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Mt. Cuba Center: A Celebration of Native Plants

Discover the beauty and ecological value of native plants at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden in the heart of the Delaware Piedmont.

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Mt. Cuba Center, located in Hockessin, Delaware, is a botanical garden dedicated to conserving native plants of the Appalachian Piedmont region. Once a private estate, it now offers visitors a chance to explore diverse gardens and natural landscapes, showcasing the beauty and ecological value of native flora.

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

  • Visit during the spring to witness the breathtaking displays of spring ephemerals, including the nationally recognized Trillium collection.
  • Take a Welcome Walk to learn about the history of the gardens, native plants, and conservation tips.
  • Check the Mt. Cuba Center website for classes, workshops, and special events related to gardening, conservation, art, and wellness.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mt. Cuba Center is located at 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, approximately 4 miles north of Route 141. From Route 141, turn onto Barley Mill Road and proceed for about 4 miles; the entrance will be on your right. Parking is available in the Guest Parking Lot (P1), with accessible parking spaces located near the Ticketing Office. Additional parking is available in P2 during events. Parking is free. From the parking lot, follow the path to the Ticketing Office to purchase tickets or check in.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Mt. Cuba Center, you can take a bus to a nearby location and then use a taxi or ride-sharing service to complete your journey. For example, you could take a DART bus to Wilmington and then a taxi to Mt. Cuba Center. A taxi or rideshare from Wilmington Station to Mt. Cuba Center will cost approximately $25-$35. Please note that public transportation options may be limited, and it's best to check schedules and availability in advance.

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Discover more about Mt. Cuba Center

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.

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