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Botanic gardens hosts Frolic in the Folly

Early spring flowers in bloom, progress continues all around grounds
Delaware Botanic Gardens hosted Frolic in the Folly April 16, and Leslie Sinclair takes a picture of a weeping redbud tree during her visit. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
April 26, 2021

Story Location:
Delaware Botanic Gardens
30220 Piney Neck Road
Dagsboro, DE 19939
United States

The Delaware Botanic Gardens recently hosted a Frolic in the Folly, and while the weather was a little windy, the sun was out, which brought to life the plants in bloom and set the stage for what the rest of the gardens will look like in coming months.

In addition to being a time for people to see what’s blooming, the April 16 frolic allowed supporters to see the most recent version of the Meadow Pavilion, which will serve as a large indoor gathering and classroom space.

Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director, said she was excited about the future project and its possibilities. It will house offices and be able to accommodate 300 people when it’s done, she said.

The frolic also served as the first public event for new Head of Horticulture Stephen Pryce Lea, who joined the team a little over a month ago. He was most recently director of garden operations at the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens in Philadelphia.

Lea said he’s looking forward to moving the gardens forward as planting varieties and garden areas continue to grow and expand. This is a magical place, with a diverse group of dedicated volunteers, he said.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, opened for the 2021 season in March. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. Admission is free for members and anyone under age 16. For nonmembers, the cost is $12 per person. Guided tours are available at 10 a.m., Thursdays and Saturdays at a cost of $10 per person. For more information and to make reservations, go to delawaregardens.org.

Most of the Meadow Garden envisioned by famed Danish designer Piet Oudolf is still waking up from winter, but there are patches of yarrow adding some lovely green.
Jan Poli shows a group how to “tickle” the roots of a plant about to be potted.
There are new plantings on site, and also some new birdhouses made by Sussex Technical High School students.
The Frolic in the Folly served as an opportunity to show off the latest version of the soon-to-be-built Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion.
It was a little windy the day of the event, which meant pianist Vincent Varrassi’s voice carried all throughout the grounds.
If all goes as desired, this recently planted bald cypress could reach 120 feet tall.
Artist Anita Fernekes uses pastels to depict the Folly Garden.
Local artist Leah Beach created this piece so people can look like they’re swinging among the trees.
The pretty pink flowers of this moss phlox stand out in the meadow.
Carol Kless and Stu Brahs of Lewes enjoy each other’s company during an early spring stroll.
They may not be as beautiful as new plantings, but the new bathrooms will be a welcome addition to the grounds.
Most of the plants in the Woodland Gardens are still shaking off the winter rust, but these yellow poppies are a ray of light among the forest floor.
Kate Cashman of Berlin, Md., paints the view of the visitor center through the woods.
The gardens’ observation deck overlooking Pepper Creek and the surrounding marsh lands was finished over the winter.

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