Spectacular spring wildflower displays are the shining point of Mount Cuba Center, a unique Delaware public garden that specializes in the native plants of the Appalachian Piedmont (the land plateau between the mountain chain and Atlantic coastal plain). This former estate of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland boasts trails of charming gardens, originally designed by Harvard-trained landscape architect, Seth Kelsey. At the peak of bloom, the center opens its doors to the public free-of-charge to celebrate the majesty of the vibrant azaleas, sweeps of foamflowers and diverse trilliums that decorate its woodlands.

This year's 6th Annual Wildflower Celebration was held on April 25th, 2010 and despite cloudy skies and a continuous drizzle of rain the gardens were as beautiful as ever. Clouds of flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida), pinkshell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi), swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) and orange azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) stood high against a froth of lavender-blue fernleaf phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida) and foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia var. collina). Onlookers of all ages were excited and interested in the beauty of the woodland walk. My three-year-old stopped to admire each new flower and was interested in all the information stations dotted along the garden walk (particularly because each had stamps for children to collect).


The pinkshell rhododendron was in full bloom as were the dogwoods, foamflowers and fernleaf phacelia.


The orange rhododendron absolutely glowed against the understory of lavender-blue fernleaf phacelia.


Well-presented information stations were dotted along the garden walk.

The trillium collection at Mount Cuba is truly impressive and most were in full glory. More unusual species, such as the southern jeweled wakerobin (Trillium simile), were planted alongside more common piedmont species like yellow wakerobin (Trillium luteum).


Clumps of jeweled wakerobin decorated the woodland garden walk.


Yellow wakerobins added splashes of color to the landscape.

The gardens surrounding the Lammot du Pont Copeland Colonial Revival manor house are more formal and include European garden ornamentals as well as natives. One of the prettiest of these is the "round garden", which was designed by famed female landscape architect, Marian C. Coffin. This year its central pool was surrounded by colorful moss phlox, African daisies and edging lobelia and its outer borders were adrift with pink, lavender and peach tulips backed by tall spires of vibrant royal blue and purple delphiniums.


The "round garden" was especially colorful with its vibrant mixed tulips and tall delphiniums.


The view from the round garden perfectly frames the manor house.

The remaining formal gardens surrounding the manor were designed by Philadelphia landscape architect, Thomas W. Sears. At the rear entrance of the home he created terraced gardens that overlook a fantastic vista (below). Grand views such as these are just as common at Mount Cuba as the quaint, off-the-beaten-track garden spaces to be discovered throughout the property.


The view from the rear of the manor house is open, spacious and beautiful.


Woodland ponds lined with colorful gardens create more intimate, picturesque views.

Aside from the yearly Wildflower Celebration, Mount Cuba can only be visited through arranged garden tours booked in advance. It is well worth the effort and nominal fee. If you live in the area or are planning a visit, this is a garden that should not be missed.