Maine Couples Find Love Blooming in Their Gardens

From first-time gardeners to seasoned green thumbs, these four couples share how tending to their shared outdoor oasis strengthens their bond.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Four couples in Maine share how gardening together has strengthened their relationships. Abby and Ben Schaeffer transformed a neglected rental property into a lush oasis, while Dorothy Cady and Claire Devries have cultivated a spiritual garden sanctuary on Peaks Island. Dave and Paula Palma found success at their community garden plot after failing at home, and Brianna Gammons and Steven Arsenault inherited an established garden when they bought their first home, sparking a new shared passion.

Why it matters

These stories highlight how gardening can be a unifying activity for couples, fostering communication, compromise, and a shared sense of accomplishment. In an era of increasing isolation, these couples demonstrate how tending to a garden together can deepen romantic relationships and build community.

The details

The Schaeffers met working at a local nursery and have continued their gardening partnership at home, with Ben building raised beds and Abby overseeing the plant selection. Cady and Devries have created a spiritual oasis on Peaks Island, with Devries taking on maintenance tasks to support Cady's hands-on gardening. The Palmas struggled with gardening at home but found success and community at their local community garden plot. Gammons and Arsenault inherited an established garden when they bought their first home, sparking a new shared passion as they learn to maintain and expand it.

  • The Schaeffers met 14 years ago while working at Skillins Greenhouses.
  • Cady and Devries have been gardening together for 7 years on Peaks Island.
  • The Palmas started their community garden plot during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • Gammons and Arsenault bought their first home and inherited the garden in June 2024.

The players

Abby and Ben Schaeffer

A married couple who met while working at Skillins Greenhouses and have transformed a neglected rental property into a lush garden oasis.

Dorothy Cady and Claire Devries

A couple who have cultivated a spiritual garden sanctuary on Peaks Island, with Cady as the primary gardener and Devries providing support and maintenance.

Dave and Paula Palma

A couple who struggled with gardening at their previous homes but found success and community at their local community garden plot.

Brianna Gammons and Steven Arsenault

A couple who inherited an established garden when they bought their first home, sparking a new shared passion as they learn to maintain and expand it.

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What they’re saying

“Wow! There's a lot of satisfaction knowing that it's been a shared project.”

— Ben Schaeffer

“It's really nice to just see her doing all her gardening. She's among all of the stuff that's just growing and living. That's why I fell in love with her.”

— Claire Devries

“If it becomes stressful, then we wouldn't do it.”

— Paula Palma

“We're just experimenting. It's fun. The bank has us here for at least 30 years, so we got plenty of time to iterate on it.”

— Steven Arsenault

The takeaway

These couples' stories demonstrate how gardening can be a unifying activity that strengthens romantic relationships, fosters communication and compromise, and builds a sense of community. Even for first-time gardeners, the shared experience of tending to a plot of land can spark new passions and create lasting memories.