2013 Spring Garden Tour showcases Mount Desert Island estate

This original painting by Linda Rowell Kelley that will be raffled off during the 2013 Spring Garden Tour.

Here’s a treat for garden lovers. Every spring, WatersEdge, the waterfront W. P. Stewart estate in Northeast Harbor, Maine, opens its gates to the public in on two weekends to showcase its spectacular gardens. Highlights of the 2013 Spring Garden Tour, slated June 1 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,  include dogwood, rhododendrons, azalea, and lily of the valley, as well as a yoga in the garden class.

Visitors will be able to wander  designated paths on eight acres edging Somes Sound. Among the highlights: lilacs, vibernum, dogwoods, 95 varieties of azalea, 125 rhododendrons, tree peonies, magnolia, peonies, poppies, iris, English daisies, violets as well as a variety of tulips, daffodils and narcissus. Also open is the Sundial Garden, a sunken alpine garden harboring an unusual collection of plants.

It’s a rare opportunity to visit one of Mount Desert Island’s estates. The $15 suggested donation will benefit the MDI YMCA. ($25 if you want to take the yoga class, contact the Y for details).