A Visit to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

There is a sweet little spot near Charlotte, NC for anyone who enjoys gardens. The DSBG (Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden) is an ever-changing wonderland of flowers and foliage. From the time you drive up the long entranceway, you realize this effort of love is going to be something special.

In the spring of 1992, Daniel Stowe and his wife Alene fulfilled a long time dream by opening a world class botanical garden to the public. The DSBG is an expanding series of gardens on 450 acres of woods and rolling fields, located in Belmont, NC.

As you walk through the grounds you'll come across numerous areas, many of which include unique fountains and garden art. Some of these include the gardens titled: Four Seasons; Cottage; Canal; Azalea; Perennial, which includes the Allee' and Tunnel, Scroll, Ribbon and Serpentine Gardens and Fountains; Conifer; Woodland Trail and the Orchid Conservatory. Each area also includes benches set into the scene like part of the artwork, providing areas for your viewing and meditation.

I was astounded at the care given to these gardens and the rare and beautiful plants they have on display. Workers were busy when we toured through these, but not so busy they were unwilling to answer questions on the various plants we were walking past. The service both in the gift shop, the ticket area and the gardens was outstanding.

In addition, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is continually adding new specialty gardens for the public and it does not appear they will be stopping this any time soon. They have plans for many other gardens in their collection, including an upcoming Rose Garden.

If you're in the Charlotte NC area, please do find time to stop at this lovely place. It is well worth your time.

Caveat:

Remember you will be walking outside among real flowers and their inhabitants. Though we were not bothered, if you have bee allergies, please be prepared. The staff at DSBG does suggest sun screen, a hat and insect repellant.

At the time of this writing, DSBG is open 7 days a week from 9am until 5pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Admission Fees:

Adults, $10.00 US / Seniors, $9.00 US / Children 4-12, $5.00 US / DSBG members or children under 4. Free

Contact and Address:

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC 28012 / 704-825-4490 / http://www.dsbg.org/contactus.php

To see various pictures taken during my visit to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, please visit my DSBG set on Flicker.