Seeds to Smiles: Planting Community at Baxter
A Full-Circle Moment: Lily Krietzberg (Seeds to Smiles)
When I first moved to Lewiston nearly three years ago, it quickly became clear that the Pub at Baxter was one of the community’s favorite gathering places. With great drinks, elevated pub fare, and a beautiful interior featuring high ceilings and exposed beams, Baxter has always offered a welcoming atmosphere centered around connection and community.
I remember sitting on Baxter’s patio last year, celebrating the last day of school with coworkers. At the time, I hadn’t yet launched Seeds to Smiles, but the idea was taking shape. As we sat together, talking about the future, my friends encouraged me to take the leap and pursue the dream. Looking back now, this project feels like a true full-circle moment.
A Shared Vision for the Space
I was thrilled to meet Baxter’s social media coordinator at a networking event this winter. During our conversation, she mentioned that Baxter had long envisioned creating gardens in their patio space but hadn’t been sure how to get started. Soon after, I sat down with Jenn Lever, Baxter’s president, and was immediately inspired by her enthusiasm for the project.
Jenn shared a vision that resonated deeply with me. Just like Baxter’s beer, she wanted the garden to be a reliable, bright spot that brings people together while celebrating the beauty of Maine. I instantly connected with that idea and felt honored to help bring it to life.
The patio features several garden beds built directly into the hardscaping, previously filled with boxwoods and other traditional shrubs. After discussing the possibilities, we decided to start fresh and create something that better reflected Baxter’s values and Maine’s natural landscape.
Designing a Garden Rooted in Maine
Our plan centered around native perennial species that would support local pollinators, strengthen the surrounding ecosystem, and showcase plants that are deeply connected to the state. Thoughtful landscape design can reinforce an organization’s identity, and the concept of homegrown Maine pride provided the perfect foundation for this project.
To anchor the design, I selected two iconic Maine natives: wild blueberries and sundial lupines. Not only are they symbolic of the state’s natural heritage, but they also thrive together in acidic soils and attract pollinators during the same part of the growing season.
Creating a Living Wildflower Meadow
From there, I envisioned the gardens as a natural wildflower meadow. To achieve that look, I incorporated a diverse mix of native perennials planted densely throughout the space. Taller species such as yarrow and swamp milkweed provide structure and height, while black-eyed Susans and wild bergamot add color and texture closer to eye level. Wild blue phlox was included as a living ground cover that will gradually fill open spaces and create a more natural appearance over time.
Some plants will bloom throughout the season, while others will make shorter appearances. Together, they will create an ever-changing landscape where there is always something beautiful to see—and always something for pollinators to enjoy.
More Than Just a Garden
This project perfectly captures how I hope Seeds to Smiles will show up in the community. Baxter had an outdoor space and a desire to use it in a way that better reflected who they are, engaged their guests, and supported the local environment.
When it came time to remove the existing shrubs and prepare the beds, I organized a volunteer day with members of the Baxter team. Their enthusiasm and willingness to jump in made a tremendous difference. More importantly, it gave them an opportunity to become part of the garden’s story. There’s something special about rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands in the soil, and helping create something that will benefit the community for years to come.
Those shared experiences are what make Seeds to Smiles unique—and what make this work so rewarding.
Growing Something That Lasts
By the time this project is completed later this month, we’ll have created more than a garden. We’ll have created a gathering place, a conversation starter, and a lasting reflection of Maine’s natural beauty. My hope is that these gardens inspire other businesses and organizations to look differently at their outdoor spaces. Creating something meaningful doesn’t require acres of land—sometimes all it takes is a small piece of the outdoors, a vision, and a community willing to help it grow.
Interested in learning more? Explore at: seedstosmiles.com
