DBG New Board Member

New DBG Board Member LeDee Wakefield

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced that LeDee Lickle Wakefield, a native Delawarean, has joined the Delaware Botanic Gardens Board of Directors.  Sander said, “LeDee comes to the Board with a very impressive background with service on five other non-profit boards and a strong devotion to community service.”  LeDee has extensive experience on the Boards of Preservation Delaware, Young Friends of the Brandywine River Museum, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Planned Parenthood, and Paws for People.

For the last decade, LeDee has served as comptroller for her family’s businesses, The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa / Krazy Kats, The Back Burner Restaurant and Everything but the Kitchen Sink Specialty Gift Shop.  In mid-2019, she became the managing director of this enterprise group.  In LeDee’s family, giving back to the community has always been a tradition.  She and her family have made the Inn and restaurants available to nonprofit organizations.

Sheryl Swed, Executive Director said, “LeDee comes to us with an impressive background of service on non-profit boards, has served on the DBG Advisory Council, and has generously supported several DBG fund raising events.  We are all excited about the guidance and support she will bring to our board.”

LeDee remarked, “When I saw the Pepper Creek site and the vision for this remarkable public garden, I wanted to be part of the effort to create this beautiful asset which will be a destination to all who live in and visit Delaware.”

DBG Closes the Gardens Gate for Season

(l to r) Jeremy Cole, Brian Trader, Sam Cashdollar, Sheryl Swed, Judy Martin, Ray Sander, Margret Kimmel, Carol McCloud, Angela Schaab, Garland Saville, Brent Baker, Peter Carter and Scott Thomas celebrate the closing at the Welcome Center on November 30.

On November 30, the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) ended its first public open season closing the garden’s gate with an informal celebration attended by guests, Board Members, Garden Members, volunteers and other supporters.

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens said, “This short three month 2019 season was the culmination of more than eight years of heroic effort by the entire network that we have built around DBG — scores of dedicated volunteers, creative business partners, generous foundations, supportive elected officials and engaged media.  There is much more to come in 2020.”  He concluded, “Thank you all for dreaming about this public garden, and for helping make it a reality.”

Sheryl Swed, Executive Director said, “We thank all our guests and volunteer garden family for a great grand opening.  We want all our supporters and guests to know that we will open our 2020 season on March 17.  We want to thank over 1,400 guests and over 190 new members who have joined since we opened this past September.  We invite all our friends to give a gift DBG membership this holiday season by going to www.delawaregardens.org/gift-a-membership.

The DBG volunteer hospitality docents shared their enthusiasm with garden guests and it was magic.  The 2019 garden guests had some very positive feedback including:

“The mix of meadow and woodland gardens was delightful.  Workers were helpful.  Loved the photos for sale at the Welcome Center.  We’ll be back in the spring.”

“Everyone was so pleasant and helpful.”

“Everything was laid out beautifully.  What a delight to have this wonderful garden in our own back yard.  Many kudos to all who made this possible.  I’m happy to be a new member.”

In addition, the DBG received a resounding vote of confidence from the regional news media, including Adrian Higgins, The Washington Post’s garden author.  Higgins in his September 23, 2019 review wrote:

“I adore this expression of gardening for loads of reasons: It’s naturalistic, it’s dynamic, it gets more interesting with each passing month of the season.  For its maker, it allows countless permutations of plant combos.  For the viewer, no matter how seasoned, it provides the thrill of discovering new varieties.  Creating so much from nothing gets to the essence and power of garden making.  This is why we do it, to create a paradise out of thin air.  Dream a space, make it real, and let it speak to us.”

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.  More information is available at www.delawaregardens.org.

Delaware Botanic Gardens Invites Families to visit in November as the Garden winds up the 2019 Season

Meadow Garden in late September

Raymond Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG), announced “Family Days” during November as the Gardens celebrate the last open month before “Closing the Garden Gates” for the winter season on Saturday November 30th.

On Saturdays during November, the Gardens offer a special $5 half-price entry fee for children 6 to 17 years of age.  Children under 5 years old have free admission.  Also, each Saturday the first 10 children to arrive ages 6 to 12 years old will receive a free DBG custom T-shirt while supplies last.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens are open Wednesday through Saturday from now until November 23.  DBG’s last open day is Saturday, November 30, with hours 9:00 a.m. until noon.  Guests are invited to stay until 1 p.m. on November 30 to enjoy a glass of holiday cheer with the DBG Board, Staff and Volunteers.

There is still much to enjoy this fall as the 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow of 70,000 plants and grasses goes deep into their fifth season.  This is the time when perennials begin to rest for the winter.

The 12-acre Woodland Garden is in great autumn color with hundreds of hollies now prominently visible in the understory.  Pepper Creek is running cold and brisk.  The native grasses throughout the gardens dance to the rhythm of the wind.  It is the Gardens’ last hurrah before winter.

The gardens are located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939.  To sign-up for daily, 10 a.m. guided tours go to the gardens website, www.delawaregardens.org/guided-tours.  Tours are $10 per person plus admission.

After the first of the year, we will be announcing our reopening date and our series of exciting programs for 2020.  Please sign up on our website for notices at www.delawaregardens.org/follow-us.

The mission of the Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

First Aid Kits Donated to DBG as Grand Opening Approaches

Peter Carter and Mike Meoli

For immediate release September 5, 2019

As Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) prepares to open to the public on Monday September 16, Mike Meoli, owner of 18 McDonald's Restaurants in Delmarva presented three professional First Aid Kits to DBG Board Member Peter Carter.  The kits will be placed in the garden’s Welcome Center and Maintenance Areas.

Mile Meoli said, “We are pleased to support the Delaware Botanic Gardens, which will be a major Sussex County destination for Delmarva residents and visitors alike.”  Peter Carter replied, “We are so thankful for the Delmarva business supporters like Mike, and hope they shall continue that support in the years which follow.”

The Delaware Botanic Gardens are located at 30220 Piney Neck Road.  Dagsboro, DE 19939.  The Grand Opening Week begins on Monday, September 16 through Thursday September 19.  The open hours are 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  On Thursday, September 19, the garden will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  At 1 p.m. on Thursday, there will be a special Garden and Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.  There will be special events each day of the Grand Opening Week and tours are available with prior registration by going to www.delawaregardns.org/events.

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all. The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

New Deputy Executive Director and Director of Horticulture Joins Delaware Botanic Gardens staff as Grand Opening Approaches

For immediate release August 5, 2019

On August 1, 2019, Brian W. Trader, Ph.D. became the Deputy Executive Director and Director of Horticulture at the Delaware Botanic Garden (DBG) in Dagsboro, DE.  He was greeted with cheers from the volunteers and executive team who have been eagerly awaiting his arrival.

Brian Trader is a veteran of Longwood Gardens having served there as Director of Domestic and International studies.  DBG President Ray Sander pointed out that Brian has been at Longwood Gardens for almost ten years as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of future horticultural leaders.  DBG Executive Director Sheryl Swed said, “We welcome Brian who has an excellent background, is a passionate leader and a practical horticultural expert.”

A native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Dr. Trader said, “As a Delmarva native, I’m excited to join this passionate Delaware Botanic Gardens team as we open the new gardens for our coastal communities.  I invite others to join our volunteer team and invite you to attend our Grand Opening.”

He said he is looking forward to the September 2019 Grand Opening of the DBG.  Upcoming Grand Opening events include:

·      Thursday, September 12 – Grand Opening Dinner at the Gardens in Dagsboro from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  Tickets and sponsorships available on the DBG website at www.delawaregardens.org/events.

·      Monday, September 16 – Public Grand Opening from 9:00am to noon

·      Thursday, September 19 – The gardens will be open from 9:00am to 3:00pm with the public Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at 1:00pm with Chamber of Commerce.

The gardens will be open to the public 9:00am to noon September 16 through September 18 and 9:00am to 3:00pm September 19.  There will be special events each day to celebrate the weeklong public opening.  The address is 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939.

The mission of the Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens will celebrate the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

DBG’s New Director of Horticulture

For immediate release June 10, 2019

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Garden (DBG) announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Brian W. Trader, Ph.D., as the new DBG Director of Horticulture and Deputy Executive Director.  Sander said, “We began DBG with a leadership Grant from the Longwood Foundation, and looked to Longwood Garden as our North Star in how to build and operate a world class public garden.  Dr. Trader has demonstrated that rare combination of intellectual expertise, administrative leadership and practical Horticulture experience.  He is also a mentor and teacher having served as Director of Domestic and International Studies at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.  He is the right person to take this key Horticultural leadership role at the right time as DBG opens to the public in September 2019.”

Brian Trader, Ph.D.

Dr. Trader holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture; M.S. in Life Sciences; and B.S.  Horticulture; all from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA.  He is Chair of Membership Advisory Council, American Public Garden Association; and Board member, American Society for Horticultural Science.

Dr. Trader said, “I look forward to being a part of an exciting new public garden which has a clear vision and mission to serve and educate the public about the natural beauty and practical role of native plants in our environment.  It is very special to be at the beginning of a process of building and creating a unique series of gardens in the Delmarva region.  I would be remiss if I did not tip my hat to the many volunteers from Board members to Garden stewards and hospitality docents who have brought this new and fast growing public garden to life.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We are blessed to have a Longwood Garden veteran join our executive team.  Brian has all the experience and tools to help us to move this legacy garden forward.  This project is a success because of all of us, not just any one of us.  Our volunteers, friends, donors, staff and business partners are making it happen.  Creating a public garden from scratch is truly a team effort.  Brian will keep us on course and open a new chapter of creative leadership.

The 37-acre DBG will open the garden gates to the public in September 2019.  The crown jewel in the gardens is the 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden, designed by this internationally renowned Dutch designer.

The mission of the Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens will celebrate the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

DBG Bugs & Beer Lecture

For immediate release May 24, 2019

On May 17, the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) opened its gates for the “Bugs & Beer” Lecture by Todd Fritchman at the Dogfish Head Learning Garden.  It was a clear success with 75 visitors and DBG volunteers participating.

Ray Sander, president of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) said, “This event kicks off our 2019 educational program at DBG.  It happened because of the strong support and collaboration between Dogfish Head who is our lead naming rights supporter, and Envirotech who created the wetlands outdoor classroom.  They are our educational mission support team.

Mariah Calagione, co-owner of Dogfish Head said, “We are proud to be partners with DBG and it’s exciting to see the wetlands outdoor classroom in action with a wonderful teacher like Todd.”

Todd Fritchman, owner of Envirotech said, “The constructed wetland has provided a habitat for the growth and development of frogs, toads and multitudes of macro invertebrates such as damsel flies, dragon flies, crustaceans such as crayfish, insect pollinators and much more.”  In short, he said, “This class allowed us to understand the biological diversity of this Living Outdoor Classroom’ and to best understand the ecological significance of the wetland and the biota it supports. “

This class was not just a lecture.  It was a “hands-on” experience with participants taking water samples and observing the creatures living in the wetlands.  Pat Long from Millville, DE said,” I liked the tadpoles swimming in the water.”  Todd observed, “It was clear that inquiry based learning works and profound interest was generated as the participants literally got wet and into the experience.  Their questions began to flow.”

A video of the Bugs and Beer event is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/iRawpzu_svc.

After class, the visitors took a leisurely stroll through the gardens and Alison Skeel of Kensington, MD said, “The gardens are fantastic and I can’t wait to come back.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We wish to thank Carol McCloud, DBG Volunteer Coordinator and all the volunteers who worked so hard to get the gardens ready for this event, including planting 1,500 blueberry bushes this past week.  Thank you all.”

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

Anderson Holly Collection Arrives At DBG

For immediate release March 29, 2019

On March 27, the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) received and planted 32 American Holly trees that were donated from the Charles R. Anderson Holly Collection in Owings Mills, MD.

Raymond J. Sander, president of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) said, “The Anderson Holly Collection is a world-renown American Holly collection, and we are proud that Mr. Anderson chose our legacy garden for the new home to these wonderful Holly trees.  He loved to show his trees to the public and our public garden will carry on his educational tradition.”

Mr. Anderson’s daughter, Cathy Anderson, said, “My late father’s wish was that a major part of his collection be donated to DBG.  He knew his Holly trees would be loved and taken care of at DBG.  It was important to him that we enjoy the plants and continue to educate the public about the many Holly varieties.  I am so glad these Holly trees are in a good home.”

DBG volunteers, staff, and contractors led by Jeremy Hager, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist at Coastal Plant Care supervised the planting.  Hager, a DBG Board member, said, “The Anderson collection consists of over 120 different cultivars of llex.  DBG choose 36 unique Hollies from the collection to come to

Delaware, which represents over a quarter of Mr. Anderson’s total collection of various Holly varieties.  The importance of the collection is allowing visitors to view deciduous and evergreen Hollies rarely seen.  Hollies ranging in height from 1’-15’ and in tree and shrub form now reside at DBG.  We are honored to continue the legacy that the Anderson family has started.  As with all things at DBG, the tireless efforts of our volunteer board, Foxborough, Inc., and our garden stewards led by Carol McCloud allowed this project to happen.  We are thankful for their service.  We are hopeful the wonderful Anderson collection will attract new visitors, volunteers and donors to join the DBG dream.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We wish to thank the Anderson Family for this living Holly donation that will greatly enhance the garden’s beauty.  This tree planting emphasizes the garden’s educational mission and the Holly Trees are a home to wildlife as well as enhance our gardens as a place to relax and enjoy nature.”

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

New DBG Advisors

For immediate release March 12, 2019

Raymond J. Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) and DBG Advisory Council Chair Carla Markell announced that DBG has added two new key members to its Advisory Council – Mark Carter and Lillian Harrison.

Carla Markell, DBG Advisory Chair, said, “For a public initiative like the Delaware Botanic Garden to be truly successful, we must become a resource which encompasses the wide range of interests of our Delmarva community.  Mark Carter and Lilian Harrison, as respected community leaders, bring their unique perspectives and networks to DBG at this key time as we prepare to “Open the Garden Gates” to the public.

Sander said, “Mark and Lillian are models of “giving back.”  Their commitment and lives are dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout the Delmarva community.  Their membership on the DGB Advisory Council will add to our ability to network and connect this garden to the many public interests we need to serve.

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “The Advisory Council continues to be an important source of excellence and leadership for DBG.  As we strive toward our Grand Opening, the energy and enthusiasm of these two great professionals will accelerate our momentum and augment our knowledge and experience base.

Mark Carter

Mark Carter

Mark is a great example of the innovative and creative team that Sam and Mariah Calagione have built at their award-winning brewery.  Not only has Dogfish Head become one of the US top 20 craft breweries, they and their team have also generously donated to and volunteered with over 150 nonprofits.  As Dogfish Head Brewery’s Director of Beer and Benevolence, Mark has been instrumental in the funding of DBG’s outdoor living classroom.  This feature includes a constructed wetland and reconstructed Inland Dunes, which are the center for DBG’s educational mission.  DGB is proud to be working with Dogfish Head and for this great company to have the first Naming Rights at our garden, the Dogfish Head Learning Garden.  Mark said, “Thanks for asking me to be a part of this amazing project.”

Mark is a native Delawarean.  He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.  He lives in Milton DE with his partner Sara and their children.

Lillian Harrison

Lillian Harrison

Lillian said, “I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to give back to our community by serving on the DBG Advisory Council.”  Lillian is a recognized community leader with skills in business, economics and community development.  She brings to the Advisory Council her entrepreneurial experience as well as her work in nonprofit management, public relations, marketing, branding and personnel management.  Lillian is the President/Executive Director of the Elevated Community Development Corporation in Georgetown DE.  Her firm provides job skills training, workforce development programs and job readiness counseling for people striving to realize their full human and economic potential.  Lillian is also the Housing Director for Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council and is a Member of the Sussex Economic Action Development Committee (SEDAC).

Lillian was awarded her certificate in Community and Economic Development from the University of Delaware, school of Urban Affairs and Public Policy.  She also studied Computer Information Systems at Delaware Technical and Community College.  Lilian lives in Millsboro DE with her husband, James.

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.

SAVE THE DATE: The first lecture at the Dogfish Head Learning Garden is Friday, May 17 at 1 pm when Todd Fritchman from Envirotech Environmental Consulting will give a talk entitled “Bugs and Beer” and Dogfish Head will be serving several of their great offerings.  Go to www.delawaregardens.org/new-events/ for details.

New DBG Leaders

For immediate release January 8, 2019

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced that DBG has added two new leaders to its Board of Directors - Jeremy Hager and Scott Thomas.  Sander said, “Both Jeremy and Scott are devoted professionals who bring unique skills and enthusiasm to help drive our effort to ‘Open the Garden Gates’ in September 2019.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “I look forward to working with these two exceptional leaders who bring us an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to this legacy garden.”  She also said, “Our Nominating Committee, co-chaired by Carol McCloud and Bob Batley, has done an excellent job finding nominees with vital skill-sets that will help us to “Open the Garden Gates” in 2019.”

Jeremy Hager

Jeremy Hager is President and Founder of The Land Care Advisory Group and Coastal Plant Care in Ocean View, DE.  He is Sussex County’s only ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, and has a passion for educating our coastal community about tree and environmental stewardship.  Jeremy holds a Master of Science Degree (Entomology) and a Bachelor of Science Degree (Environmental Resource Management, Horticulture), from Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

Jeremy has been actively involved in advising the DBG on how to preserve its 12-acre woodland, while the gardens are under construction.  He was National Arborist of the year 2008-2009, and is a United States Arboretum Board member, serving on the Strategic Planning Committee.  He has continued his community outreach as an active public speaker and writer, sharing his arboricultural expertise.

Jeremy Hager
Photo by ray bojarski

Scott Thomas
photo by ray bojarski

Jeremy Hager

Jeremy Hager is President and Founder of The Land Care Advisory Group and Coastal Plant Care in Ocean View, DE.  He is Sussex County’s only ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, and has a passion for educating our coastal community about tree and environmental stewardship.  Jeremy holds a Master of Science Degree (Entomology) and a Bachelor of Science Degree (Environmental Resource Management, Horticulture), from Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

Jeremy has been actively involved in advising the DBG on how to preserve its 12-acre woodland, while the gardens are under construction.  He was National Arborist of the year 2008-2009, and is a United States Arboretum Board member, serving on the Strategic Planning Committee.  He has continued his community outreach as an active public speaker and writer, sharing his arboricultural expertise.

Scott Thomas

Scott Thomas is Executive Director for Southern Delaware Tourism, the Convention & Visitors Bureau for Sussex County, DE.  He has over 13-years of experience in the tourism industry and serves on the Board of Directors for the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC).  Scott excels in the marketing communications arena.  He is the former Director of Sales and Marketing at The Inn at Canal Square in Lewes, DE and was the Corporate Events Marketing Manager for Acterna (a telecommunications company) in Germantown, MD.  He is a business school graduate of the University of Maryland and resides with his wife, Tammy in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

These new leaders join the Board at a critical time as DBG is in the final countdown to “Open the Garden Gates” in September 2019.

DBG has just completed its capital and end-of-year campaigns and reports raising over $806,000 in 2018.  President Ray Sander, said, “We want to thank everyone who is a friend and supporter of DBG.  You and our devoted volunteers are making a dream become a reality.  Please see the newest way to support the Delaware Botanic Gardens by sponsoring a beautiful bench.  Go to www.delawaregardens.org/2019-bench-order.”

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens celebrates the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.