U.S. Senator Tom Carper Visits Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek

U.S. Senator Tom Carper visited the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) in Dagsboro recently to get an update on progress in the 37-acre natural campus with five main gardens and showcasing 200,000 spring bulbs.  

DBG President Ray Sander, Vice President Carol McCloud, Executive Director Sheryl Swed and Director of Horticulture and Education Programs Stephen Pryce Lea welcomed Senator Carper back to DBG with a guided tour. 

Senator Carper said, "I am amazed at the progress the staff and volunteers have accomplished. The spring bulbs are wonderful. Well done Delaware Botanic Gardens!" 

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. The gardens are open Thursdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are guided tours at 10 a.m. 

For more information go to delawaregardens.org. 

DBG Opens 2023 Season March 16th

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) at Pepper Creek, announced that the 37-acre botanic gardens near Dagsboro will open for the 2023 season at 9 a.m. on Thursday March 16th. Sander said, “We are excited to have been presented the 2022 ‘Best Attraction” award by Southern Delaware Tourism. DBG staff and volunteers have been working all fall-winter creating new features for guests to enjoy in a safe natural outdoor environment. In the five main gardens - Rhyne Garden, Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden, Learning Garden, Folly Garden and Woodlands Garden we now have over 200,000 spring bulbs. Welcome back for another season of natural beauty and experience the gardens and wildlife spring to life again.”

Stephen Pryce Lea, Director of Horticulture and Educational Programs said, “Thanks to a mild winter and a hard-working team, we have made a great progress in the gardens. We planted 86,000 additional spring bulbs this fall, adding to a spectacular spring display to welcome our guests back to the gardens. We also planted 1,683 native sapling trees on the berm facing Piney Neck Road and thank the Delaware Urban Community Forestry (UCF) for these trees. In addition, in the West Woodlands, along our wide ADA compatible walking trails, we are planting 183 new trees thanks to the Trees For Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI). I invite you to get involved. We are planning a new Gateway Garden to greet our guests and thank the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). On our website is a list of our 2023 educational Tours and Classes. For example, on Saturday, March 18th at 2 p.m. I will give a Guided Spring Bulb Tour; and on Thursday, March 30th at 11:30 a.m. Jan Poli, DBG designer, will give a spring planters class. You can sign-up now at delawaregardens.org.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “We have new features, like the expanded succulent garden surrounding a new brick fireplace in the Folly Garden, and an expanded list of DBG 2023 learning opportunities. You can also become involved by becoming a member or join our wonderful team of DBG volunteers. Come see how the gardens are expanding. Please join us, as we welcome spring. A special delight, Vincent Varrassi, DBG’s Musician in Residence, will help us welcome spring by playing the keyboard from 9 a.m. to noon on opening day.”

The Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public on Thursdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there are guided tours at 10 a.m. You can register for guided tours in advance on the DBG website or if there is room on the day of your visit. Go to www.delawaregardens.org. The DBG is located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Members admission is free, and tours/classes are $10. Nonmembers adult admission is $15, and tours/classes are $10. Children16 and have free admission.

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create a world-class, inspirational, educational, and sustainable public botanic garden in southern Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

DBG OPENS FOR SEASON - CELEBRATES NEW GREEN TECHOLOGIES RESTROOM BUILDING

On March 17th , Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek opened to the public for the 2022 season. There was a celebration and Bethany Beach - Fenwick Chamber of Commerce “ribbon cutting” celebration featured the opening of the new 800-square-foot rustic cedar restroom facility. Surrounded by over 60 Sussex County garden supporters, Ray Sander, DBG President said, “Look to your left and right. You are people who have donated time, energy, and money to make DBG a reality. When you are a gardener, you believe in the future. When you plant or build it is an act of faith in the future. Your belief in DBG has empowered us to create this beautiful garden and now to have this stunning public restroom which will enhance our visitor’s experience.” Sander then saluted many leaders who were present. Guest Speakers at the opening celebration included: Michael Vincent, President, Sussex County Council, who said, “DBG is a great attraction for Sussex County. You have done a great job with all the volunteers, and we thank them for their work. This is a great place to have an event where you can walk and enjoy the beauty of Sussex County.” Russ McCabe and Ron Vickers represented the Sussex County Land Trust. McCabe said, “When you look at how far this garden has come, it is amazing. I am a historian, but my focus has become less and less on the past and more on the future. There is no better example on the focus on the future in Sussex County than these gardens. The beauty - and you are preserving our heritage and our future.” Sander saluted Scott Edmonston, Erich Pfeffer and SEA Architects for their unique restroom building design, which was done pro-bono. Sander also saluted Mark Davidson, Vice President of Pennoni Engineering in Milton for all the construction engineering work, which was also done pro-bono. Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director explained how a friendly conversation with Jen Edmonston, developed into the pro-bono donation of the architectural design by the Edmonstons and their award-winning team. Swed said, “DBG now has a stunning public restroom facility which has enhanced the beauty of the Garden.” Scott Edmonston said,” Congratulations to the DBG team, this is a milestone in the long-term health and sustainability of the gardens. We are proud to be a part of that. We came to the gardens with a vision that was a little bit out of everyone’s comfort zone and DBG leadership said, sure let’s do it. It really takes a leader’s vision to trust your architect and that’s what happened here.” Sander also saluted Wanderson Noriega and Daniel Kay of WN Builders who constructed the new restroom facility. Wanderson Noriega replied, “We thank everyone and appreciated the opportunity – it was amazing and we enjoyed working with everyone.” The new restroom building has several “Green Technology” features including a 1,000-gallon stainless steel cistern and a “rain chain” that captures the rain-water from the restroom roof and then provides water for the rain garden’s native plants, which in turn filter the rain water. There is also a “living plant wall” at the entrance to the restrooms. Supporting these “Green technology” features is the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Ben Coverdale, of DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship spoke about the series of water quality grants provided to DBG, including: Green Technology at the Restrooms, the Living Shoreline Project, the Rhyne Garden and the proposed Gateway Garden projects. Coverdale said, “We are happy to see all of this come together.”

DBG Opens 2022 Season on March 17th

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced that the 37-acre botanic gardens near Dagsboro will open for the 2022 season at 9 a.m. on Thursday March 17th . Sander said, “Our staff and volunteers have been working all winter creating new features for guests to enjoy in a safe natural environment. We have added to the beauty of the 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden by planting 84,000 new spring bulbs. The Folly Garden has a new reflecting pool and an additional 37,500 bulbs to enjoy. Welcome back for the 2022 season of natural beauty and see the gardens and wildlife spring to life again.” Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “At noon on opening day, March 17th we invite all to join us, with the Bethany BeachFenwick Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate a “Ribbon Cutting” at our new 800-square-foot Restroom Building. This new rustic cedar building is the creative design of award-winning architect Scott Edmonston and his SEA Studio team. The unique building design has “green” features, including a “living wall” of plants sustained by rainwater. The rainwater is collected in a cistern, fed by a special “water chain,” which drains from the roof. There is also a rain garden alongside the building deck, with native plants that “clean” the water as it drains down into the west woodlands. We are so proud of this unique “green” building located in the West Woodland Garden. Thanks to WN Builders and Sea Studio Architects, and also to Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) for sponsoring the “green” restroom building features.”

DBG Announces New Advisory Council Chair

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced that David Small has accepted the invitation to become Chair of the DBG Advisory Council. Sander said, “David Small has been a member of the Advisory Council since its earliest days. David’s outstanding leadership on the full range of environmental issues has been a great asset to DBG and even more now as Chair of the Advisory Council.” Mr. Small’s 30-year career at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) included 14- years as Deputy Secretary and three years as Secretary. His outstanding leadership was recognized by being awarded the Order of the First State, Delaware’s highest civilian honor. He is also the recipient of the 2016 Delaware Public Official of the Year by the America Public Works Association, and the 2016 Environmental Achievement Award from the Inland Bays Foundation. Mr. Small is currently a senior consultant at Verdantas, formerly Duffield Associates, a leading engineering and consulting firm with offices in Delaware and 29 locations across the country. The DBG Advisory Council is a group of distinguished thought - leaders who have brought their extensive knowledge, insights and experience to the DBG mission of creating a world class public garden in Delaware. David Small said, “The Delaware Botanic Gardens are a worldclass treasure thanks to the vision, support work and generosity of a dedicated team that includes volunteers, donors and international experts. I am honored to be the Chair of the DBG Advisory Council and to join in this remarkable demonstration of citizen participation and volunteer accomplishment.” Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “The dedication and inspirational Leadership of Carla Markell, the first Chair of the Advisory Council has set a high standard for all of us at DBG. We are indebted to Carla and the great members of the Advisory Council, who have helped DBG become a reality. We are honored that David has agreed to accept the leadership baton from Carla as we continue this relay race to create a flagship public garden on Delmarva.”

DBG Volunteers to Receive Governor’s 2021 Outstanding Volunteer Award

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG), gratefully thanked Governor John Carney for recognizing the exceptional contribution of the DBG volunteers and especially the tireless work of our Garden Stewards. Sander said, “Public botanical gardens are places of beauty and conservation where the public can enjoy and be educated about the role and importance of horticulture. The Delaware Botanic Gardens is one of the newest public gardens in the United States and one of the few where volunteers perform the full range of gardening, administrative, and management tasks. We are very proud of the thousands of hours that our volunteers have donated. Without their time, energy, and dedication, there would be no beautiful gardens in Sussex County for the community to visit and enjoy.” Carol McCloud, DBG Vice President and Director of Volunteers, said, “This 2021 Governor’s Volunteer award has been won with plain old fashioned hard work in all types of weather conditions all year long. It is an honor and a privilege to be a Garden Steward, working alongside these amazing volunteers and friends. Volunteers do this work for a love of the gardens, and it brings them pleasure to share their work with the greater community.” Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said,” I congratulate Carol McCloud and all our dedicated Garden Stewards who are on the front lines daily to ensure that the gardens are in top shape for our community to enjoy. Most recently, the Garden Stewards planted 84,000 spring bulbs in the 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow. These bulbs will be in full bloom when we reopen in March. We thank all who have volunteered, visited, and supported the gardens this year. We look forward to seeing you next spring. Again, we are so proud of all our volunteers.”

Electric Vehicle Chargers at DBG

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG), announced that DBG has two electrical vehicle chargers installed in the main guest parking lot. Sander said, “DBG’s core values include environmental stewardship, and we have taken another environmentally-friendly step in giving electric vehicle guests the ability to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while recharging their vehicles.” In this venture, we proudly join our partner, Electric Vehicle Institute EVI). Matthew Wade, Chief Executive Officer of the Electric Vehicle Institute, said, “EVI is pleased to partner with Delaware Botanic Gardens in this important installation of these Electric Vehicle Chargers. We see great synergy between our mission of improving EV mobility in the region and DBG in showcasing nature in a pristine and beautiful setting.” Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We are proud to partner with the Electric Vehicle Institute (EVI) and will share 50 - 50% in revenue from these charger stations. EVI is a proven leader in providing vehicle charger stations and encouraging the public and industry to move toward zero emissions in transportation and improve overall energy efficiency.”

Sea Witch and Scare Crows at DBG

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG), announced that DBG would participate in this year’s Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce Sea Witch Festival by creating a unique 9-foot Sea Witch and new Scarecrow Trail at the gardens in Dagsboro. Sander said, “Our wonderful volunteers wanted to celebrate the end of the harvest season and invite the community on October 29, 30, and 31 to see our interpretation of the Sea Witch and to enjoy a special Scarecrow Trail. In addition, our guests will judge and vote on which of nine scarecrows is the ‘Best’ DBG Scarecrow.” Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We invite families to enjoy DBG’s gardens decorated for the fall season. The plants and trees are beginning to show their fall colors.” Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Director of Horticulture, said, “Our volunteers and staff have worked hard to enhance our gardens with new seasonal adventures. Costumes are welcome. The gardens will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 29, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31. Please join us for a joyful fall harvest celebration time.”

DBG Holds Butterfly Thursdays

Sheryl Swed, Executive Director of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced a new series of events, “Butterfly Thursdays” at the gardens every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. starting Thursday, July 29th running through Thursday August 26th Carol McCloud, Vice President and Volunteer-Tour Director said, “Two of our most knowledgeable volunteer leaders, retired science teacher Margaret Kimmel and Craig Haggerty a retired math teacher will be giving a short lecture followed by a tour of the Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden, where the Butterflies and other pollinators abound. All are welcome.” The Butterfly program is free for members but they must sign-up in advance. Non- member adults pay only a $12 admission fee and their children 16 and under receive free admission but must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian. In this program you will also get to see lots of bees.

DBG Partners to Help Local Community Access COVID-19 Vaccination

Ray Sander, Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) president, announced that the gardens will host a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic with the Sussex County Bookmobile vaccination partners: Sussex County Libraries, Beebe Healthcare and Sussex County EMS on Thursday, July 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The gardens are located at 30220 Piney Neck Road in Dagsboro, DE 19939. Sander said,” We welcome all to get a vaccine shot and then visit our 37-acre gardens for FREE.” ” We are so thankful for our community partners like the Delaware Botanic Gardens to be able to offer more Sussex Countians the COVID-19 vaccine that is saving lives during this pandemic,” said Kim Blanch RN/Community Service Manager for Beebe Healthcare’s Population Health.” She said, “This is a walk-up clinic for those 12 years of age and older. We will be providing both Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.” Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “This is our way to reach out to our community and team with health care partners to help make our Sussex County neighbors safe. We will show our appreciation to the people getting vaccinated and the members of the health clinic team by allowing them FREE admission to the gardens and a FREE Day Pass as a gift from DBG. The gardens are one of the safest outdoor experiences to enjoy nature’s beauty this summer.”