Usually, when trolls are coming, we say HIDE THE CHILDREN! But not these trolls - we say GET THE KIDS!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay opens for the season Sunday, May 1. When you head to the Gardens you will see magical Giant Trolls constructed by internationally known recycled arts activist and artist, Thomas Dambo. He uses upcycled materials sourced from around the state. Upcycled basically means using something thrown away and making something better with the materials. It also comes with a gentle reminder to protect our earth.

Thomas Dambo trolls
Thomas Dambo
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What are these Giant Trolls?

According to Gretchen Ostherr, President & CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens,  'The trolls, affectionately called ‘Guardians of the Seeds’, tell a unique story of sustainability that is echoed in everything our organization stands for. Each troll lives in different places across our 300-acre property and visitors could spend the whole day searching for each one. That said, any visit will be a complete one–whether that’s a day’s hike to see them all, or a visit with one or two, the magic is the same. We encourage everyone to come see us, enjoy a self-guided tour of our grounds, and visit with our new friends.'

How did the trolls come to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens?

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Thomas Dambo’s team, and a whole bunch of volunteers worked for months during the pandemic to have them on display last year. To make sure these trolls were kept under wraps, everyone was asked to keep it a secret! The secret is out!

Thomas Dambo
Thomas Dambo
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Were the Botanical Gardens the first in the country to display these trolls?

Yes! This is Thomas Dambo’s first installation of this size in the whole country! There will be five trolls throughout the Gardens. Dambo picked Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens because it is so unique and beautiful - and really mirrors Thomas' mission of using recycled materials to create something new.

How can I see the trolls?

The Botanical Gardens are available but only with a ticket purchased in advance. There are 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, from the Native Butterfly and Moth House to the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, the woodland Fairy House Village to the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses—and so much more. Arrival times are staggered, and there are a limited number of tickets available for each time slot. To secure your admission, make your reservations online. Members must also reserve their tickets in advance; their free admission counts toward the total number of tickets available during each time slot.

Will the trolls go away?

Nope. The trolls are here to stay. So you will have a great opportunity to see them! Find out how to see them at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

The 100 Best Places to Live on the East Coast

LOOK: Full List of the Best Places to Live in Maine

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Maine using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com. On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks.

Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

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