Kennebunkport Historical Society - Garden Restoration Project

Things To Do
The Garden
1871 saw completion of the large bay window addition to the sitting room of the Nott House. Celia Perkins referred to it as the conservatory. Her husband, Charles, had it built to house her plants and flowers. In one of her diary entries, Celia mentions bringing over 90 plants into the house for the winter. Celia loved gardening and we can only imagine the burst of color that sprang from her handiwork each spring; colors which intensified and defined the bright glow of summer, colors that deepened with the warm highlights of autumn as the cycle of life slowly dimmed to the embrace of winter.
Please click on the image to see the full-scale plan. Patio looking towards Front of House Side View	It has been said that a crown jewel without a beautiful setting is only a stone. So too, a home, no matter how grand, without a garden is only a building. Our Historical Society - and indeed the entire village of Kennebunkport - were blessed with Elizabeth Nott's gift of that magnificent Greek Revival jewel, The Nott House. Our society has faithfully maintained it and opened it for one and all to share in its story. Through 1999 and 2000, plans were drawn up to place this jewel in its proper setting. Beginning in the summer of 2001, the restoration of the Nott House Gardens commenced and work proceeded briskly. The stone patio and most of the flower and tree plantings were finished by 2002. With the Garden complete, 2003 ushered in the first season of breathtaking blooms, followed on by the ever changing and evolving floral progression throughout Summer and early fall. It was truly captivating. Our Historical Society takes great pleasure inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy moments of respite and reverie in this lovely park-like setting. The Garden is open from sun-up to sun-down and there is no charge.