Mission Statement

The mission of Cape Fear Botanical Garden is to transform people’s relationship with plants and the natural world.

Vision

The vision of Cape Fear Botanical Garden is to create and sustain a national caliber institution with gardens and programs of exceptional quality. We will be the premier destination in the region for people to connect with nature and to expand their horizons through educational and cultural programs.

History

In 1989, a handful of Fayetteville gardening enthusiasts shared a grand vision.

heritage_garden_farmhouseThey believed our community should — and could — have a botanical garden of its own. 

Led by community members Bruce Williams, Martha Duell, and Roger Mercer, these enthusiasts came together and established the Friends of the Botanical Garden. The Garden was conceived at Martha Duell’s kitchen table, in the print of Roger Mercer’s gardening column, and with the cajoling, laughing, and crying of dozens of committed supporters and volunteers.

Through the steadfast perseverance of these founders, the Friends of the Botanical Garden were able to lease a city-owned park and lay the foundation for Cape Fear Botanical Garden, now a priceless gem to all of Fayetteville. It took hard work and sacrifice by all involved, but the achievement was undeniable.

Since then, Cape Fear Botanical Garden has flourished. Today, over twenty years later, the Garden encompasses 79 acres of pine and hardwood forest, and boasts meticulously preserved natural areas of the region’s indigenous plants, trees and wildlife. The cultivated garden areas showcase more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants, and include our renowned Daylily, Camellia and Hosta gardens. The River Walk, Heritage Garden, Children’s Garden, and PWC Water Wise Garden provide unique educational experiences for young and old alike.

Opening the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex in April 2011 was a milestone as it elevates our capabilities and allows us to expand our ability to serve visitors and our community.