Delaware Botanic Gardens opens to public Sept. 16

The Delaware Botanic Gardens, a 37-acre coastal garden along Pepper Creek in Dagsboro, will open to the public with a series of special events the week of Monday, Sept. 16.

An official ribbon cutting with the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, Southern Delaware Tourism and partners will take place at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens will be a flagship inspirational, educational and sustainable garden created for the benefit and enjoyment of all. It will serve as a tourist and educational destination for Sussex County and surrounding areas.

World-renowned designer Piet Oudolf has created a two-acre Meadow Garden as the centerpiece of the property. The meadow comprises more than 70,000 plants and grasses.

Adjacent to the Meadow Garden is the Woodland Garden, where guests can enjoy a peaceful three-quarter-mile walk along paths bordering the banks of Pepper Creek.

The Folly Garden is a unique coastal garden built on the site of the 20th century farmhouse that was originally located on the property.

The Learning Garden sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery is already being used to educate both students and the public about aquatic species and the importance of wetlands.

Opening events include a dinner Thursday, Sept. 12, which is a ticketed event; guided tours and the release of ladybugs at the welcome center Monday, Sept. 16; guided tours Tuesday, Sept. 17; a lecture on DBG’s mission by Brian Trader, director of horticulture, and a lecture on the gardens’ creation by Ray Sander, DBG president, Wednesday, Sept. 18; and garden tours and the ribbon cutting Sept. 19.

For more information, go to www.thequietresorts.com/dbg-grand-opening and www.delawaregardens.org.