As a person who loves outdoors and nature, imagine going to a quality, artistic garden spectacle in a small, rural town in Delaware. The easily accessible site is about a mile or so away from the center of town.

For a small town, Dagsboro draws a consistent flow of traffic through Main Street. On one side, you can watch whatever movie is playing at Clayton Theater or eat at Porto Pizza & Grill. On the other, you can stop in and relax at Kisa Café or browse an antiques store such as Jayne’s Reliable.

As you venture from the bustling Main Street of Dagsboro–on the side of Clayton Theater and Porto’s–onto the serene Piney Neck Road, the ordinary fades away, replaced by open fields and a sense of anticipation. Soon, the gardens reveal themselves, a testament to nature’s artistry and the dedication of those who tend to it.

Arrival at the gardens

Stepping out of your vehicle, you’re greeted by friendly faces eager to share the wonders of this local paradise.

I live in Dagsboro, and visiting Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek–the only botanic garden in southern Delaware– made me feel like I was away from home in some other state or location around the world. The peaceful, serene setting and display of nature will help you “get away” for a day from the busy schedule, and all at a reasonable price and only a mile away if you live in Dagsboro.

Exploring the gardens

With paths winding through meadows and alongside the creek, each step unveils a new facet of this botanical wonderland. Whether you choose to wander through the vibrant meadow or linger at the observation deck overlooking the tranquil waters, every corner of the gardens holds the promise of discovery.

Open in the spring through early fall, Delaware Botanical Gardens at Peppers Creek draws sightseers during the season.

Exploring Nature at Delaware Botanical Gardens

Peppers Creek lies on the right side of the gardens where you’ll find trees and plenty of shade and benches to sit down and relax.

As you stroll through the gardens, one path will take you around the meadow, another through the center, and paths off to the side take you to Peppers Creek where the observation deck and “the Point” are located.

The plants and flowers you’ll see include:

1. Azalea: Azaleas are flowering shrubs known for their vibrant blooms in various colors, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes.
2. Holly: Holly is an evergreen shrub or tree with glossy, spiky leaves and bright red berries, often associated with Christmas and winter decorations.
3. Hydrangea: Hydrangeas are popular flowering shrubs valued for their large, showy blooms in shades of blue, pink, purple, or white.
4. Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall, cheerful annual plants with large, yellow blooms that face the sun, symbolizing happiness and vitality.
5. Tulips: Tulips are bulbous spring-blooming flowers with cup-shaped blooms in a wide range of colors, symbolizing love, passion, and rebirth.
6. Pine: Pines are evergreen coniferous trees with needle-like leaves and woody cones, known for their resilience and association with forests.
7. Camellia: Camellias are elegant flowering shrubs or small trees prized for their beautiful, waxy blooms in shades of pink, red, or white.
8. Goldenrod: Goldenrod is a hardy perennial plant with clusters of small, bright yellow flowers, attracting pollinators and adding color to late-summer landscapes.

A Variety of Butterflies

One of the site guides says the butterflies and other creatures present have everything they need in this concentrated ecosystem to keep it going. In other words, It’s their world.

You’ll come across a wide variety of butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. I spotted one taking in some mud on the ground–called mudding. As the sun emerged from the clouds, all of a sudden I noticed several at the same time fluttering all around. Such a display gives examples of how content and joyful they are about life. Among the varieties include…

• Spicebush Swallowtail
• Tiger Swallowtail
• Black Swallowtail
• Swallowtail

In a world where hustle and bustle often drown out nature’s whispers, the Delaware Botanical Gardens at Pepper Creek stand as a sanctuary of serenity.

Here, amidst the dance of butterflies and the bloom of vibrant flowers, you’ll find solace and inspiration.

So, whether you’re a local seeking a moment of escape or a traveler in search of hidden treasures, let the gardens transport you to a realm where beauty knows no bounds.

Many tourists and perhaps some locals may not be aware of the Botanical Gardens. The site has expanded offering more displays of nature to enjoy.

Embrace the invitation to explore, for within these gardens lies a world of wonder waiting to be discovered.

For more information, visit https://www.delawaregardens.org.

Photo Credit: Annie Ciccanti