Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek — Attraction in Delaware

The Delaware Botanic Gardens has a newly installed prairie design by Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf, the same superstar designer for the High Line in New York City and two gardens in Chicago (and famous gardens all over Europe). We were amazed to find this gem sitting demurely on the side of a road in rural Delaware. We think this is the closest Oudolf design to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. All of Oudolf's unique design elements are here including the mix of actively blooming perennials with others now dormant, producing a pallet that combines blues, yellows, greens, browns and even black. Switch grasses in shades of green, blue and purple provide the unifying back drop for the other plants. There are gently meandering paths leading the visitor through and around the garden. The day we visited, ongoing work in other areas of the facility limited our access to the woods so we didn't see much other than the Oudolf garden. Much of the installation and maintenance is done by volunteers. There is a modest entrance fee and the garden may not be open every day - check the website for hours. We hope to come back every season - Oudolf plans for his designs to offer different experiences...

Tucked away just a short drive from the historic Clayton Theatre, the Delaware Botanic Gardens is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you're planning a peaceful solo stroll or looking for a family-friendly outing, this thoughtfully designed space provides something for everyone.

The gardens are beautifully maintained, showcasing native plants, pollinator habitats, and sweeping views of natural woodlands and waterways. The walking paths are easy to navigate and invite visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the natural world. Educational signage along the trails adds depth to the experience, making it both relaxing and enriching.

Perfect for all seasons, the Delaware Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place to return to again and again. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's well...

This was an amazing garden walk... It was designed beautifully... it is in and out of the sun, has a walk down to the water, lovely vistas. The Visitor's Center will break ground the year. The bathroom is an amazing zen experience...seriously, is ranked Delaware's best and is nationally ranked... we met the president and director of the gardens, and every volunteer that works there was knowledgeable and so nice. The offered to take pictures, talked about how it was established, and the design of the whole garden. There are tours available, too. We'll definitely go back for another...