Bidding in our 2023 fundraising auction will begin on Monday, December 4th at 9:00am and will remain open until Saturday, December 9th at 8pm. We are excited to offer this diverse catalog of auction items and we hope you will share in our excitement by bidding high and bidding often!
Item #01 – A Week in Paris Studio Apartment
Valued at $1,500
Minimum Bid: $1000
Ready to travel? Don’t miss your chance to be the winning bidder on our Paris (Maine) to Paris (France) signature McLaughlin trip.
Immerse yourself in the art and culture of romantic Paris, France while staying in this historic apartment located in the 2nd Arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine. The apartment is around the corner from a pedestrian street where you will find all you need – the best patisserie, charcuterie, and wine shops – for a leisurely breakfast or relaxing dinner at home. You will be surrounded by wonderful restaurants, cafes, and shopping; the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, and the center of Paris are all nearby.
The apartment with its historic stone and wood architecture, has a double bed, a fold-out couch, an open kitchen and a separate study. It can accommodate 2-4 people and includes TV and internet access as well as free international phone calls. Dates will be arranged with the owner and will accommodate COVID travel restrictions as necessary.
A small cleaning fee is required. Transportation is not included.
Donated by Tony Kleitz
Current Bid: $1250.00
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Item #02 – 3 Days / 2 Nights at the Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
Valued at $1,200
Minimum Bid: $650
Spend a relaxing getaway on the shores of beautiful Sebago Lake in South Casco, Maine. This three-day, two-night package for two in one of Migis Lodge’s private cottages or lodge rooms includes three meals a day, activities, and use of all facilities. You will experience classic Maine, nestled in the woods on a secluded shoreline of Sebago Lake. You can relax by the water enjoying the fresh air and views, play tennis, share a lunch together on a private island, or spend time on the water sailing, kayaking, or water skiing. Book a massage at the wellness center or join any of the wellness classes. End each day watching the sunset over the lake. Most importantly, you will enjoy sharing time together!
The certificate is based on availability—weekends in July and August are not available. The season runs from Father’s Day in June through Columbus Day. Gratuity and transportation are not included.
More information is available at: www.migis.com
Donated by The Porta Family
Current Bid: $900.00
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Item #03 – One night for 2 in an Oceanview room with breakfast at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge
Valued at $350
Minimum Bid: $200
Perched on the shores of Penobscot Bay between the historic port of Camden and the sandy crescent of Lincolnville Beach, The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is a quintessentially Maine oceanfront boutique hotel just minutes from Camden and Belfast. You’ll find many of the on-site amenities you’d expect from a Maine luxury hotel as you enjoy the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, explore the rocky beaches of Penobscot Bay, or stroll through the quaint coastal towns of Midcoast Maine. Relish in the finer things in life at the Poolhouse Spa, a limited-service spa featuring massage rooms, a cedar sauna, and hot tub. However you choose to enjoy your stay at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, their expert staff is dedicated to making your experience unique and extraordinary. The Inn is managed by the Migis Hotel Group and welcomes many new and returning guests each summer. Their goal is to seamlessly blend the comforts of modernity with the elegance and charm in this beautiful yet natural landscape by the sea.
Donated by The Porta Family
Current Bid: $350.00
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Item #04 – Two Tickets for the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas
Valued at $198
Minimum Bid: $100
Enjoy this cherished holiday tradition (now in its 44th year!) and celebrate the season with Christmas classics new and old. The winner of this auction item will receive two tickets to any PSO Magic of Christmas performance during this 2023 season. Possible show dates are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 15, 16 and 17, and there are matinee and evening performances from which to choose. Visit the Portland Symphony Orchestra website for performance details and times. The value of this gift is $198, though the experience of attending the show is priceless. Please note that seating availability may vary so it is best to claim your tickets as soon as possible to get your preferred seating.
McLaughlin supporter and board member Jim Kennedy will be among the musicians playing in the show!
Donated by Portland Symphony Orchestra
Current Bid: $100.00
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Item #05 – Handmade Flower Tote
Valued at $100
Handcrafted by a McLaughlin Garden supporter, this lovely “Capri Carryall” tote bag measures 11″ wide at the top, 12” tall, and 4” deep, with 5 interior pockets. Perfect for your everyday needs yet stylish for that special occasion, this tote is a timeless accessory that combines a classic design with modern functionality. Crafted from high-quality cotton material and offering ample space to carry your essentials, the Capri Carryall has a sense of vintage charm while also being incredibly versatile for today’s on-the-go lifestyle.
Donated by Susan Geismar
Current Bid: $100.00
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Item #06 – Cement Garden Leaf and Gift Certificates from Johnny’s Selected Seeds & O’Donal’s Nursery
Valued at $140
This cement garden leaf was made during a Foothills Garden Club project day and was chosen by members for inclusion in this year’s auction. It is approximately 14″ high and 12″ wide and can be left outdoors year round, though it may last longer if stored under cover during the freezing winter months. The leaf is slightly bowled and can hold a shallow pool of water for pollinators and small wildlife, or it could be used as a planter for succulents or other plants that don’t require deep soil. Two $50 gift certificates, one from Johnny’s Selected Seeds and one from O’Donal’s Nursery, are included.
Donated by Foothills Garden Club, a Friend of McLaughlin Garden, and O’Donal’s Nursery
Current Bid: $150.00
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Item #07 – Handcrafted Western Red Cedar Bluebird Houses
Valued at: $100 each
Minimum Bid: $75
These handmade bluebird nesting boxes were built using naturally rot resistant Western red cedar and will last for many years to come without any special care or treatment. Bluebirds naturally nest in the existing cavities of dead trees or in cavities created by other animals though these nesting spots are not always readily available. Bluebird populations in North America have declined over the past decade and mounting a nesting box offers a way to attract and sustain bluebirds right in your own yard. Bluebirds prefer East-facing nesting boxes in open areas, especially along the margins of yards and fields, close to their primary diet of insects, grasshoppers, and beetles. The nesting box measures 14 1/2″ from the bottom of the mounting brace to the peak at the back and the nesting box itself measures 5″ wide, 6″ deep, and 10″ high. The side panels on these boxes may be opened for easy cleaning of old nesting material if needed. Although these nesting boxes are designed with bluebirds in mind, the donor reports that he has observed chickadees, tree swallows, and house wrens also using the boxes in his yard.
Built and donated by Peter Lutts.
Current Bids:
Box #1: $100.00
Box #2: $80.00
*MAKE A BID!*
Item #08 – Planting Consultation with McLaughlin Garden Horticulturist Corey Kotfila
Valued at $250
Want to start a new pollinator garden, add to an existing garden, or naturalize your yard, but don’t know what to plant? McLaughlin Garden horticulturist Corey Kotfila will visit your property to personally suggest the plants that would best suit your landscape. Corey specializes in the use of native species to boost local biodiversity, support healthy ecosystems, and provide multiple seasons of interest in a garden space. Included in this package is a personalized write-up with plant suggestions and cultural information, as well as a Cooperative Extension soil test to better inform plant selections.
Donated by Corey Kotfila and the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead
Current Bid: $270.00
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Item #09 – Wills and Healthcare Powers of Attorney for a couple
Valued at $1000
Minimum bid: $400
Do you have your will in place? Have you assigned a Power of Attorney to make sure your needs will be met in the event that you may not be able to speak for yourself? It’s never too soon to plan and no better time than now to take the first step! Bid on this opportunity to work with John W. Geismar, Esq. of the law firm Norman, Hanson, DeTroy in Portland, ME. John’s legal service will include drafting Wills and Healthcare Powers of Attorney for a couple, and can also include straightforward trusts for children.
Donated by John W. Geismar, Esq.
Current Bid: $500.00
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Item #10 – Japanese Woodland Garden Collection
Valued at $100
Minimum bid: $80
- Creeping Alpine Willow (Salix nakamurana yezoalpina): A rare and low-growing species of willow native to the alpine slopes of Hokkaido, Japan— this Salix produces prostrate, yellow catkins in early spring. It thrives in rocky, well-drained soils.
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonecheloa macra ‘Aureola’): When planted in drifts, Japanese forest grass creates incredible displays of variegated, lime-green foliage. The cascading habit of Hakonecheloa lends itself well to rock walls, border gardens, and even containers.
- Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘September Charm’): Late-blooming, but worth the wait, ‘September Charm’ is a variety of Japanese Anemone with blush-pink-to-white blooms and yellow-orange centers. The foliage occurs as a mat of dark green, palmately-lobed leaves, while flowers occur on tall, slightly curved stems.
- Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium nipponicum): This Athyrium is one of the most vibrantly colored ferns around. Its silvery-green foliage with red-purple midrib quickly identifies it as a Japanese woodland classic. Japanese painted ferns thrive in moist, acidic soils and are quite shade tolerant.
- Japanese Woodland Peony (Paeonia japonica): Unlike the common peony, Paeonia japonica has a rounded, shrubby habit that does not require staking. Its foliage consist of three smooth, deep green leaflets and its flowers are cup shaped with white petals and burgundy centers. Late in the season, Paeonia japonica’s seed pods open to reveal brilliant, metallic-blue fertile seeds against a backdrop of bright red infertile seeds.
Donated by the McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
Current Bid: $100.00
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Item #11 – One week stay at Snowbrook Village/ Sugarloaf
Valued at: $850
Minimum Bid: $400
Snowbrook Village is located at the base of Sugarloaf Ski and Golf Resort in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. Maine’s second highest peak, Sugarloaf in the summer offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking on an extensive trail network, and golf at one of Maine’s top golf courses. The Snowbrook Condo Association has a private indoor swimming pool facility, two tennis courts and a pond where owners and guests can try their hand at fly fishing. Snowbrook #2704 is a bottom floor end unit located on the pond, immediately adjacent to the tennis court and pool facility, and with direct access to Sugarloaf’s trail network.
The unit has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms and is available for a week of your choosing any time from May through the first week of October. Enjoy summer fun or perhaps head up to enjoy the foliage next season.
Donated by Leslie Guenther and David Stonebraker
Current Bid: $400.00
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Item #12 – Winter Wonderland Gift Box
Valued at $100
Enjoy a cuppa or celebrate the holidays with sparkling wine, topped off with sweets from Harry and David and Ghirardelli! Features two stemless wine glasses, a bottle of LaMarca prosecco, two mugs, assorted English teas, Starbucks hot cocoa, three types of chocolate wafers, white chocolates, a holiday dish cloth, and snowflake cocktail napkins in a beautiful “birchbark” holiday box.
Donated by Susan Geismar
Current Bid: $75.00
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Item #13 – 4 days / 3 nights at Saddleback’s South Branch Condominium
Valued at $750
Minimum Bid: $350
This second floor South Branch Condominium is located trail-side and is in easy walking distance to the Saddleback base lodge. There are miles of hiking and mountain biking trails right out the front door. The town of Rangeley, with restaurants and shopping, is just 5 miles away and the Rangeley region offers abundant golfing, boating, and fishing opportunities. This South Branch condo is a cozy, quiet and well-appointed unit with sweeping views of the mountains. The unit has two bedrooms and a full bath and sleeps 5 comfortably. It is available for 4 days / 3 nights of your choosing between April 29th and October 3rd. This is subject to availability but the sooner you can choose a time the more likely it will be open.
Come enjoy all that Saddleback and Rangeley have to offer.
Donated by Daphne and Adam White
Current Bid: $450.00
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Item #14 – Edible Natives Collection
Valued at $80
- Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus): Neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke, this native sunflower is well-known for the delicious, potato-like tubers it produces. Helianthus tuberosus is a prolific spreader, but that just means you’ll have a bountiful harvest each year! In addition to its edible appeal, it is also a beautiful plant with upright stems, huge, serrated leaves, and a multitude of yellow aster blooms.
- Low-bush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium ‘Burgundy’): This selection of our native low-bush blueberry exhibits lustrous, burgundy-red fall foliage in addition to the tasty berries that everyone knows and loves.
- Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum): A member of the mint family, the foliage and flowers of this herb have a distinctly licorice-y flavor that lends itself well to teas and cocktails. Despite being a short lived plant, it will seed prolifically (so make sure to plant it where it will have some space). Agastache foeniculum thrives in direct sun, but can also tolerate part sun quite well.
- American Spikenard (Aralia racemose): An herbaceous perennial in the ginseng family, our native Aralia produces berries that are beloved by both humans and birds alike. Occurring in autumn, the red-purple berries (which start out a light green color) are attractive as they are tasty. American spikenard is a denizen of woodland landscapes, so dappled sunlight and moist, acidic soils are its preferred conditions.
- Giant Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum): You may already be familiar with Solomon’s seal, but did you know that both its roots and young shoots are edible? Its starchy roots can be used as a potato substitute, and its young shoots can be eaten raw or boiled as a substitute for asparagus. Polygonatum spreads via rhizome, so if harvested sustainably, the plant can be eaten year after year.
- Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris): This fern is responsible for the “fiddlehead fever” that overtakes farmers markets every spring. The young, unfurled fronds of fiddlehead fern are a delicious addition to a meal or when consumed on their own, just make sure you cook them! Not only is Matteuccia struthiopteris delicious, but it is an excellent plant to add to your shade or woodland garden.
Donated by the McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
Current Bid:$150
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Item #15 – Custom painting of your home and landscape by Maine artist Cassie Sano
Valued at $350
Minimum Bid: $200
Cassie Sano is a plein air painter and a children’s author and illustrator. Last year she impressed everyone with her plein air painting of the McLaughlin Barn, and also with her charming, calm energy. Cassie is a wonderful supporter and she has generously agreed to donate her time and talent to this year’s McLaughlin Garden auction. Cassie will travel to your home to paint a 9”x12” landscape portrait in either oil or watercolor paint. The winning bidder will work out the specific details with Cassie by phone or email.
Donated by Artist Cassie Sano
Current Bid: $425.00
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Item #16 – “Gingko 4”- Original encaustic painting by Anne Stuer
Valued at $285
Minimum Bid $125
Encaustic and mixed media artist Anne Stuer of Sand Pond Studio, located in Norway, Maine, has been a generous supporter of the McLaughlin Garden for well over a decade, and she has generously donated this painting to our fundraising auction. Anne’s artwork combines two techniques, cyanotype printing and encaustic painting. She uses a mix of dried and live plants for printing, pigmented beeswax for painting, and occasional oil sticks or a tinted wash for added color. The finish on her paintings is rich and smooth and could easily be mistaken for a hand painted ceramic tile. The 8″x10″ painting is called Gingko and is mounted in a black floater frame for a total measurement of 10.25″ x 12.25″ x 2″
Donated by Artist Anne Stuer
Current Bid: $125.00
*MAKE A BID!*
Item #17 – Two paintings by Lois Strickland
Valued at $250 each
Minimum Bid: $100
“Day Lily” “Day Lilies”
Lois Strickland (1956-2014) was a nature lover, community activist and a self-taught artist. Visitors to the McLaughlin Garden have likely admired her stunning painting depicting Bernard McLaughlin walking his plant-lined path between the barn and rock wall.
We are now pleased to offer two Lois Strickland paintings, “Day Lily” and “Day Lilies,” from our McLaughlin collection. Professionally matted and framed by Frost Farm Gallery, each painting measures 15” by 12.5”, is signed by the artist, and comes with an artist’s statement attached to the back of each frame. These vibrant works look stunning when displayed together in their matching gold frames, but are just as lovely on their own. Using acrylic paint, Strickland’s preferred medium, the colors reflect the vibrancy and cheer that blooming daylilies bring to a garden. The flowers are particularly delightful set against a rich blue background reminiscent of a bluebird sky on a warm summer day. These paintings are sure to brighten your mood on even the grayest of days.
Donated by the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead
Current Bids:
“Day Lily”: $150.00
“Day Lilies”: $150.00
*MAKE A BID!*
Item #18 – McLaughlin Garden Barn Rental
Valued at $500
Minimum Bid: $250
Whether it’s an intimate dinner for you and your friends, a small wedding, or a holiday celebration, the McLaughlin Garden barn is the perfect setting for a memorable gathering. The barn is tastefully decorated with lights, plants, and flowers and it can be customized with your own decorations. Bid on two hours of event space between 8am and 10pm for up to 50 people; tables, chairs and table cloths are included. You choose the day and time (subject to our seasonal events calendar) and we will help you to organize your special event.
Donated by the McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
Current Bid: $285.00
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Item #19 – Vintage 14k Gold gardening theme charms
Each charm valued at $225
Minimum Bid: $150 each
Delight your favorite gardener with one (or both) of these vintage 14k gold bracelet or necklace charms. Both pieces are clearly marked BAB 14k which indicates that the charms were likely made by one of America’s oldest jewelry companies, B.A Ballou & Co. The trowel charm measures 7/8 ” long x 1/4″ wide and weighs 1.6g. The dainty watering can charm is 1/2″ tall x 3/4″ wide and weighs 2.1g. Each charm comes in it’s own gift box. The gold necklace in the photo is not included.
Donated by Andrea Burns
Current Bids:
Trowel: $150.00
Watering Can: $
*MAKE A BID!*
Item #20 — Antique Imari Charger
Valued at $300
Minimum Bid: $125
Chrysanthemums, flowering trees, birds and stylized organic patterns speak to the gardener and naturalist of today just as they did to counterparts well over 100 years ago. This Meiji period (1868–1912) Japanese Imari charger boasts exquisite hand-painted flora and fauna accented with painstakingly applied raised details, all in a more desirable asymmetrical design.
Imari was made for European export late in the 19th century during a huge surge of popularity for all things Japanese. Japan had ended a 200-year period of national isolation bringing a fresh, new design aesthetic to a long-traditionalistic Western market. Fine arts, decorative arts, architecture, theater, and clothing were all influenced by this craze. Landscape design and gardening were also greatly affected. Japanese gardens created for multiple international expositions inspired the public to imitate this new style. Although having already appeared in the West, Japanese mainstays of today’s gardens such as Hosta, Paeonia and Iris ensata first became readily available.
12″ inches in diameter, and in excellent antique condition, this charger would be equally at home with contemporary or period furnishings. Own an actual piece of that amazing time in our horticultural history!
Donated by Jan Devereux
Current Bid: $125.00
*MAKE A BID!*
Item #21 — Cross Country ski clinic at Roberts Farm Preserve
Valued at $180
Minimum Bid: $80
McLaughlin Garden & Homestead 
Beautifully done. Hope your auction is a huge success.
Thank you, Celia. I’m so happy you enjoyed the catalog this season!
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