It’s the perfect time to catch the spring glory of this fantastic Japanese Garden in Northeast Harbor just across the street from The Asticou Inn.

The flaming colors of azeleas are perfectly framed within this stunning landscape. And vice versa.

This 2.3 acre garden was designed by Charles K. Savage (1903-1979), who was a resident of Northeast Harbor, owner of the Asticou Inn, and designer of the gardens at Thuya Lodge.

Asticou was conceived as a way to salvage Beatrix Farrand’s plantings after she announced she would dismantle her famous garden. And was built between 1956 and 1957 on a stream that flows into the harbor. Savage was her mentor.

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. provided some of the original funds. But today the garden is owned and maintained by the Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve and a committee of volunteers.

Asticou was named one of the best Japanese Gardens in the US — 11th out of 300. You might like to visit these other Japanese Gardens in Maine.

To get the full picture of the Savage Gardens read Letitia Baldwin’s Two Island Gardens.

The Garden Preserve has a nice map and good directions on how to get there. And you can also try the Island Explorer bus.

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In Maine, winter hasn’t really ended until the skiers fade, and the daffodils explode. Looks like we’re just about there.

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Leprechauns may have stowed away with the Irish when they arrived in the 1800s.

Or fairies may have always lived in Maine.

But one thing’s for sure, there are some enterprising sprites developing some nice properties around here.

These charming residences were spotted at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

To learn more about the Irish in Maine visit the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland.

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