We always hear people say that living in Maine through the long winter months is only bearable because we have the wonderful summer months. Whether you agree or disagree (some of us just love all this snow!) it's not hard to see why people love when it's warm here. The trees bloom, the flowers come out and everything just feels a little more leisurely. While we always advocate for getting to the beach, lakes, and mountains, don't forget about our other wonderful attractions — public gardens. We have many, but one of our favorites is one you may not be familiar with. Here is one secret garden in Maine you probably never heard of:

Merryspring Nature Center in Maine is one of the best places to explore all that Maine ecology has to offer.

Their mission is one of teaching and advocating for ecology.

Specifically, it is to: "practice, teach, and advocate sound principles of ecology, conservation, and horticulture in order to protect our natural environment."

While the garden is beautiful and full of flowers, it's one of the only gardens that also functions as a place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Merryspring is about 66 acres and features open fields, hiking trails, an arboretum, and cross-country skiing trails.

But one of our favorite things about Merryspring is the education opportunities.

Visitors love the workshops put on throughout the year.

There are also group trips around the property for bird watching and other wildlife learning.

If you want to spot this guy, you'll want to go to Merryspring!

While you might expect events to be best when the flowers are blooming, Merryspring hosts events throughout the year.

Over the years, the garden has seen some wonderful additions.

Hiking Trails were added all through the 1970s and 1980 saw the addition of the Kitty Todd Arboretum. In 1984, the Herb Garden was created, followed by the Hexagon in 1987, the Rose Garden in 1987, the Rose Cottage in 1987, and the Perennial Border in 1992.

For 50 years, the garden has been expanding and adding new areas for exploration, as well as new places for education and workshops.

The Merryspring Nature Center in Camden is both a garden and a wonderful place for education and learning.

Today, there are over 500 members and volunteers that add to the garden's beauty. Visit and see why it's one of the best gardens in Maine!

Merryspring Nature Center, one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Maine, is located at 30 Conway Road in Camden. You can reach the center via phone at (207) 236-2239 or check out the official Merryspring Nature Center website or Facebook page to stay abreast of all their upcoming events.

Learn about another secret garden in Maine you can visit — Asticou Azalea Garden.