The mid-Atlantic’s only native plant botanical garden, one filled with luscious flowers and plant trials as well as being a haven for birders, a scenic setting for hikers, and a quiet retreat for picnickers, is but a 90 minute drive from the U.S. 1 area.
The richness and luxury of the location’s 1,000 plus acres is the result of its being started by a member of the prolific du Pont family 88 years ago. In 1935, Lammont du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela, purchased 126 acres of farmland in bucolic Hockessin, Delaware. The town, located to the west of Wilmington, is in an area populated by and enriched by numerous generations of the du Pont family.
First came construction of the house, a brick Colonial revival mansion. The Great Depression and then World War II halted garden development for all practical purposes. Under the guidance of Pamela Copeland, landscaped gardens began to appear in the late 1940s. At some point the term Mt. Cuba Center was chosen as the estate’s name. It reflects the estate’s closeness to a now defunct village by that name. And how that village acquired its foreign-sounding name is a mystery that has yet to be fathomed.
Over time acreage was added and garden development expanded so that the Mt. Cuba Center became a botanic garden on a private estate. Keen horticulturists and plant geeks flocked to the place, coming from as far away as Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Richmond. Last year, Mt. Cuba Center was named one of the finest botanic gardens in the country in a USA TODAY article.
Until 10 years ago, Mt. Cuba remained a relatively unknown destination because it was closed to the general public. That changed in 2013, and the area’s allure beyond plant life is now opened to all. Well, to further clarify that, opened to those who have purchased tickets beforehand.
Mrs. Copeland, described as one of this country’s richest persons by Forbes magazine in 1985, saw to it that the Center was not only endowed but also became a nonprofit foundation. With that, work began on transforming the property into one that not only welcomed visitors but also offered other attractions. After Mrs. Copeland’s death in 2001, the function of the house was changed from serving as a private resident to one accommodating staff and business operations. Restrooms were added for both staff and visitors.
Plant trials began shortly after that. To date 14 different trials have been held. A trial evaluates a native plant and its related cultivars for their horticultural and ecological value. Two to three dozen different forms of a plant are evaluated in both open shade and sun for up to three years. Upon the completion of a trial, a detailed, illustrated report is published and offered free online.
The trial gardens have been one of my favorite places at Mt. Cuba Center, and I was especially looking forward to the current one. As Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research, explained to me, 26 different oakleaf hydrangeas — from short to tall and with blooms from gleaming white to rich red — are currently being evaluated. This shrub is one that offers interest throughout the year, with its sculptural stems in winter, handsome blossoms in spring and summer, and foliage turning from green to red in the fall. All that, and it is easy care for, too.
Sad to relate, the oakleaf hydrangea trial is a dud. However, a big however according to Ellen Lake, director of conservation and research, is that is one of the purposes of the trial gardens — to see what really does or doesn’t work without extra effort. It appears that many top heavy, enormous blooms have been bred on oakleaf hydrangeas; unsupported, these flop about miserably. Should you see the name “Gatsby” on any cultivar, avoid it unless you’re willing to prop it up.
All was not lost on our trip that day. Gardens throughout the grounds are just beautiful, and there are numerous benches where one can rest and appreciate them. My husband and I enjoyed sitting on the shaded terrace of the main house while relaxing and noshing a bit and taking in the beauty of the rolling hills before us.
There are food options for Center visitors. You can bring your own (we had packed small sandwiches) or buy pre-packaged meals, such as calzones, soup, or salads, as well as various snacks, coffee, tea, and water. There is even a designated picnic area with tables and chairs.
Had we felt more ambitious, we could have wandered down to the pond garden, which is spectacular in the spring with trilliums and blue and pink phloxes. We are not devotees of hiking and while some might consider three miles rather short, those miles encompass some rather steep climbs. They are great for birdwatching.
Though Mt. Cuba is a perfect destination for a day trip, it is definitely not recommended when Canadian fire smoke is pouring through our area, temperatures are above 90 degrees, or thunderstorms are crashing about. In other words, seize the moment when a pleasant weather day arrives and be prepared for educational, visual, and exercise treats of your choosing.
Or, wait until late September or early October when the grounds are ablaze with fall color. Melissa Starkey, marketing and communications manager, considers it one of the best and most beautiful times to visit. Well, as long as hurricanes aren’t threatening.
Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, Delaware. Visit www.mtcubacenter.org/visit for information on opening days and times, ticket purchases for individuals, groups, and guided tours, and directions.
