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Home - Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden Use Policy

The Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden and Research Center is a research, evaluation, and teaching facility of the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture. The Littlefield Garden proper is comprised of approximately four acres of ornamental landscape plants. Plants are presented in formal and informal landscape styles. We encourage the public to view and enjoy the collection; however, we ask that guests and university users adhere to the policies established below.

South and adjacent to the garden proper is the 3.4-acre research nursery that accommodates larger research projects. The research nursery is not open to public use.

There has been a welcome increase in the use of the Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden. Many people from the public as well as the university community visit the garden to view the diverse plant collection and the birds and other wildlife associated with the pond. The following policies are in place to maintain the integrity of the Littlefield Garden and to operate within its mission:

• All research and teaching activity in the Littlefield Garden must be approved by the superintendent of horticultural facilities. Instructors and researchers are asked to adhere to the research and teaching use policy in the section below.
• The garden cannot be reserved for private or public events (e.g., weddings, parties, or other social events). The garden is generally available on a first-come basis, but there is not exclusive use except for some approved university activities (e.g. research, teaching).
• Access to the garden by the public is through the main gate located at the northwest corner of the garden, and through the gate located at the southwest corner. Other gates are kept locked for reasons of security and deer control.
• Pets are not allowed in the garden, except necessary service dogs.
• No trash or refuse may be left in the garden; carry in-carry out.
• Do not remove plant material from the garden.
• Do not walk or place items within mulched planting beds. Please walk on paths and turf grass areas only.
• Outdoor sports activities, such as Frisbee or tag are not allowed in the garden.
• Do not leave children unsupervised.
• Do not enter the pond. Do not add or remove any material from the pond.
• Do not remove labels from plants or plantings.
• Do not alter or modify any plants or structures in the garden.
• Catered events (e.g. receptions) are not allowed in the garden except for university events that are catered by university staff catering.
• No items may be stapled or nailed to the gazebo.

Note that we do not have electrical service, potable water, or restrooms in the garden.

Research and Teaching Use Policy

We ask that all instructors and researchers using the Littlefield Garden obtain approval from the Superintendent of Horticultural Facilities (Brad Libby, 581-3112, blibby@maine.edu) before conducting activities in the Garden. Space and meeting times can be reserved for teaching and research activities when required. No materials should be added or removed from the Garden or the pond without specific permission from the superintendent. Approval is required annually, regardless of the history of the activity. It is important that users avoid assumptions and communicate regularly with the superintendent regarding their interest in using the Garden. The Garden is a dynamic space and plantings and other components of the Garden may change over time. We hope that the Littlefield Garden can continue to be a valuable resource to the community by protecting the integrity of the plant collection and the entire facility.

Please do enjoy your visit to the Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden.

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