To round out this Grand Opening season, from November 23 though December 21, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will present a series of Winter Wonderlands treats and treasures amid sparkling lights and fragrant boughs and decorated trees indoors and out. Delicious complimentary refreshments, live music, firelight, walks by lantern light, and the Gardens Gift Shop full of treasures for all ages will add to the festive spirit.

Free evening admissions (anytime after 5 p.m.) and workshops, as well as special discounts in the shop and on gift memberships, add good value to good fun. At any time of the year, visitors can enter the Gift Shop without paying admission fees, and members always receive a 10% discount.

As a benefit to members, gift memberships will be available at special discounted prices during the Winter Wonderlands festivities - $5 off a $45 basic membership and $10 off a $65 family membership.

To jumpstart the holiday celebration, on Saturday, November 17, the Gardens, located on Barters Island Road in Boothbay, will participate for the first time in the Boothbay region's Early Bird Sale, but with a twist: Discounts throughout the shop of 20% for members and 10% for non-members, plus 50% off some items, will be in effect from 9 a.m. to noon.

Shoppers can enjoy the sales in town and then come out to the Gardens Gift Shop to find just the right something at sale prices. Educational programs

In addition to all the special occasions for shopping and merriment listed below, the Gardens will present a Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 1, from 3-5 p.m. Scones accompanied by Devonshire cream, jam and butters, and four types of tasty, classic tea sandwiches will be served along with fine teas donated by Upton Tea Imports. Accomplished cellist Andrew Richter will play for the occasion. Tickets for the afternoon tea are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, and because seating is limited, reservations are required.

The following evening Winter Wonderlands festivities, refreshments, workshops, and shopping evenings are free, along with admission to the shop. Activities taking place before 5 p.m. are complimentary with regular Gardens admission fees, and there is never an admissions fee for members.

• Heirloom Recipe Trees - Wednesdays, November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19 (5-7 p.m.)

Who knew the Gardens staff members are all foodies? On these four Wednesday evenings, a Christmas tree in the sparkling Visitor Center will hold recipe cards for dozens of their favorite foods. Visitors can take their pick and enjoy samples of specialties, as well as a shopping opportunity.

• More sweets and s avories - Friday, November 23 (9 - 5)

Mulled cider and Christmas sweets will greet visitors throughout the day.

• Wine and h ors d'oeuvres - Saturday, November 24 (5-7 p.m.)

Enjoy seeing friends and neighbors in a convivial atmosphere.

• Mulled cider, sweets, and a free workshop on making Ga r dens Woodland Pot pourri - Sunday, Nove m ber 25 (5-7 p.m.)

All materials will be provided in this workshop led by Amanda Russell.

• Fireside Evenings with wine, hors d'oeuvres and a 20% members' discount - Thur s days, November 29 and D e cember 6, 13, and 20 (5-7 p.m.)

Members enjoy an even greater discount than usual on these nights.

• Lantern-Lit Winter Walks and Music - Fridays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21 (5-7 p.m.)

Docents will lead walkers through the beautifully lit Central Gardens, followed by a `mug up' with hot chocolate in the Visitor Center.

On November 30, to add even more magic to the evening, Paul and Paula Viarello and Pam Marshall will serenade walkers from with their flutes and recorders. In case of inclement weather, the musicians will bring their tunes indoors.

• Free balsam wreath workshop - Saturday, December 8 (2-4 p.m. & 5-8 p.m.)

Visitors are invited to enhance their shopping experience with a glass of wine, hors d'oeuvres and, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., holiday music expertly played by cellist Andrew Richter and pianist Kevin Kiley. Amanda Russell will provide instruction and materials for making natural balsam wreaths to take home - all at no charge.

• Free native evergreen swag workshop - Sunday, Dece m ber 9 (2-4 p.m.)

When a wreath won't fit, a swag is perfect. Amanda Russell will demonstrate and instruct as visitors make their own with the materials provided.

• Free children's wor k shops - Saturday and Sunday, Dece m ber 15 and 16 (2-4 p.m.)

The kids can learn how to craft tiny wreaths of acorns and other ornaments of waxed leaves and ribboned cinnamon sticks. Cookies and hot chocolate will add to the festive spirit of the workshops.

To learn more about the Gardens or the Winter Wonderlands events, visit www.mainegardens.org, or call 633-4333.