DAGSBORO, De – The Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek provides a 37-acre site of gardens, wetlands and woodlands, with the purpose of educating the public about the importance of our local ecosystems.
The gardens officially opened in 2019, but started in 2012 by a group of garden-loving people. The garden is mostly maintained by volunteers and features a 2-acre wildflower meadow that was planted in 2016, named after plants man, Piet Oudolf.
“It was a volunteer who suggested we reach out to Piet Oudolf to design the meadow, and he was very keen to get involved and come out and see the site. He is also responsible for creating the high land in New York.” Executive Stephen Pryce Lea told me.
The meadow consists of 85% native plants and only 15% ornamental plants which attracts a variety of local pollinators.
“By having a good mix of plants, particularly those that are native to the region, its really going to increase the biodiversity, meaning you’re going to see more butterflies, more bees, more pollinators, more wildlife in all shapes and sizes,” Pryce Lea said. “We even have bald eagles that soar overhead and kestrels that like to visit the site, as well as the blue birds and the goldfinches.”
Different species of birds feed on the seeds in the meadows as well as create a home for themselves in the 12-acre woodlands along the shoreline. The woodlands also feature walking paths and sculptures for the public to view.
At the garden, they use every resource, so nothing goes to waste.
“We actually cut the plants back in small sections, it’s called chop and drop, allowing that dead material to fall to the ground and become a natural mulch. Several of the plants are not cut at all and allowed the new growth every year to come up around their dead stems,” Pryce Lea explained. “you’ll see a lot of birds feeding off those seeds.”
The garden currently has a 300-year lease with the Sussex County Land Trust, growing for the future.
“A lot of those seeds that aren’t eaten up by the wildlife or by the birds have the opportunity to germinate. They will become the next generation of plants that ensures that we’re not only here for the short term, we’re here for the long term,” Pryce Lea explained. “Those trees, those oaks, those perennials that we plant are going to have many opportunities to have offspring and young plants of their own.”
He told me the volunteers are building a tribute to the community and everyone can come and get involved or learn what to do in their own garden.
“Get rid of the lawn, keep it natural, leave the leaves. Those are all great things that you can be doing in your own garden. Leave some of those stems standing. A lot of those hollow stems are actually habitat for bees and pollinators to actually nest in and also lay the first larvae of the season,” Pryce Lea added, “this way you’re not only saving money, but you’re also providing a viable habitat for a whole host of wildlife.”
To get involved or learn more about the garden, visit their website.
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