As spring's gentle embrace breathes new life into the world, what better way to celebrate the season of renewal than by immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of nature and art? Nestled in the heart of Augusta, Maine, Viles Arboretum invites you to its annual Spring Market, a delightful convergence of local vendors, artisans, and botanical wonders.
We are excited to host our annual Spring Market on May 11th from 9am to 2pm. A celebration of community and creativity, the event will feature local vendors and artists showcasing their talents and offering an array of locally made goods, foods and plants. Beyond the bustling marketplace, we invite you to wander our grounds and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Stroll along our 6 miles of trails through woodlands, meadows and gardens. Breathe in the fragrant perfume of blossoms in bloom, and listen to the melodious chirping of birds overhead. With over 224 acres to explore, the arboretum offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Local businesses and individuals can click here to register as a vendor.
American Chestnut Seedlings pre-orders are live. Order now and pickup on or after the Spring Market. These seedlings, provided by the Maine Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, are first-season whips, standing between one to two feet tall. They'll arrive in either plastic or paper tree tubes, primed for planting directly into the ground or for nurturing in large pots until you're ready to transplant. While these seedlings aren't blight-resistant, they present excellent candidates for cross-pollination with blight-resistant pollen, a promising prospect we hope will materialize soon. American Chestnuts are renowned for their rapid growth, typically yielding nuts between 5 to 7 years of age. For those keen on harvesting nuts for replanting or consumption, we recommend acquiring at least two trees to ensure successful pollination.
Due to high demand, our seedlings tend to sell out quickly each year, so don't miss out! Click here to pre-order yours today!
In addition to the American Chestnut Seedlings, we will be offering pre-orders for a variety of other tree seedlings. Order now and pickup on or after the Spring Market. We have American Persimmon, Paw Paw, Redbud, and Sweetgum seedlings available. Click here to pre-order yours today! Click here to pre-order your seedlings today!
Any remaining seedlings will be sold on a first come, first served basis, at the Spring Market.