unwavering vision, Aric began shaping the first gardens. The Lavender Garden emerged first, followed by the upper terrace — home to the reflection pool, overlooking a reimagined farm pond with a carefully sculpted shoreline. Boxwood hedges were planted to bring structure and timeless form, while more than 40 yards of crushed stone created pathways that guide guests through the evolving landscape.
By spring, the gardens began to take on new dimension. The Wisteria Pavilion was constructed — a 12-by-64-foot timber structure designed not just for function, but for experience. Planted with eight climbing wisteria vines, it has become one of the most sought-after spaces for wedding dining in Midcoast Maine — where filtered light, fragrance, and natural beauty create an unforgettable atmosphere. A water fountain at its end, framed by white ‘Rose of Sharon,’ adds movement and seasonal color.
Garden rooms continued to unfold — each one designed with intention. The Heart Garden, filled with orange hummingbird mint, became a haven for butterflies and pollinators. Every space was created not just to be seen, but to be felt.
Our Lord and Burnham Greenhouse
Then came a defining moment. A chance discovery of a vintage Lord & Burnham greenhouse in upstate New York sparked a new chapter. Within days, Aric and Patti made the journey, dismantling the historic 20-by-40-foot structure and bringing it back to Maine. Racing against winter, they completed the foundation just in time, and through the cold months, rebuilt it piece by piece. By spring, the greenhouse stood complete — a rare and iconic feature that now defines 19 Birch Lane as one of the only greenhouse wedding venues in Maine.
In the fall of 2023, 19 Birch Lane hosted its first official event — a moment that marked not just a beginning, but a turning point. The response from guests was immediate and powerful. There was something different here — something intimate, something immersive.
And from that point forward, the vision became even clearer.
19 Birch Lane would never be a high-volume venue. Instead, it would be intentionally limited — hosting only a select number of weddings each year. This approach allows every couple to experience something deeply personal, thoughtfully curated, and entirely unique. It preserves the integrity of the gardens, protects the pace of growth, and ensures that each event feels private, refined, and truly special.
This sense of exclusivity is not just by design — it is essential to what 19 Birch Lane is becoming.
Because while weddings remain an important part of the story, they are no longer the entire story.
Becoming a Botanical Garden Destination in Maine
Today, 19 Birch Lane is evolving into something more — a botanical destination in Midcoast Maine. A place where gardens are not simply a backdrop, but the purpose itself. A place to wander, to learn, and to experience the beauty of thoughtfully designed landscapes.
In the spring of 2024, a dedicated ceremony space was created — connected by a land bridge that gently carries guests across the gardens toward an arbor framed by Eastern Redbud trees and lined with Montauk daisies. That same spirit of intentional design continued into the fall, with the addition of a large open lawn for tented gatherings and improvements to guest experience throughout the property.
Then, in the spring of 2025, a new layer of movement and sound was added — the babbling brook garden. Built by hand over Easter weekend, it begins with a vintage water pump and flows through a sculpted trough, beneath a bridge, over gentle rapids, and into a quiet pond before returning to the main waterway. It has quickly become one of the most captivating spaces on the property — where guests pause, linger, and connect with the rhythm of nature.
At the same time, another dream came to life — a 50-foot trellis and the creation of a David Austin Rose Garden. With over forty old-world roses planted, this space was designed to evoke timeless romance. At its center, a statue of Cupid stands as a quiet reminder of the love stories that continue to unfold here.
Every garden at 19 Birch Lane is created with intention — guided by a deep love of horticulture, a passion for design, and a commitment to guest experience. From plant selection to layout, from textures to seasonal bloom, each detail is carefully considered to create something immersive and lasting.
Our Cupid statue
The Future of 19 Birch Lane
Looking ahead, the vision continues to expand.
19 Birch Lane is becoming more than a boutique wedding venue — it is growing into a botanical garden destination in Maine. A place that will one day welcome visitors not only for celebrations, but for garden tours, educational experiences, seasonal events, and quiet moments of inspiration.
A place where nature is curated, but never forced.
Where beauty unfolds slowly, season by season.
Where every visit offers something new.
And while the gardens continue to grow, one thing remains unchanged — a commitment to creating something rare, something personal, and something unforgettable.
Because at 19 Birch Lane, this has never been about doing more.
It has always been about doing something truly exceptional. 🌿
Our reflection pool Outlined with Cat Mint outlined with catmint nepeta
🌿 Plan Your Visit or Learn More
If you’re searching for a botanical wedding venue in Maine, a greenhouse wedding venue, or a unique garden experience in Midcoast Maine, 19 Birch Lane offers something truly exceptional.
Follow along as the gardens continue to grow — and the story continues to unfold.