History

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

They 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.

Heritage Garden Farmhouse
Farmhouse Patio
Since then, Cape Fear Botanical Garden has flourished. Today, over twenty-five years later, the Garden encompasses 80 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 Butterfly Stroll 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.

Convenient to downtown Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Pope Air Force Base, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers area history, environmental education, nature studies, cultural programs and the beauty of carefully designed gardens.