The Formal Gardens surround the colonial revival-style Copeland House and feature a colorful display of plants, laid out with the symmetry and geometry that are characteristic of formal garden design.
Button snakeroot foliage looks very similar to the desert yucca while the striking, creamy-white flower heads resemble thistles and are wonderful for dried arrangements.
Large flowered Magnolia
With thick, glossy leaves and large, fragrant flowers, southern magnolia brings a commanding presence to the Round Garden. Its flowers can reach up to 8″ in diameter.
Round Garden
A combination of native perennials and exotic annuals bring added color to the Round Garden throughout the seasons.
Trial Garden
In our 15,000-square foot Trial Garden, we conduct research on native plants, evaluating them for beauty, ecological benefits, and pest resistance. Species and cultivars of a selected plant are grown side-by-side, allowing our researchers to develop unbiased results and highlight plants best suited for the mid-Atlantic region.
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A variety of lilacs line this allee2015-2017Trial 2016-2019Trial 2016-2019
A variety of lilacs line this allee
Historic plantings of lilacs form a grand entrance to the Trial Garden.
2015-2017
The Trial Garden is currently evaluating over 100 selections of phlox, a popular native perennial in the home landscape.
Trial 2016-2019
New this season: The Trial Garden is currently evaluating native hydrangea, one of the most popular perennials in today’s garden.
Trial 2016-2019
New this season: A native plant that has found popularity in Europe. We are bringing it home to evaluate.
West Slope
Appearing and disappearing from sight, the West Slope Path curves downhill and emerges slowly through an alluring mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. The path curves past vignettes of dense woodland and intricate tapestries of native perennials. The bottom of the path extends through a veil of evergreens, leading to the Ponds.
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Foam FlowerWild Columbine
Foam Flower
delicate white flowers float above this shade-loving perennial.
Wild Columbine
Bright red blooms attract hummingbirds in early spring.
Ponds
The iconic beauty of our Ponds offers a serene environment for reflection, contemplation, and inspiration. A series of ponds are surrounded by plants that thrive in wet soils and are home to a startling abundance of wildlife. A small bog garden displays carnivorous plants and native orchids.
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Japanese PrimroseFollow the video linkCardinal Flower
Japanese Primrose
A favorite plant of Mrs. Copeland, that once inspired her to comment, “they aren’t native but they should be.”
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Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower is a sure bet for gardeners anxious to have hummingbirds visit their gardens.
Dogwood Path
Dogwoods frame the lush moss bank on this meandering pathway, where woodland and meadow plants intermingle at the forest edge. The path provides occasional views of distant garden areas as well as sections of secluded woods. The Dogwood Path is abundant in spring blooms, radiant summer greens, and rich autumn hues.
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Moss Bank
Moss Bank
The Moss bank offers a unique composition of mosses, shaded by the dogwood canopy above.
Meadow
The Meadow showcases plants found in open sunny spaces and along woodland edges. Intimate paths cut through swaying native grasses, which form the canvas for a constantly changing collection of beautiful wildflowers. These grasses and flowering plants provide food and shelter for multitudes of wildlife and attract a variety of pollinators.
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Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Dogwood
Delicate white blooms highlight this graceful native tree in spring.
Woods Path
This awe-inspiring space is filled with colorful spring ephemerals planted below towering tulip trees. Native woodland plants form distinctive layers leading one’s gaze upward to the cathedral-like canopy. The Woods Path fulfills the wishes of Mrs. Copeland to have visitors “look up as well as down.”
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Tulip tree
Tulip tree
A signature tree of local forests, this “king of the magnolia family” grows rapidly in youth producing straight, unbranched trunks creating cathedral-like columns.
Trillium Garden
A seasonal garden area highlighting Mt. Cuba Center's extensive Trillium collection.
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Red Southern Trillium
Red Southern Trillium
Deep red flowers catch your eye in the Trillium Garden.