Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens knows how to throw a party, and this year’s fundraising event on Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will be the party of the season.

Fabulous food, delectable drinks including a signature cocktail – Planter’s Punch – a trio of awesome auctions and the opportunity to enjoy glorious garden surroundings will combine to make A Bloomin’ Good Time! a celebration to remember.

Presenting gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a variety of beverages will be featured caterers from all over the state, who are creating and donating their finest for the occasion. A full list of the participating restaurants, caterers, brewers and wineries is on the Botanical Gardens’ website, www.MaineGardens.org.

Volunteers and staff began planning this year’s fundraising party nearly a year ago.

“We’re grateful to the cadre of dedicated volunteers who’ve work for months to create a memorable and successful, party,” the staff coordinator for the event Valerie Augustine said. “We’re also incredibly grateful to the food and drink purveyors and both the donors and bidders who make the auctions a hallmark of our fundraising events.”

The silent auction contains a treasure trove of beautiful, fascinating and valuable items and adventures; there’s something for every taste and every wallet. A few very special items will be part of an exciting live auction conducted by Douglas W. Stinson, principal auctioneer at Carl W. Stinson Inc. in Reading, Mass.

Because the number of tickets to A Bloomin’ Good time! is limited, bidders have a greater chance of taking home some terrific finds. Here are just a few of the items to be auctioned off:

• A 2012/2013 full membership to Boothbay Country Club (a $2,700 value for one year alone, and this gift certificate entitles winner to the remainder of 2012 plus all of 2013!)
• A $1,700 party package: a $500 gift certificate for Blue Elephant Catering plus a $200 gift certificate to Patricia Moroz’ Starlight Custom Cakes in Rockport plus a private rental ($1,000 value) of the Botanical Gardens after hours for a party
• Items from wonderful Maine artisans and shopkeepers including Peapod Jewelry, Damariscotta Pottery, Cuddledown, Now You’re Cooking, CHART metalworks and many more!
• An old-time log splitter
• A sea kayak

In addition to the silent and live auctions, putting additional fun into the fundraising will be a “chip-in” auction, a new feature at the Botanical Gardens. In fact, one that’s new to Maine.

It will be fast and entertaining. “You won’t want to miss it,” Director of Philanthropy Dorothy Freeman said.

A Bloomin’ Good Time will be presented in and around the spacious Bosarge Family Education Center, with delightful decorations to fit the occasion. A giant garden-themed cake will be a focal point. There will be time to enjoy the gardens at their peak, too. Shuttles will make it easier for guests to travel between the party and the adjacent central gardens.

Among the event sponsors are Bath Savings Institution, Longfellow’s Greenhouses, Tindal and Callahan Real Estate, Flagship Inn, Edgecomb Potters, Music Doing Good and Susan Schreiber.

Tickets for A Bloomin’ Good Time! are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. An even greater value is the discounted group of 10 tickets for $300. For more information, visit www.MaineGardens.org, call 633-4333, ext. 101, or stop by the Botanical Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.