To celebrate National Garden Month, TripAdvisor named the top 10 public gardens in the U.S., and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay heads the list.

On the TripAdvisor website, travelers rate and describe the places they visit and also research world-wide destinations to plan upcoming trips. The site’s top 10 lists are based on the TripAdvisor Popularity Index, which measures the quality, quantity and recency of content written by site visitors about an attraction or business.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens received 258 reviews, 244 of which ranked it as “excellent.” The site also features 125 photos submitted by enthusiastic Gardens visitors. In addition, the Gardens is ranked first among six Boothbay region attractions and, overall, receives five out of five circles, the best possible ranking.

“We’re delighted that Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is included on this list of some of the finest gardens in the country, and especially proud to receive the number one spot,” Executive Director William Cullina said. “We’re grateful to the guests who rated us so highly and hope this top honor will inspire many more people to visit the Gardens.”

The top 10 listing provides a brief overview of each of the selected gardens. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is described as follows: “Spanning 250 acres, travelers are invited to explore the spectacular grounds at this New England garden. In the springtime, more than 11,000 dazzling tulips bare their colors, while a brilliant blend of other flora and fauna blossom throughout the year.”

The introduction to the list of gardens notes, “Nature lovers and green-thumb gardeners alike will dig the sights at any of these outdoor sanctuaries that offer magnificent surroundings and fun for the whole family. “Ranked two through 10 respectively, are Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa.; Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis;  The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, Calif.;  Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Ariz.;  Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, S.C.;  Hillwood Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C.; Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, N.C.;  and Chanticleer in Wayne, Pa.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is off Barters Island Road, just over a mile from Route 27 in the Midcoast town of Boothbay.  After 15 years of planning, building and planting, the Gardens opened to the public in 2007 and welcomes guests year-round. Among its many appeals are a dozen world-class ornamental gardens, miles of waterfront and woodland trails, and programs and events for all ages. Seasonal amenities include a fine café and gift shop. For more information, visit www.mainegardens.org, or call 207-633-4333.