Our Roots

From the beginning, Coast of Maine has followed the example of how to live a more fruitful life from the best teacher of that lesson: the natural world. Here’s the story of how that tale grew.

Seeding an Organic Vision

Carlos and Jean Quijano started our company in 1996—six years before USDA organic certification standards were set. The couple’s vision for working with—not on—the land came to them naturally as avid gardeners living on Maine’s coast. That passion and place made them early advocates of the organic practices that help sustain our planet and us.

Cultivating an Ancient Approach to New Life

The Quijanos had the insight to realize that the discarded things others deemed refuse were really the rich, time-tested secret to nurturing healthy and enduring growth. They harvested everything from lobster and mussel shells to fish bones and berries, employing the skills that could put these natural gifts right back to work in the earth where they belonged.

Compost
Lobster & Crab
Kelp
Worms
Veggies
Flower
Lawn
Plants
Mycorrhizae
Peat Moss
Aged Bark
Perlite
Coconut Coir
Oyster Shells
Sand
Biochar

Lobster Shell Delivery

Planting Soils Temperature Check

Lobster Shell Mixing

Plant-Wrapped Pallets

Harvesting a Brighter Future

As the company Carlos and Jean nurtured flourished, so did our knowledge of the regenerative practices they pioneered. Today, we follow in our founders’ footsteps. We continually perfect the art and science of sourcing, mixing, and composting products worthy of the people and place that inspired our brand and the healthier world it was built to serve.

Artist With An Eye For

Leave it to a native Maine pilot born on an island to become the man with the perfect perspective on our coastal home. We’ve been honored to feature Eric Hopkins’ dynamic painting of our sky, shores, and sea as the signature image for our brand. You’ll find his vibrant plant vignettes on some of our packages as well, all rendered with the skill and spirit that’s made Eric an iconic artist for our state.