Our Maine Trek to the Trolls

Posted: August 28, 2026 | Author: dana lange | Filed under: Uncategorized |1 Comment

Deep in the forest along the trails of the Coastal Maine botanical Garden, five magical giant trolls can be found. Today, Karen, Nancy and I strolled and climbed through the forest in search of these mystical creatures.

Our trek started with the drive to Boothbay where we began the hunt by first looking at the gardens, flowers and butterflies in the various garden rooms of the botanical gardens. I always feel so insufficient as a gardener when I visit these gardens. The color pallets and texture combinations are so spectacular. The up keep is impressive and awe inspiring.

So without the trolls the place is a hit, but the addition of the trolls changes everything. The botanical garden had lots of forest trails that were nice, but not dissimilar to many hiking trails in Maine. Until 2021. Then Danish recycle art activist Thomas Dambo spent two months in the forest with the help of garden staff and 150 volunteers and built the giant trolls on the sites where they live now.

It changed the gardens from not just a social place for plant lovers, but a magical treasure hunt for children of all ages.

It was such a fun way to spend the day. I could hang with those Trolls and my friends anytime.

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