Mainescape blossoms under new ownership

Brewer Spencer Janney, owner of Naiad Country Brewery, took over the nearly 50 year old business in February

June 2, 2026

By Jessi Hardy

Spencer Janney takes a moment to enjoy the busy weekend with his ‘partner’ Larry. Photo by Jessi Hardy.

BLUE HILL—Mainescape, a long-running local garden center and nursery, has a new owner, with new offerings in the works such as a brewery, music venue and community gathering space.

Spencer Janney, founder of Naiad Country Brewery in Orland, bought the business in February from Don and Althea Paine. The couple had owned and operated the center for nearly 50 years.

Janney’s interest in local agriculture and sustainable communities are a big part of what motivated him to purchase Mainescape. Janney will announce plans for the brewery later this year but he said he isn’t just bringing a brewery to the area—he is working to incorporate hospitality, food, and music into the business, creating a hub that showcases what he values.

“I’m really passionate about products and experiences, to deepen your sense of place,” Janney said. “Real stuff made by real people in real places that bring you together.”

Janney and his “partner” Larry, a rescue puppy who follows Janney nearly everywhere, plan to collaborate with the community to provide a venue for local events, pop-ups, winter farmers markets, music, fundraisers and “many other possibilities.”

“I hope to encourage people to linger here outside the scope of just shopping,” Janney said. “I hope this place will become a showcase for sustainability and show what that type of [business] approach looks like.”

Blue Hill Consolidated School’s 6th grade class hosted a Mother’s Day Bake sale at Mainescape to fundraise for their class. Photo by Jessi Hardy.

Janney said that the garden center will continue to evolve alongside the new brewery. More than a business owner, Janney sees himself as a “steward.”

“People have seen that I am not coming into the area to see what I can get,” he said. “I [came here] to see what I can give.”

Janney said he also plans to open a cafe and add a food truck to the business.

In a nod to the Paines’ legacy, Janney said he plans to keep many things at Mainescape the same. Still, he’s looking forward to bringing some new ideas to the business and is looking forward to hosting community collaborations and events.

“It’s an interesting balance, trying to bring some fresh ideas to the business while also honoring and uplifting what people have come to expect,” Janney said. 

A passion turned profession

Janney, 28, an avid reader, was inspired to open a brewery at a young age. After reading books like The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, where characters drank a “brown, nourishing, wholesome” beer, he told his parents about his new dream: to brew a porter. He was 15.

“[That’s when] I started homebrewing,” Janney said. “I really fell in love with the process. It was the first thing I’d done in my life that was wholly mine.”

Janney plans to add a brewery in Blue Hill but Naiad taproom in Orland will remain in operation. Photo by Jessi Hardy.

Undaunted by the intricacies of brewing beer, Janney was determined to pursue his new passion. After experimenting on his own, Janney moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for his first brewing job at age 18. Despite being underage and new to the industry, he was determined to learn as much as he could. He soon realized that to fulfill his dream, he needed to keep pushing the boundaries of his craft. At age 19, he landed in Australia, where he worked in breweries for a year.

When Janney returned to the United States he traveled cross country and continued to work in the industry. In 2021, he moved to Orland and in 2023 began building Naiad Brewing, which opened in May of 2024.

Growing pint by pint

In Orland, Janney runs a two-barrel production system but he said it’s hard to keep up with demand and plans to bring production to Blue Hill. Moving operations to Mainescape will allow him to have a 15-barrel operation and put more beer on the market.

“We brew clean, drinkable styles that emphasize and elevate local ingredients,” Janney said, adding that he prefers English inspired ales. Naiad is also known for its pilsners, pales and lagers.

“I’m really interested in self-contained systems,” Janney said. “And closing loops that are left open to be more self-sustainable.” 

Janney said that he is using local ingredients whenever possible and plans to grow some of his own. He is also committed to using waste from the brewery for compost at Mainescape.

“Plants are a big part of all this. Anyone who’s been to the property [in Orland] will see vegetables and edible plants all around them. The meadow that is there is maintained intentionally for pollinators,” he said.

Lawson Bradshaw, 2, of Penobscot, shops with his dad. Photo by Jessi Hardy.

Janney said he feels very lucky to have received an outpouring of community support, including from employees who are helping him get up to speed with the business. He said he’s learning something new every day and is excited about the future.

In addition to his growing business, Janney is putting down roots, building a tiny house in Sedgwick.

For more information visit website Mainescape.com.