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

DBG Celebrates Veteran’s Day – Free Admission for Veterans and for those bringing Food Donations for Veteran’s Home

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced that on Saturday, November 9th DBG will celebrate Veteran’s Day - all Veterans, showing their military ID cards, will have “Free” admission to the Gardens in appreciation for their military service to our country. Also, other guests, who bring food donations for Home of the Brave Foundation in Milford will receive “Free” admission. Sander said, “We are thankful for all who have served our nation in military uniform, and we also thank those in our community who recognize the food needs of our veterans in Sussex County.” Sander also noted that the DBG Fall Harvest decorations, including the Woodlands Discovery Trail with sculptures of forest creatures will remain on display through Sunday, November 24h 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 our veterans. Starting October 31st 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 2024 season, and we thank all who have visited and supported the gardens this year. We look forward to seeing you next spring when we reopen on March 13th 2025.”

Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director said,” I want our friends to know that the gardens are now in their full fall glory. We are in the Fifth Season. Come stroll through our 10 gardens including the Woodland Discovery Trail with forest creatures and the new Eagle Watch Garden under construction. Bring the whole family.”

New DBG Treasurer - Dave Baker

Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced that Dave Baker has been appointed as DBG Treasurer and member of the DBG Board of Directors. Sander said, “We are honored that Dave has agreed to return for a second tour of duty as DBG Treasurer. Dave served as our Treasurer from July to December 2021, when he was called on by President Biden to become State Director of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dave brings a wealth of management and financial experience to the gardens, with over three decades of unique experience as a leader in Sussex County Government. That service included 14-years as Director of Finance and then six-years as the top Sussex County Administrator. Dave also has a decade of experience in the private sector as a financial advisor at American Financial and Ballast Financial.

Dave Baker noted, “I have always believed that nonprofits like Delaware Botanic Gardens are key components of the fabric which holds the Sussex County community together, and improves the quality of life for all of us. Delaware Botanic Gardens and all their dedicated staff and volunteers is a perfect illustration of that. This wonderful public botanic garden in Sussex County is an exciting and fantastic addition to our community. DBG is preserving our beautiful coastal environment with a team who believe in an inspiring mission.” 

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director noted, “Dave was involved in the original acquisition of the 37-acre Cannon Tract Farm in Sussex County, which later, thanks to the Sussex County Land Trust, became the DBG home site. So, Dave has come a full circle as the DBG Treasurer.”

Delaware Botanic Gardens Raises over $154,000 and Celebrates Groundbreaking of the Pennoni Pavilion

DBG Annual Dinner Raises Over  $154,000

On September 26th 300 people gathered at Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek in Dagsboro to attend the Annual Fund Raising Dinner Party, and participate in the Groundbreaking for the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion.   

Ray Sander, DBG President said, “We are proud to announce that due to the generosity of our enthusiastic community of supporters, DBG was able to raise over $154,000 from the Annual Dinner and Challenge Match.”  Sander continued, ”Special thanks to Ron Bass and George Robbins, sponsors of the $25,000 Challenge Match, which was doubled due to the generosity of Denise Kaczmarczyk who matched Ron & George’s challenge, plus thanks to the 50 other generous donors who met the $25,000 match who are listed on our website: delawaregardens.org. 

Sander continued, “Importantly, after years of planning, designing, value engineering and fund raising we were able to salute long-time supporter Chuck Pennoni, who along with others, made it possible to celebrate a ceremonial’ groundbreaking for the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion. The pavilion is named in honor of Chuck’s late wife Annette, also a long-time DGB supporter. We thank Chuck for not only his leadership and generosity, but also for the vital role of his Pennoni Engineering Team, led by Mark Davidson. We are thankful to SEA Architects and Lane Builders and all our friends and supporters. A special salute to Sally Gore who announced at the dinner her donation for the Naming Rights for the Pavilion’ patio and living roof.”  Another milestone announced at the dinner was that DBG has now raised over $10 million dollars since the beginning of our fundraising in 2014.

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “The Pennoni Pavilion will become DBG’s center stage for year round programs and events. The Pavilion is expected to be completed in early 2025.”  Swed also said, “It is thrilling that we could arrange this Pavilion groundbreaking during the 12th anniversary of our annual fundraising dinner created with our generous partner SoDel Concepts. Scott Kammerer, President of SoDel, with his wife Lisa, were honorary Co Chairs of the dinner. Scott saluted the fantastic SoDel team, led by Ronnie Burkle, SoDel Corporate Chef, who provided the great food selections.  Also, we thank Derrick Kelley and Riely Quinn owners of Bin 66, who selected and provided Old Soul wines, which were perfectly paired for the evening’s dinner menu.  Recognition and thanks also go to Zack McCarthy and his team for their spectacular tent and lighting; Vince Varrassi and the 5th Avenue for creating a wonderful ambiance with their music; and Affairs to Remember for special lighting in the parking lot. It takes a community of exceptional people to make this vital annual event a success.” 

Also, during the dinner, Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director unveiled a “live” TV camera signal from the recently installed DBG Eagle Cam. This camera allows an online view of the DBG Eagle nest, where two bald eagles have successfully raised their young for the past few years. 

  Go to:  https://www.delawaregardens.org/pepper-creek-eagle-cam

  Pryce Lea said, “You will be thrilled to see the amazing panoramic view of Pepper Creek, while we await the return of the eagle pair.”