McLaughlin Garden and Homestead

Welcome to McLaughlin Garden and Homestead located in South Paris, Maine. This historic venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places owing to its notable cultural landscape. With a rich history stretching back to the 1840s, we have the honor of stewarding Bernard McLaughlin’s celebrated farmstead, gardens, and public green space for more than a quarter of a century.

Our garden is famous for housing one of New England's largest collections of lilacs. Every May, visitors from near and far flock to immerse themselves in a myriad of vibrant colors and fragrances of blooming heirloom lilacs. As summer progresses, our guests continue to delight in expansive collections of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, wildflowers, and ferns. The garden is also a refuge for birds and pollinators, creating a serene environment for beauty, peace, and inspiration.

We host a variety of public programs that include self-guided garden tours, workshops, lectures, and our featured Thursday Night in the Garden series. Signature annual events like Garden Illuminated and The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular offer memorable experiences for many. We invite all ages to engage in enriching opportunities from March to December every year, with a commitment to providing accessible programs to the local community.

We are dedicated to fostering a space where beauty, health, discovery, creativity, and connections thrive. We wholeheartedly welcome you to partake in this mission and look forward to your visit this season. Stay connected with us by joining our mailing list, following us on social media, and staying updated via our events page.

Your support is invaluable to our mission. Consider joining us as a member, volunteering, or making a donation to further aid the McLaughlin Foundation and its goals.