Japanese-Inspired Island Garden
Annual Garden
Tulips and daffodils make the Annual Garden a welcome treat in April and May. In June, blooming annuals are planted to create continuous color during the remaining growing season until frost. Typical plantings include snap dragon, dahlia, salvia, alyssum, canna, Gerber daisy, coleus, geranium, sedum, petunia, viola, gladiola, sweet potato vine, and celosia. Forsythia, daphne, hydrangea and weigela shrubs are also featured. Seasonal exhibits are also represented in the Annual Garden, featuring educational messages and demonstrations of new ideas to inspire our guests for their own home gardens and landscapes. The Annual Garden is the home for the Mother’s Day sculpture of a mother bear with her two cubs. Insider Tip: Children are allowed to climb on this sculpture only, with adult supervision.
Conversation Garden
Stories are told in the Conversation Garden in both the memorial pavers along the path and in the quiet conversations which occur regularly in this lovely sun-filled spot. The picturesque views of the Annual Garden and the English Cottage Garden across the pond create a contemplative moment to connect through conversation, thought or the written word.
English Cottage Garden
Step into the whimsical world of the English Cottage Garden where there is time enough for a moment of contemplation as you appreciate the unpretentious beauty of harmonious colors and growth. The English Cottage Garden encourages a more relaxed approach to a planned garden.
Sensory Garden
Here, all five of the senses are needed to fully experience and learn all this garden has to offer. It is a world of discovery and excitement, also providing great habitat for pollinators including bees and butterflies. Every feature is designed to tantalized guests to touch, see, hear and smell creating memorable experiences which will linger long after their visit to the garden to over.
Adventure Path
As you pass from the South Promenade to the Children’s Garden make discoveries along the way through the Adventure Path. Find wildlife footprints, hear the cascading water, climb hills and rocks noticing the birds, colorful flowers, grasses and evergreens which add to the mysteries to be discovered by visitors of all ages.
Traditional Border Garden
Perennial borders and free flowing design. Perennials and shrubs with contrasting foliage color and texture are grown under shady conditions on the north side of the garden. Hosta and Ligularia are planted here, acting as bold specimens amoung more delicate shade loving plants such as astible, goatsbeard, and snakeroot.
Waterfall Garden
The sound of water is soothing, relaxing and inviting. But this space does more than invite alone time. It also serves as a pretty little spot for social gatherings and small public events. Designed to provide a memory inducing location for special events as well as individual moments which follow the course of the water as it teaches us movement and power.
Hosta Garden – – to be completed at a later date; check back for updates!
Island Garden – Opening May 2020!
Lotus Creek Garden
Tall oaks and hickory trees shade this garden located along Lotus Creek. Spring brings azalea and rhododendron into bloom. A teak bench and chair are located on the stone paved resting spot overlooking the stream where fish can often be observed.
Pergola Garden
The Pergola Garden celebrates the water crossing and serves as a distant architectural featuring that is visible from the Visitors Cottage. Vines planted against the pergola create a cool verdant tunnel and provide welcome shade on a hot summer day. Benches provide an inviting place to linger and enjoy this cool watery environment.
Spring Garden
Thousands of daffodils of several species, crocus, forsythia bushes, service berry, witch hazel and dog wood bring color to the Spring Garden during April and May.
West Promenade Garden
Utilizing the design principles of Fredrick Law Olmstead, an American landscape architect in the 1800s, the West Promenade Garden incorporates simplicity with site characteristics, organic plantings, and subtle movement. It gives visitors opportunities to sit and rest while enjoying the soothing views of Christiana Creek or one of the many other gardens in its proximity.