The wait is finally over, and Mt. Cuba Center officially opens our gates for visitation on Saturday, April 1, 2023. We are thrilled to welcome members and guests back to experience all that the gardens and trails have to offer.
Looking for some quiet time to reflect in nature? Take a seat by our ponds and enjoy the soothing sounds of water, birds, and the occasional frog. Feeling energetic? Take a hike on our scenic trails winding through grasslands and forests and see what birds you can spot.
Read on to hear what’s new and exciting at Mt. Cuba this year.
Walk the Woodland Glade
Our new Woodland Glade entrance garden, which opened last June, greets arriving guests with a walk through a naturalistic garden designed to complement the existing character of the space. Guests will enjoy seeing Kentucky Lady’s Slippers (Cypripedium kentuckiense) bloom in the Glade for the first time, as well as swathes of Carex species, and Love in Vein violet wood‐sorrel (Oxalis violacea ‘Love In Vein’)!
Discover What’s New in the Gardens
Keep an eye out as new research begins in the Trial Garden. Starting this year, we will be studying different species and cultivars of oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), milkweed (Asclepias spp.), and obedient plant (Physostegia spp.).
Check out these plants and track their performance over the season and years! Following the release of Carex for the Mid-Atlantic Region, you can now see our top performers in person. Find Carex species planted throughout the garden and get inspiration for your own yard.
View conservation efforts in action as our horticulture staff is experimenting with different ways to manage our meadow to most effectively support native insects. Part of the meadow has been mowed as usual, while another part has been left intact to support insect habitat. Follow along as the meadow grows in on both sides and witness the balance between garden aesthetics and conservation.
Participate in an Upcoming Class or Event
Mt. Cuba offers an exciting lineup of events this year, kicking off with Wildflower Weekend on April 28-30. Enjoy the beautiful show of blooming spring ephemerals, garden tours, music, and activities for children and adults! We also offer many classes on topics ranging from ecological gardening with native plants, to art, wellness, conservation, and more. Learn more and find something that interests you here.
Plan your visit today!
Explore the gardens and trails from April through November, Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. Purchase tickets in advance or upon arrival, or become a Mt. Cuba member today!