Located just minutes from Charlotte in Belmont, N.C., the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is one of the jewels in the Queen City’s crown. Named one of the nation’s 20 Great Gardens in HGTV’s popular book, Flower Gardening, the Garden sits on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie.
Part nature preserve, part showcase for the best of Southern horticulture, the Garden is in the process of implementing an ambitious 50-year master plan. Currently there are over 110 acres in cultivation for guests to enjoy including:
• The 13,500 square foot Robert Lee Stowe Visitor Pavilion topped with a magnificent stained-glass dome
• Approximately 10 acres of manicured, themed gardens: The year-round Four Seasons Garden, the tropically-themed Canal Garden, four distinct Perennial Gardens (chock-full of ideas for home gardens), the nostalgic Cottage Garden, the fragrant Conifer Garden, the Encore Azalea® spring and fall blooming Garden and stately West Gardens
• 12 delightful fountains
• Woodland trail
• The Garden Store stocked with “must-have” unique items, many hand-crafted by local artisans
• The Orchid Conservatory, which opened in January 2008
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located at 6500 South New Hope Rd in Belmont, NC. Beginning in late November, the Garden is open seven days a week noon to 9 pm and is closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 60+, $6 for children ages 4-12 and free for children under 4.
The Garden offers both Guided Group Tours and Self-Guided Tours. The guided tours are 1.5 hours in length and are led by trained Garden Guides. Guided tours are available of either the General Garden Tour which covers the Visitor Pavilion and formal gardens) or the Woodland Trail Tour which interprets a beautifully forested area along a quarter mile nature trail. On a self-guided visit, you just stroll through the Garden at your own leisurely pace.
The Garden has many special events during the Holiday Season, so make some time in your schedule for a visit. You can learn more on their website: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
