Denise DeSpirito + Merryspring Nature Center

Jul 10

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Merryspring Nature Center, a hidden gem founded in 1974 by Mary Ellen Ross. Mary Ellen, known for her successful rare plant mail order business, Merry Gardens, envisioned a place where natural landscapes and cultivated areas could be enjoyed by the public. Today, Merryspring has flourished into a beautiful sanctuary with gardens, trails, and a variety of educational programs. It remains free for visitors during daylight hours, sustained by the support of memberships and donations.

Denise Despirito has been Merryspring’s Garden Manager for 8 years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the sole gardener. With a rich history of growing flowers and medicinal plants across farms and gardens in the Northeast, Denise’s expertise is unmatched. In addition to her work at Merryspring, she runs a garden design and consulting business, further enhancing her passion for horticulture. Denise also shares her knowledge through the popular Backyard Herbalism Series, part of Merryspring’s Tuesday Talks. She says, "I love working in a public garden, knowing how green spaces that foster people connecting with plants and gathering with each other are vital to our communities."

Merryspring’s gardens are home to a diverse array of plants, many started from seed on-site. Their herb garden is a treasure trove of culinary staples, medicinal herbs, fabric dyeing plants, and unique species that offer educational insights. Visitors can draw inspiration for their own gardens or simply enjoy the beauty and activity of our pollinators, such as monarchs and hummingbirds.

One highlight is the Pulsatilla flower, which blooms early in their rock garden, a welcome sight after Maine’s long winters. Later in the season, the Eastern Prickly Pear cactus adds a unique touch to the same area. Beyond the gardens, Merryspring offers 4 miles of serene trails, ideal for all fitness levels, including snowshoeing in winter with equipment available to borrow from the office.

FAMOUS FOR:
Being a tranquil oasis in bustling Camden.

ADDRESS:
30 Conway Rd in Camden

HOURS:
Open 7 days from 7am-7p

WEBSITE:
merryspring.org/ and ofthespiritherbals.com/