DBG Celebrates Veteran's Day – Free Admission for Veterans and for Food Donations

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced that on Saturday, November 8th DBG will celebrate Veteran’s Day.

All veterans showing their military ID cards receive Free Admission, and all guests who bring canned-food donations will also have Free Admission to the gardens.

Sander said, “We are thankful for those who have served our nation in military uniform, and we also thank those in our community who recognize the food insecurity needs of our neighbors in Sussex County.”

Canned food needs include: canned meat, hearty canned soup, canned milk, canned fruit and canned veggies.

Sander noted that the DBG Fall Harvest decorations, including the Woodlands Discovery Trail with sculptures of forest creatures will remain on display through Sunday, November, 23rd, the DBG season closing date.

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “As we approach the Thanksgiving Holidays, we are thankful for the generosity of our guests who will donate food for those in need. Starting November 5th until we close, we have a 20% off sale in the Gift Shop on most items, including gifts made by local artisans. So, do your Holiday shopping early. This has been a wonderful 2025 season, and we thank all those who have visited and supported the gardens this year. We look forward to seeing you next spring when we open on March 19, 2026.

Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director for Horticulture, said, “I want all our friends to know that the gardens are now in their full fall-glory. We are in the Fifth season. Come stroll through our 11 gardens, including the Woodland Discovery Trail with forest creatures. Bring the whole family.”

DBG To Hold Annual Meeting on Dec. 5th at new Pennoni Pavilion

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG), announced that on Friday, December 5th at 2 p.m. DBG will hold its Public Annual Meeting at the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion in the gardens.

Sander said.  “This meeting is a chance for all members of the Community to hear reports from our DBG Board of Directors, officers and staff about the amazing progress in the development of this public asset. The creation of the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion and Gallery Garden this year were major steps in having both indoor and outdoor places where individuals and organizations can hold their special events surrounded by nature.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director noted, “We are a public garden, and we thank the Board, staff, volunteers, members, the foundations, individual supporters and the community for helping us grow in 2025. Please join us in this beautiful Pennoni Pavilion.”

“Although the gardens are closed for the winter“ said Stephen Pryce Lea, Deputy Executive Director for Horticulture, “we look forward to showing how our work continues behind the scenes. This season we’re focused on essential maintenance, new tree plantings. and meadow renewal projects. While the gardens rest, our members are invited to join exclusive Winter Walks – an opportunity to see our progress, enjoy the beauty of the ‘fifth season’ and experience our progress in a new light. We look forward to welcoming you back when we reopen for the 2026 season on March 19th.”

DBG Opens Educational Talks at new Pavilion

Delaware Botanic  Gardens at  Pepper Creek  (DBG) kicked off  its first 2025-2026 Educational Pavilion  Lecture series with a talk by  University of Delaware  Professor Doug Tallamy. He is  a best selling New York Times author, who spoke to 175 people on how homeowners can help save nature in their yards with a few simple landscaping tips, including planting native plants.

Ray Sander, DBG President. said, “ Doug is a powerful  advocate for getting us to understand we all have a role in fighting climate change by taking action to build yard- by- yard conservation gardens with native plants attracting wildlife.”

Stephen Pryce Lea ,DBG  Executive Director for Horticulture shared  “We were delighted to host Doug’s inspiring lecture in the new 3,300- square-foot Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion. His vivid. colorful  images of gardens and wildlife truly brought his presentation to life, and reminded us of the power of native plants to restore balance and beauty to our landscapes. We are deeply grateful to Doug for sharing his passion and insight – and to our audience, who experienced a memorable evening at sunset that instilled hope for future generations through the plants and wildlife we nurture.”

Sheryl Swed. DBG Executive Director said,  “ Doug’s talk was well received, and his new book, ‘How Can I Help: Saving Nature with Your Yard’ was  a call to action for all of us. The Pavilion was the perfect setting, surrounded by nature, and was the first of many educational events that will be held in the building for our community.”

Delaware Botanic Gardens welcomes Doug Tallamy on October 23

Dagsboro, Del. — The Delaware Botanic Gardens will host its first lecture in the newly constructed Annette Pennoni Garden Pavilion on Wednesday, October 23, at 5:00 PM.

Renowned entomologist and New York Times bestselling author Doug Tallamy will present a talk on his newest book, “How Can I Help: Saving Nature with Your Yard.” Tallamy will share practical ways to support biodiversity and conservation at home through planting native species, leaving fallen leaves for wildlife, and other nature-friendly practices. A Q&A session will follow the lecture, and light refreshments will be provided.

“We all admire seasonal flowers, but Doug Tallamy helps us embrace the deeper story—how each plant, leaf, and wild corner of our gardens sustains life. I’m thrilled to welcome Doug to be the first guest speaker in our new pavilion. Join us as we share this important conversation of bio-diversity with our community.” Stephen Pryce Lea, Deputy Executive Director of Horticulture, Delaware Botanic Gardens.

As a special bonus, 30 early ticket purchasers will be randomly selected for an exclusive “walk & talk” with Doug Tallamy and DBG’s Deputy Executive Director of Horticulture, Stephen Pryce-Lea. Eligible tickets must be purchased by September 30 at 6:00 PM; winners will be contacted shortly after.

DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS APPROVES STRATEGIC PLAN

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced the DBG Board of Directors has approved a 2025-2028 Strategic Plan to guide the gardens in its mission "To provide a world-class garden that delights visitors.

"Sander said, "Hundreds of people provided their thoughts for this plan, both within the DBG family and in the larger Sussex County and Delaware communities. Special thanks to the Board's Strategic Planning Committee and DANA who were our excellent consultants. They all toiled over a year to put this excellent forward-looking plan together.

 Shelia Bravo, President & CEO of DANA, Delaware Alliance for Non-profit Advancement, said, "It has been an honor to work with the dedicated people on the DBG Board, Staff, Volunteers, and community supporters. DBG is a unique blend of great people at all levels. They share a love of nature and creative energy. The Strategic Plan provides a framework of goals, action plans and lists people responsible to take these actions to move the gardens forward."

 Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We all have learned a lot over the past year, as we planned for the future growth of DBG. I also Thank everybody who took their time to give us fresh thoughts on how we can reach new excellence goals in the coming years. We are truly a community garden."

 Stephen Pryce Lea, Deputy Executive Director for Horticulture said, "This Strategic Plan carries out the vision of sustainable gardens, woodlands and wetlands along Pepper Creek that inspire and educate.  We who are lucky to work in the 37-acre gardens, enjoy, build, maintain and protect a wonderful natural treasure. We invite all to take a break from the pressures of daily life and be refreshed by the blessings of nature at DBG.”

 Mark Carter, DBG Deputy Executive Director, Chief operating Officer, said, "To see day-to-day the progress of building the gardens and the organization at the same time is both challenging and exciting. As always dedicated people are our key to success."

 Click here for summary of the DBG Strategic Plan.

Delaware Botanic Gardens to host First iNaturalist Bioblitz August 21–24

DAGSBORO, DE – The Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) will hold its first Bioblitz from August 21–24, inviting the public to help document the biodiversity of the Gardens using the free iNaturalist app.

 A Bioblitz is a community science event where people work together to record as many species as possible in a set location over a defined period of time. Using iNaturalist, participants can photograph plants, animals, and fungi, then upload their observations to the app to contribute to a global database.

 Participation in the DBG Bioblitz is free, and iNaturalist is free to download and easy for anyone to use, from beginners to experts.  Participants are required to pay the daily garden admission fee.

 "I'm excited to welcome guests, volunteers, and staff to participate in DBG's very first Bioblitz," said Amanda Goebel, DBG Garden Curator. "We've been using iNaturalist to collect data on site for years, and I look forward to seeing what a Bioblitz shows us. This effort should give us a detailed snapshot of what we have on site, whether it's a fungus, insect, bird, or plant.”

 “We are excited to see the staff and volunteers getting involved, and hopefully we can engage with guests, and members too since this will be the first of several bio-blitzes we plan for spring, summer and fall next year," said Christine Justice, DBG Director of Horticulture.

For more information on how to participate, go to

 https://www.calendarwiz.com/eventboard/?crd=delawarebotanicgardens or download the iNaturalist app on your mobile device from the App Store or Google Play Store, and search for 2025 Delaware Botanic Gardens Bioblitz.

Contact:
Amanda Goebel, Garden Curator
Delaware Botanic Gardens
amanda.goebel@delawaregardens.org

DBG - Free Admission on Mother’s Day, May 11th with Food Donation

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced that DBG is committed helping the Sussex community, our nonprofit cohorts at the Food Bank and especially those confronting food insecurities. DBG will continue its Mother’s Day tradition of Free Admission with a food donation for Food Bank of Delaware.  Sander noted, “Over the last two Mother’s Day Food drives our visitors have donated 3,000-pounds of food which we delivered to the Food Bank. On Sunday, May 11, celebrate Mother’s Day with a Free Admission with the food donation. 

DBG Members and Children 16 and under are always free but we urge you to bring a food donation to help the Food Bank and our most vulnerable residents.” 

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “Digging is intrinsic to gardens. We ask you to dig deeper and bring the essential food which is so urgently needed. Celebrate Mother’s Day by giving to the Sussex community and to your mother by visiting DBG on May 11. You can give your mother a Gift DBG membership to, she can celebrate all year long. Gift Memberships are available at the Garden or online at  www.delawaregardens.org.” 

Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director for Horticulture, said, “May blooms invite you to experience the great outdoors, unfurling ferns, and delicate flowers. Enjoy a color-filled palette of late spring perennials in our Piet Oudolf Meadow. We see smiles from our guests as they enjoy this unique shoreline garden with family and friends. Also, we have native plants on sale in May including: annuals, and perennials. Enjoy this special day, engaging with nature. It will free your spirit.” 

Cathy Kanefsky, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware said “One in eight Delawareans is food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted scheduled shipments of vital food aid, as rising food prices and persistent economic hardships continue to drive demand for our services. Thank you DBG for your continued support.” 

Food Bank Most Needed Items are High Fiber, Low Sugar, Low Sodium. Canned Fruits in light syrup or in own juices; Hot or Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran,100% whole-grain or whole grain as first ingredient; Canned Meat, Tuna, Salmon, Chicken; Peanut Butter, low sodium; Grains, Brown and White Rice Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese, whole gain if possible: Canned & Dried Beans, low -sodium, no salt added; Canned Vegetables, low sodium, no salt added;100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice, all sizes, including Juice Boxes, Healthy Snacks, Raisins, Granola Bars. 

Carter – Selected Deputy Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced that Mark Carter has been selected the DBG Deputy Executive Director/COO. Sander said, “DBG’s gardens and features have grown progressively since we opened in 2019. Now is the time for this new leadership position. Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer will strengthen our organization and continue the steady transition from our volunteer-managed organization to a core of paid professional leaders.” 

Sander said, “By selecting Mark Carter as the first incumbent for this position, we have set a very high bar. Mark has an exceptional record of building collaborative relationships throughout the State and region. Mark also has demonstrated a sense of commitment to our Coastal Plains environment and the Delmarva community. His experience as both a funder and fund raiser has made him an extremely successful Development professional." 

Mark Carter said, “I am extremely excited to become part of the Delaware Botanic Gardens’ team. I am fortunate for the opportunity to begin working with this passionate and dedicated group of staff and volunteers on a world -renowned garden and build upon this community treasure.” 

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “Mark is a dynamic person who is motivated to give back to our community. He has a proven record of achievement and commitment to preserving our region’s natural resources. Swed said, “Mark’s long-time DBG relationship began in 2016, with his involvement in the naming -rights for the DBG Learning Garden, sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery. More recently, Mark has been one of the thought leaders serving on the DBG Advisory Council. Among his most important duties will be the launching of the new 3,300 sq. ft. Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion. This center stage for DBG Programs and community events will initiate a new phase for DBG with exciting potential benefits and challenges.”   

DBG OPENS 2025 SEASON MARCH 13th

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) at Pepper Creek, announced that the 37-acre botanic gardens will open to the public for its seventh season at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 13th. 

Sander said, “Welcome back for another season of natural wonder, and beautiful gardens. As spring approaches, come to DBG to catch the first glimpses of what we have in store for you. In the Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden, Rhyne Garden, Learning Garden and Folly Garden we have over 200,000 spring bulbs slowly emerging. In the 12-acre Woodlands we have a new Eagle Watch Garden. We will be starting the Gallery Garden – and are actively constructing a new building, the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion, our 3,300 sq. ft. four season ‘center-stage’ for events and programs. Enjoy our refurbished Welcome Center, now climate controlled and with your favorite gifts & new selections. There’s always something new to see at DBG.” 

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “We have enhanced our garden experience. Please go to our Calendar of Events on our website to see what DBG can offer you and your family. On our Opening Day join us for a guided Spring bulb tour at 2 p.m., with another tour offered on Friday March 28th also at 2 p.m. Go to www.delawaregardens.org for more information. We invite you to become members and get involved by joining our wonderful team of DBG volunteers.”

Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director, invites you to visit the gardens. “With the arrival of spring, we’re excited to see the first blooms, and the return of pollinators, but even more, we look forward to welcoming back the guests who bring the gardens to life. Join us this spring, by spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature, to lift the spirit and clear the mind.” 

The Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public beginning on March 13th on Thursdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there are guided tours at 10 a.m. You can register for guided tours in advance on the DBG website or join a tour if there is room on the day of your visit. The DBG is located a short 35-minute drive from the beaches at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. 

DBG to Hold Virtual Annual Meeting on December 6th

Raymond J. Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced that on Friday December 6th, DBG will hold a Virtual Public Annual Meeting starting at 3 p.m. Sander said, ”DBG had a record setting 2024 season and at the annual meeting the agenda includes: the President’s State of the Garden Report; Financial Report; Introduction of DBG Board, Advisory Council and Staff; reports from both the Deputy Executive Director and Director of Grounds and Facilities; and an update on the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion project.  We want to thank DBG members, supporters, and guests as we end the year on a high note with our annual end of year appeal to our members and supporters.”

Sheryl J. Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “We want to thank all staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to maintain and care for DBG this year. We also thank all who have visited and supported the gardens in 2024. At the annual meeting we will announce Members Only Winter Visit days. We look forward to seeing you next spring on March 13, 2025, when we open again.”

Here is the link to sign-in to the Virtual Annual Public Meeting the meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86246060201?pwd=g3qHgiRGoihpSb7lSdaDbb6p0e86VS.1