Mt. Cuba

Yesterday we took the Foulkeways bus to Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware, former home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland.  It now covers 500 acres of natural lands, and demonstrates gardening on a higher level.

The Mountain Laurel guided us to the woodland path, where we saw many wonderful flowers, shrubs, and trees.

The yellow wood-poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum, was one of the first flowers to see.  

The native columbine, Aquilegia canadensis, grew in clumps in the shade.

This is the male fairy wand, Chamaelirum luteum, which was used by the Indians medicinally.

This is one I know as green and gold, Chrysogonum virginianum, a lovely shade plant that I have in my garden.

This wonderful turkey beard, Xerophyllum asphodebides, is only listed as native south of Pennsylvania.

A beautiful yellow lady slipper, Cypripedium parviflorum, was a delight to see.

We also saw the trial garden, and it is interesting to check out their web site to see the research that they are doing.

They even have some man-made shade gardens for research.

Our tour ended in the formal garden, where this sculpture is featured.

Behind the house, or in front, is this hedge of itea, where they once had a barberry hedge.  So beautiful today.