The Delaware Botanic Gardens, set on 37 acres along Pepper Creek in southern Delaware’s Dagsboro (roughly 25 minutes west of Bethany Beach), opened last September. The gardens are located on a verdant coastal plain that slopes down to a wetland marsh and more than 1,000 feet of tidal creek waterfront.
Meander through Folly Garden’s 30,000 spring- and summer-flowering bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees to see and smell the hyacinths, crocuses, tulips, forsythias, viburnums and more. The landscaping is intended to complement the ruins of the property’s early 20th century farmhouse.
Named for the acclaimed Dutch garden designer and author whose projects include New York City’s High Line gardens, the Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden was a favorite of opening-season guests for its texture, movement and natural beauty, plus sightings of eastern box turtles and a bald eagle.
Admission to the gardens is $15, $12 for ages 65 and older, $10 for ages 6 to 17, and free for children under 6.
Delaware Botanic Gardens, 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, Delaware; 302-321-9061