Mt. Cuba Center: A Celebration of Native Plants

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Delaware Piedmont, Mt. Cuba Center is more than just a botanical garden; it's a testament to the beauty and importance of native plants. What began in 1935 as the private estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela Cunningham Copeland, has blossomed into a leading center for native plant research, conservation, and education. The Copelands transformed their farmland into a stunning landscape, with Mrs. Copeland playing a pivotal role in championing native plants. Over the years, they enlisted the expertise of prominent landscape designers like Thomas Sears, Marian Coffin, and Seth Kelsey to create diverse gardens and naturalistic woodlands. In 1989, the property was established as a non-profit foundation, and in 2013, it opened to the public, allowing everyone to experience the wonders of native flora. Today, Mt. Cuba Center spans over 600 acres, featuring formal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, a trial garden, and scenic trails. Visitors can explore the nationally recognized Trillium Garden, witness native plant research in action, and wander through enchanting woodlands and meadows. The gardens showcase a vast collection of eastern North American flora, with a focus on the Appalachian Piedmont. Horticultural research concentrates on plants like Coreopsis, Heuchera, Baptisia, and Trillium, with several Mt. Cuba introductions becoming widely popular. More than just a place of beauty, Mt. Cuba Center is committed to inspiring an appreciation for native plants and a commitment to protecting the habitats that sustain them. Through horticulture, education, research, and visitation, the center strives to fulfill its mission and promote the importance of native plants for a healthy environment.