In the Garden at 19 Birch Lane

Growing a Botanical Garden in the Heart of Midcoast Maine

Welcome to In the Garden at 19 Birch Lane, where a passion for plants, garden design, and the natural world is bringing a new botanical garden destination to life in coastal Maine.

Set across five acres in South Thomaston, Maine, our evolving gardens feature beautiful collections of roses, hydrangeas, irises, daylilies, dahlias, and an ever-growing variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Follow along as we transform our landscape into a future botanical garden, sharing our experiences, practical gardening advice, seasonal inspiration, and plant care tips along the way. From designing beautiful garden spaces to selecting plants that thrive in Maine's Zone 6 growing conditions, we explore the joys and challenges of gardening in coastal New England.

Whether you're an experienced gardener, just discovering the joy of growing plants, or simply seeking inspiration from nature, you'll find helpful gardening resources, creative landscape ideas, and behind-the-scenes stories of our botanical garden's development.

As 19 Birch Lane continues its journey toward becoming a botanical garden destination in Midcoast Maine, we invite you to explore, learn, and grow with us.

Garden. Gather. Grow.

Garden boutique

Aric Odone 10/20/26 Aric Odone 10/20/26

The Complete Guide to Starting a Flower Garden in Maine: From Bare Ground to Beautiful Borders

Every beautiful flower garden begins somewhere. At 19 Birch Lane in Midcoast Maine, we've transformed ordinary lawns and open spaces into flourishing perennial borders and specialty gardens. In this complete gardening guide, I share what we've learned about removing grass, preparing soil, choosing the right plants, and creating beautiful flower gardens that improve with every growing season.

Aric Odone 10/16/26 Aric Odone 10/16/26

Hydrangeas for Maine Gardens: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, Pruning & Designing with Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are among the most beautiful and versatile flowering shrubs for Maine gardens, but choosing the right variety and understanding when to prune can make all the difference. Join Aric Odone, head gardener at 19 Birch Lane in Midcoast Maine, as he explores bigleaf, smooth, panicle, mountain, and climbing hydrangeas, along with winter protection, soil chemistry, flower color, and garden design.

Aric Odone 10/10/26 Aric Odone 10/10/26

Epimedium: The Underrated Shade-Loving Perennial Every Gardener Should Know

Looking for a beautiful perennial that thrives in shade? Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, is one of the most overlooked plants for woodland gardens. Join Aric Odone, head gardener at 19 Birch Lane in Mid Coast Maine, as he explores Epimedium varieties, growing conditions, pruning, propagation, and creative ways to combine this remarkable perennial with hostas, ferns, and other shade-loving plants.