Rodney Eason describes the artistic vibe of Maine as similar to a John Coltrane saxophone solo: “free-flowing, unexpected, and beautiful.” Eason is the director of horticulture and plant curator at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. “I love the people in Maine. When I was in design school, I felt at home because I was surrounded by people who never turned off their creative switches. I feel that vibe again in Maine,” he says. Formerly a landscape architect, Eason followed his passion into the field of gardening and horticulture, and previously was display leader at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, and gardens curator at Airlie Gardens and at Plant Delights Nursery, both in North Carolina. Eason moved to Maine and was part of the team that helped guide the 20-year plan of the garden, which is on 270 acres of tidal shore land and welcomes 100,000 guests throughout the year. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ plan is to protect and preserve Maine’s botanical heritage and natural landscape. Eason is on the program selection committee for the American Public Gardens Association, the premiere organization for public gardens through which professionals can share information, network, and build awareness.