DBG Announces the Refresh Your Spirit May Series - May

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Delaware Botanic Gardens: Refresh Your Spirit in the Gardens Series Dagsboro, DE Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek announces a Refresh Your Spirit in the Gardens series during May.

“We call this series ‘Mindful May’ because it is designed to clear and refresh your mind, among the blessings of nature,” said Mark Carter, DBG Chief Operating Officer. “Your guides in this spiritual journey are all experts in their fields.”

The May Garden events include:

May 2 and 14: Sound Immersion, May 2 10-11 am. May 14 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Relax and be refreshed with a sound- bath meditation with Julie Fisher of Gifted Alchemy. Tickets required. For all events, go to www.delawaregardens.org.

May 7, 14, 21, and 28: Garden Yoga, 9:30–10:30 a.m.  Enjoy gentle Hatha Yoga in the gardens. Bring your mat and yoga props. Tickets required.

May 10: Celebrate Mother’s Day, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Free admission if you bring a nonperishable food donation for the Food Bank of Delaware.

May 21: Abstract Number Art Class, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Joint Kathy of Light Studio to discuss an important date or situation in your life and turn it into an abstract number art work. Materials provided. Tickets required.

May 29: Shrin-Yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Join Laura Armstrong Falvey, certified guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Enjoy a forest walk along Pepper Creek. Tickets required.

“Through community support and the hard work of our board, volunteers, and staff, DBG has created new gardens and facilities that allow for creative programming, such as that in Mindful May, “noted Ray Sander, DBG Chair.

“We are excited to continue adding new opportunities to mindfully connect with nature here at the gardens.”

“Please join us in a very personal opportunity to grow and enrich our individual selves to face a better tomorrow,” added Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director.

Delaware Botanic Gardens, 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939
www.delawaregardens.org  Open Thursday – Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Delaware Flora Lecture by Bill McAvoy - April 16 

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DBG Opens 2026 Educational Talks at Pavilion

Dagsboro, DE.  Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek  (DBG) kicks off its 2026 Educational Pavilion Lecture Series with a talk by William A. “Bill” McAvoy, retired Delaware State Botanist on Thursday, April 16th at 5:30 p.m. His lecture is about  “Delaware's Coastal Plain, habitats, plant communities and flora.” Bill is a  native Delawarean, who served as State Botanist for over 35-years, and is an expert on Delaware and Delmarva flora and rare plants. He received a BS in Botany with an emphasis on vegetation management from  Delaware State University. He is the primary author of online Delaware flora.

Go to www.delawaregardens.org to purchase lecture tickets. which are $15 for DBG members and $20 for non-members.

Ray Sander, DBG Chair said, “Bill is an insightful conservationist. He inspires us to better understand the importance of native plants, and protection of habitats and flora. He will call us to action to preserve and maintain natural habitats which also serve wildlife.”

Bill McAvoy said. “The flora. habitats and plant communities of Delaware’s Coastal Plain province are quite diverse, and fascinating ecologically. My presentation will describe many of these habitats, along with their associated flora, and tie in how the Delaware Botanic Gardens is helping to educate the public on these important natural resources and their great need for conservation.”

Sheryl Swed. DBG Executive Director said, “Bill is a conservation champion. As State Botanist, and former DBG Board Member, he has been involved with DBG since 2014, when he participated in a revision to the original site plan that resulted in the current visitor-friendly gardens. He did an initial inventory of the 12-acre woodlands, helped site the Learning Garden’ Outdoor Classroom, and encouraged DBG to build the Inland Dunes Garden.  Bill Is an educator who was the driving force to encourage DBG volunteers to participate in the University of Delaware’ Master Naturalist Program. Come join us to learn together from Bill.”

Delaware Botanic Gardens at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939 is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

DBG Opening for the Season - March 19

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Dagsboro, DE. The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) opens for its eighth season March 19.

Ray Sander, Chair of Delaware Botanic Gardens announced that the 37-acre gardens will open to the public on Thursday, March 19th at 9:00 a.m.

“Spring brings a colorful display of over 200,000  bulbs planted throughout the gardens  to greet our visitors. Welcome to a new season of nature's delights, “ Sander said.

Sheryl Swed. DBG Executive Director said. “We have a new 3,300 square-foot Annette Penonni Meadow Pavilion, and Gallery Garden, both available  to rent for community and private events.  Please come join us and hold your next event  in a beautiful garden setting at DBG.”

“Come celebrate the vernal equinox at Delaware Botanic Gardens! Our living  collections are waking  up after a long winter rest,  and our bulbs, spring ephemerals, and flowering trees are budding with excitement, ready to put on a spectacular display, We will start our native Plant sale on April 2nd and Free Admission on  Saturday,  April 18th for Earth Day celebration.”  said Christine Justice, DBG Director of Horticulture.

The gardens, at 30220 Piney Neck Road. Dagsboro, DE 19939, are open Thursdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go to www.delawaregardens.org.

The DBG’s mission is to provide a world-class garden that delights visitors.

DBG Announces New Board Members

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Ray Sander, Chair of the Board of Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG), announced three new DBG Board Members are: Mark Chura, Dan Barbato, and Diane Maddex.

Sander said, “These new Board Members are very successful business leaders with a distinguished record of non-profit service to our community.”

Mark Chura, co-owner of the Brush Factory in Lewes, DE, and Conservation Consultant has been a leader in land conservation, including service as past Board Member and past Executive Director of Sussex County Land Trust. He holds a BA in Business and an MPA from the University of Delaware.

Dan Barbato is Vice President of  Pennoni Associates Engineering, heading the firm's Newark, DE, office. He holds a  BS in civil engineering from the University of Delaware. He is past Vice President and immediate past President of Delaware Nature Society, and was on the DBG  Advisory Council. He is involved in land preservation with special expertise in waste and stormwater management. 

Diane Maddex is a highly respected book author and publisher. She is Founder and Owner of Archetype Press and Cofounder of Preservation Press, which is publisher for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She holds a BA from Northwestern University. She previously served on the DBG Board and Advisory Council ,and she created the original DBG website. 

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We are excited about our three new Board Members, who will help us reach new records of growth and success. And in addition, the following leaders have been appointed to the DBG Advisory Council:  Bill McAvoy, former Board member and Delaware State Botanist; LeDee Wakefield, former Board member and business leader; and Stephen Pryce Lea, former DBG Deputy Executive Director.  

While the gardens are closed for a winter rest, we look forward to seeing the public next spring on Thursday, March 19th, when we reopen for our eighth 2026 season. Our members are enjoying special winter walks in January through mid-March.


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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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