5 Mythical Trolls Live in This Maine Botanical Garden

Located in the beautiful coastal area of Maine, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay features a unique exhibit with five mythical trolls. Created by acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these incredible giants combine art, nature, and folklore, capturing the imaginations of visitors from around the world. Dambo is known for his large-scale pieces made from recycled materials, highlighting sustainability and community involvement in his art.

The exhibit, titled "Guardians of the Seeds," launched in 2021 and showcases five massive trolls, each made from reclaimed wood and cleverly hidden throughout the garden's 300-acre landscape. Standing between 15 and 30 feet tall, these trolls act as guardians of nature, inviting visitors on a magical journey that promotes appreciation and respect for the environment. Each troll tells its own unique story and lesson, inspiring a deeper connection to the natural world.

The Birth of a Botanical Wonder

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens officially opened in 2007 to celebrate Maine's unique plants and foster a love for nature. It was created by a dedicated group of horticulturists and community members who wanted to inspire visitors of all ages. Over the years, the gardens have grown to cover over 300 acres, featuring beautiful landscapes, carefully curated plant collections, and natural habitats.

While the gardens continue to thrive, they focus on conservation, education, and highlighting the region's biodiversity. The addition of mythical guardians enhances the experience, blending art and nature and inviting guests to discover the stories behind these stunning sculptures. Each visit offers a new perspective, making the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens a cherished place for future generations.

The Art of Thomas Dambo

Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist known for his playful wooden sculptures that combine creativity with a focus on the environment. His artistic process often begins with a strong connection to nature, drawing inspiration from the local landscapes and folklore. By using reclaimed wood, Dambo promotes sustainability and ensures that each piece he creates tells a story connected to the earth.

His troll sculptures at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens illustrate this approach. Each figure is carefully crafted to represent the spirit of adventure and the ancient tales that inspired them. Dambo sketches designs and transforms raw materials into lifelike characters that invite interaction. As you walk through the gardens, they not only enjoy beautiful visuals but are also encouraged to pause and reflect on the stories these trolls share about nature, respect, and imagination. Through his work, Dambo seeks to spark curiosity and strengthen the bond between people and the natural world.

A Scandinavian Legend Comes to Maine

The five mythical trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens pay tribute to Scandinavian folklore, where these creatures are believed to live in the forest, protecting nature and its treasures. In these legends, trolls are often depicted as towering giants closely connected to the landscape and possessing magical traits. Each troll in the garden embodies the spirit of these stories, blending local artistry with the beauty of nature. As you explore the garden, they encounter these impressive sculptures as both artistic creations and symbols of protection for the thriving plants around them. This captivating mix of mythology and gardening encourages guests to consider the role of storytelling in our connection to nature, making every visit a unique experience through the vibrant plant life and the rich world of folklore.

The Trolls at the Garden

Roskva is the first troll you'll encounter in the gardens, known as the Guardian of the Forest. Made from reclaimed wood and blending seamlessly with the trees, her name means "tree" in Old Norse, reflecting her role. Standing at an impressive 20 ft tall, her eyes, crafted from polished stones, seem to follow you, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. As the heaviest and strongest of the trolls, Roskva watches the changing seasons and remembers everything that happens around her. If any troll forgets something, they can always turn to her for help. With each passing year, she grows taller and broader.

Next, we meet Lilja, which means "lily" in Old Norse. As the guardian of all flowers in the gardens, she emerged from her hiding place last summer. The youngest of the trolls, Lilja possesses a childlike spirit and adores the bright colors and pleasant scents of the flowers. She delights in watching bees and butterflies flutter among the branches.

Birk, the guardian of the roots, is the wisest and most mysterious of trolls. He resides in the shadows, in tune with the earth's whispers. As a quiet observer of the wilderness, he witnesses everything that occurs and shares enchanting tales with other forest creatures each day. Agile and alert, Birk listens closely to the happenings in the garden, captivating his fellow inhabitants with his imaginative stories.

Soren, named after the Old Norse word for "stern," is the steadfast guardian of rocks and stones. He proudly stands among the garden's rock formations, with his strong figure made of stone and timber. A curious troll, Søren often turns his head to seek higher viewpoints. He dreams of floating on clouds and enjoys dancing when the wind whispers.

Finally, we have Gro, a name from Old Norse that means "to grow." Gro embodies themes of growth and renewal, reflecting the spirit of gardens. Her wooden form, covered with moss and young shoots, symbolizes her role in nurturing new life. She invites visitors to contemplate the future and the importance of promoting growth and sustainability. Gro emphasizes the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens' commitment to expanding and enhancing their plant collections.

A Magical Fusion of Art and Nature

The five mythical trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens blend art, nature, and imagination beautifully. They visit the gardens a magical experience, appealing to garden lovers, mythology fans, and curious visitors. These gentle giants not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and create a deeper connection with nature. They remind us of the wonder around us if we take the time to notice. So, the next time you're in Maine, consider a trip to Boothbay. Step into a world where trolls guard flowers, ancient myths come alive in the trees, and nature's magic surprises you in unexpected ways. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and its mythical guardians are ready to welcome you into their enchanting space.