McLaughlin Garden

with Corey Kotfila, Head Gardener

by Laurie Ann Knowles

Acentury old landmark in downtown South Paris, McLaughlin Garden sits on a two-acre plot with an historic barn and homestead, all under the stewardship of the nonprofit McLaughlin Foundation. Head Gardener Corey Kotfila came from Massachusetts to UMaine Orono to attain a degree in Forestry and quickly formed an interest in plant ecology. A move to South Paris introduced him to the Garden where he immediately applied for work and is now in his third season as Head Gardener. Corey is very enthusiastic about Maine’s native orchids and has been working to introduce a dozen or so of these beautiful plants, some known as Lady Slippers, to the Garden. Corey also focuses on the reclamation of overgrown areas around the cultivated area’s periphery. By following a register of the property’s previous plants, he is able to reintroduce many local and native species to spots where they once prospered. Working to re-establish minimally cultivated plant species that support the local environment and

McLaughlin Garden’s Mission

The McLaughlin Garden & Homestead cultivates a beautiful and healthy environment where discovery, creativity, and connections are nurtured.

attract pollinators gives all the birds, bees and beetles a big win. Corey offers lectures and is initiating an outreach to attract volunteers from local business and school organizations.

The McLaughlin Garden is home to one of the largest privately cultivated collections of lilacs in New England, offering over 125 varieties of lilacs on more than 200 trees. The Garden’s collection also includes an impressive array of native wildflowers, hostas, daylilies, astilbe, iris, phlox and ferns. Each year, the McLaughlin Garden welcomes thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the historic garden location and take part in their inspirational special programs and events.

FMI visit mclaughphlingardern.org, visit them at 97 Main Street in South Paris or Call (207) 743-8820

The Vision

We are a cultural anchor and dynamic garden, vital to the wellbeing of our lives. The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead in South Paris is a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural landscape. The McLaughlin Foundation has been proud to steward Bernard McLaughlin’s renowned 1840s farmstead, gardens and public green space for more than 25 years.