WEST GARDINER, Maine — Just turning into the driveway at Candy and Don Gagnon's home is spectacular.

Walk around the yard, and the spectacle expands.

The roughly two acres of yard surrounding their home are filled with planting beds, lush in trees and plants of just about every type that will grow in Maine. There are tall, older trees that were on the land before they began the gardens, and many others, from dogwoods to blue spruce, that Don and Candy have planted.

Just about every tree is surrounded by flowering plants and shrubs, as well as some flowers. Most of the beds are set off by stone borders and accents, as well as the occasional sculpture and water feature. The overall effect is nearly overwhelming in size, scale and variety.

And it was all created, hands-on, by the two of t

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