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Mt. Cuba Center: A Native Plant Paradise

Explore the beauty of native plants at Mt. Cuba Center, a stunning botanical garden in Delaware's Piedmont region. Open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday.

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Discover the beauty of eastern North American flora at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden in Hockessin, Delaware. Once a private estate, the center now showcases stunning displays of native plants in formal and naturalistic gardens, woodlands, and meadows, offering a tranquil escape and educational experience.

A brief summary to Mt. Cuba Center

  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on mulched paths and uneven terrain.
  • Visit during the spring for the best display of wildflowers.
  • Check the Mt. Cuba Center website for upcoming events, classes, and guided tours.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic area or on the grounds.
  • Consider becoming a member for free admission and other benefits.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mt. Cuba Center is located at 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707. From Wilmington, take I-95 S and merge onto DE-202 N. Continue on DE-202 N to DE-7 N, following signs for Hockessin. Turn left onto Barley Mill Rd, and the entrance will be on your right. Parking is available on-site at no additional cost.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Mt. Cuba Center via public transportation, take the DART First State bus route 40 from Wilmington to the 'Hockessin' stop. From there, it's approximately a 1.5-mile walk along Barley Mill Rd to the center. The bus fare is approximately $2.00 one way. Check the DART First State website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    For a direct route, use a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Lyft) to Mt. Cuba Center at 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707. The cost from Wilmington is estimated to be between $25-$40, depending on the service and time of day.

Unlock the Best of Mt. Cuba Center

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Discover more about Mt. Cuba Center

Mt. Cuba Center, nestled in the rolling hills of Hockessin, Delaware, is a botanical garden dedicated to the study and conservation of native plants of the Appalachian Piedmont. What began in 1935 as the private estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela Cunningham Copeland, has blossomed into a 600-acre haven for horticultural research, education, and natural beauty. The Copelands transformed former farmland into a Colonial Revival-style manor house with gardens, commissioning landscape architect Thomas Sears to design the initial formal areas. In the 1960s, landscape architect Seth Kelsey expanded the gardens into the surrounding woodlands, creating winding paths and picturesque ponds. Pamela Copeland's passion for native plants led to the development of woodland wildflower gardens, and in 1983, Dr. Richard Lighty was hired as the first Director of Horticulture to study the native plants of the Appalachian Piedmont. Today, visitors can explore a variety of gardens, including formal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, and a trial garden where horticultural research is conducted. Mt. Cuba Center is particularly known for its collections of *Coreopsis*, *Heuchera*, *Baptisia*, and *Trillium*, and is a designated national collection holder for *Hexastylis* and *Trillium*. The center's commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices and net-zero energy greenhouse. Open to the public since 2013, Mt. Cuba Center offers a range of activities, including guided tours, educational programs, and self-directed exploration. The center's mission is to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protecting the habitats that sustain them.

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