Tour
Mt. Cuba
Center

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Formal Garden

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.

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Button Snakeroot
Large flowered Magnolia
Round Garden
Button Snakeroot
Large flowered Magnolia
Round Garden

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 allee
2015-2017
Trial 2016-2019
Trial 2016-2019
A variety of lilacs line this allee
2015-2017
Trial 2016-2019
Trial 2016-2019

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 Flower
Wild Columbine
Foam Flower
Wild Columbine

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 Primrose
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Cardinal Flower
Japanese Primrose
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Cardinal Flower

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

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

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

Trillium Garden

A seasonal garden area highlighting Mt. Cuba Center's extensive Trillium collection.

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Red Southern Trillium
Red Southern Trillium