Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Updated: April 2019
An Oasis of Tranquility
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is situated on 380 acres of beautiful woodlands bordering Catawba Creek in Belmont, North Carolina.
Its founder Daniel Jonathan Stowe (1913-2006) was a wealthy philanthropist, who had co-founded the Stowe-Pharr Yarns textile company in nearby McAdenville in 1939.
When Daniel Stowe envisioned the Botanical Garden, he thought of developing the property in phases over 50 years. All stages were laid out in a master plan before construction began in the early 1990s.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina, is not just another Botanical Garden. It is more an oasis of tranquility, where you can enjoy lovely plants and gorgeous views but it is also a place where you can find some rest and quiet time.
The East and West Pergolas allow for some shade in the summer and of course more amazing views.
The Garden first opened in 1999 with only the Visitor Pavilion, the Formal Display Garden and the Perennial Gardens completed. However, this is precisely what Daniel Stowe had in mind: The Botanical Garden was to grow in phases over 50 years. The White Garden was added in 2003.
The Orchid Conservatory opened in 2008 and is dedicated to the display of tropical plants and is an enjoyable year-round destination.
The Home and Garden Television (HGTV) named the Garden one of the nation’s “20 Great Gardens”. There are so many things to do and to see for everybody. Nature lovers, photographers, kids will enjoy the time there.
Some visitors take a chance and go underneath this unusual fountain over-arching Magnolia Allée. But be careful, you might get wet.
“One of the Nation’s 20 Great Gardens”
At the opening of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in 1999, the Visitor Pavilion, the Formal Display Gardens, and the Perennial Gardens had been completed.
The White Garden was added in 2003 followed by the Orchid Conservatory in 2008, which is the region’s only public conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and a great year-round destination. Of the 380 acres, approximately 110 acres have been developed so far.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has been widely acclaimed. The Home & Garden Television (HGTV) named the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden “one of the nation’s 20 Great Gardens”.
Also, the national daily newspaper USA Today suggested the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to be one of the nation’s top 10 places to “welcome fall with a flourish.”
When you visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, you will find many benches along nicely laid out stone paths, where you can rest and enjoy amazing views of trees, flowers, and water fountains. Sometimes you can hear music playing in the background adding some serenity to the moment.
The tastefully decorated gift shop in the main building of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden also offers the work of local artists and many garden and landscaping items.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a member of the reciprocal admission program of the American Horticultural Society.
The Garden is a fantastic destination in spring, summer, and fall but it turns spectacular during the annual Holidays at the Garden event between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Garden is then tastefully lit - a true festival of lights. Holiday tunes play in the background. When you get a little cold, well, will a cup of hot chocolate warm you up?
At the White Garden you can admire the snowflake ornaments in the tree. Aren’t they lovely?
The Lost Hollow is also nicely decorated. To keep you warm, a heater has been placed in the Amphitheater. Going there will reward you with not just warm hands but also another marvelous view. Well, let’s see...
And here it is. The lights reflect magically in the pond and give the scene a romantic touch.
With the warm glow of the holiday lights and festive melodies gently playing throughout the Garden, you can quickly get into the holiday spirit.
The choreography of lights at the Holidays at the Garden has been skillfully and artfully done giving visitors something new to see at every turn.
Between Magnolia Allée and Scroll Garden the Garden seems to float in green color.
This is truly a festival of lights.
The Visitor Pavilion offers hot beverages and a warm place on a chilly night.
Back in the White Garden walking towards the Visitor Pavilion, a warm and welcoming place, a cup of hot chocolate would be the perfect treat as it is a little chilly outside.
Holidays at the Garden
When you are in the area between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you may want to stop by and admire the tastefully decorated Garden during the Holidays at the Garden annual festival of lights. Enjoy a magnificent light show while listening to the warming tunes of Holiday music. Should your hands get cold, well, there is plenty of hot chocolate available inside the Visitor Pavilion to warm them up.
6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012
Tel.: → (704) 825-4490
February to October:
Mon. to Sun. 9am to 5pm.
November to January:
Mon. to Sun. 9am to 4pm.
Extended hours during special events.
All year.
Adults: $14.95.
Seniors (60+): $12.95.
Children (2-12): $7.95.
Children (1 and younger): free.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is member of the reciprocal admission program of the American Horticultural Society.
Free on-premise parking.
The garden caters to all ages and gives everybody the opportunity to find something interesting and exciting.
Children can enjoy the merry-go-round at the Lost Hollow.
Benches are plentiful throughout the garden. Outside tables are at the Visitor Pavilion. There are many opportunities to enjoy a picnic e.g. at the Lost Hollow or the Scroll Garden, just to name a few.
Except for the Meadowood Walk and the Persimmon Trail all walkways are paved and accessible by wheelchair.
Restrooms are located in the Visitor Pavilion.