I want to thank Damon Morris, a docent at Mount Cuba Center, for not only inviting me to attend the National Public Garden Day event at Mount Cuba, but also for arranging an interview for me with Julia Ehrhardt, Director of Visitor Experience, who took time out of her busy schedule to show me around the gardens.
Damon Morris, Mount Cuba Center docent
My interview with Julia will be coming soon, as will some more of the over 500 photos I took of this magnificent place, but my focus today is to thank Damon for her support of Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens, Beautiful Wildlife Garden, and Ecosystem Gardening, and our weekly newsletter Wren Song (which you can receive every week by entering your email in the box at the top right of this page). Apparently Damon reads every article at all three sites as well as the newsletter every week. Thank you Damon!
I would also like to acknowledge Damon’s passion for native plants, and her desire to share this with so many people who come to visit Mount Cuba Center. I observed Damon as she interacted with the visitors passing by her station by the pond, and she was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the native plants that fill this space.
Mt. Cuba Center’s mission is to foster an appreciation for plants of the Appalachian Piedmont through garden display, education, and research.
Mt. Cuba Center is the former home and family estate of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland. In 1935, the Copelands built a stately Colonial Revival manor house near the village of Mt. Cuba, near Wilmington, Delaware. The Copelands were prominent members of the community. Mr. Copeland served as President and Chairman of the Du Pont Company, while Mrs. Copeland was a leader in many community and cultural organizations.
Mr. and Mrs. Copeland both shared an interest and enthusiasm for plants and gardening. Shortly after completing their house, they embarked on a mission to design and develop a series of garden spaces on their estate.
Today, the Copelands’ legacy lives on, elegantly portrayed in the formal gardens, woodland landscapes, pastures, and fields that are now a part of Mt. Cuba Center. Their estate is a treasure of beauty and inspiration as well as a message of steadfast commitment to ecologically sound gardening practices, and responsible land stewardship. ~From Mount Cuba Center About Page
Please enjoy some of the amazing sights of this beautiful place!
Carole Sevilla Brown lives in Philadelphia, PA, and she travels the country speaking about Ecosystem Gardening for Wildlife. Check out her new free online course Ecosystem Gardening Essentials, 15 free lessons delivered to your inbox every week.
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Beautiful photos Carole . . . I look forward to seeing more. Lovely that you had the opportunity to visit such a place. Lucky for all of us that people have such large visions and that folks like Damon Morris are there to educate and inspire.
Carol Duke recently posted..Crabapples Abloom Enticing Wildlife
Thanks, Carol! Mount Cuba Center is blessed with many amazing volunteers, docents, and staff. Every one that I met was so eager to share their knowledge and their passion for this amazing place.
Carole Sevilla Brown recently posted..Why Focus on Ecosystem Gardening When There is So Much Wrong in the World?
Love the photo of the ground orchid!
Michael Fox recently posted..Please help – I need a new home
Michael, I agree. The Lady Slipper Orchids are a true wonder to behold!
Carole Sevilla Brown recently posted..A Love Letter to Wildlife
I in Pennsylvania not far from Mt. Cuba. It is an amazing garden and the people who work there are all very friendly, knowledgable and enthusiastic. Looking forward to your interview with Julia!
Sandy, so nice that you live close enough to visit regularly. What a beautiful place!
Carole Sevilla Brown recently posted..Reader Appreciation: Damon Morris, Mount Cuba Center
I visited Mt. Cuba for the first time this spring during their Wildflower Celebration. Great day trip from Bucks Co., PA! Wish I lived closer to take some classes.
Autumn, I just signed up for the 4 online classes they have. I’m in the Ferns class right now. Fascinating!
Carole Sevilla Brown recently posted..Creating Change to Make the World a Better Place: NWF Backs Down