Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is throwing a party and it's sure to be a highlight of the summer; in fact it'll be A Bloomin' Good Time!

On Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. the Botanical Gardens will feature great food, delicious drinks and a chance to bid on more than 100 varied and remarkable items in live and silent auctions.

The party – the Botanical Gardens' annual fundraiser – will feature gourmet hors d'oeuvres, as well as cocktails and other beverages from a score of Maine's premier restaurateurs, caterers and food purveyors. A full list of featured caterers is on the Botanical Gardens' website.

The items available in the auctions during A Bloomin' Good Time! will range from valuable gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants to far-off adventures and vacations. There will also be artwork, furnishings, jewelry, and much, much more. A few items will be so special or unusual that they'll be "knocked down" at the live auction by a top auctioneer. A list of individuals and businesses who've donated auction items is on the website.

This party will also be a chance to enjoy the gardens at the peak of their summer bloom. The evening light makes everything look especially beautiful, and shuttles will be available to transport party guests to areas of the central gardens from the Bosarge Family Education Center, where the food and auctions will be.

A Bloomin' Good Time! is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Tickets are also for sale in groups of 10 for $300.

Tickets are available now, online at www.MaineGardens.org, by calling 633-4333, ext. 101, or at the Botanical Gardens at 132 Botanical Gardens Dr. off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.