Greenville -- Mt. Cuba Center

Mt. Cuba was the private estate garden of Lammot du Pont Copeland and Pamela C. Copeland. The 630 acres that now comprise the property were acquired beginning in 1935. Development of the gardens began soon after, with some early design work by Thomas W. Sears (initial tree planting and formal areas around the house) and Marian Cruger Coffin (the south terrace and round garden). More importantly, Pamela Copeland's interest in preserving indigenous plants led to Mt. Cuba's becoming a center for the preservation and study of Piedmont flora. More than 1,800 taxa are represented in the collection. Various habitat areas, such as woodlands, fields, and a series of ponds, highlight native plants. Of particular note is the largest cultivated display of wildflowers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Other features of the garden include a lilac path, the Coffin-designed round garden with its seasonal plantings, a cutting garden, and a rock garden. Today, Mt. Cuba Center is a non-profit institution committed to promoting an appreciation for plants native to the Piedmont, encouraging their use in gardens and supporting their conservation in nature.

Persons and firms associated with the garden include: Lammot du Pont Copeland (former owner, 1935-1983); Pamela C. Copeland (1935-2001); Thomas W. Sears (landscape architect, 1930s); Marian Cruger Coffin (landscape architect, 1949-early 1950s); Seth Kelsey (landscape architect, 1960s); William H. Frederick, Jr. (landscape architect, 1970s); Richard W. Lighty (garden director, 1983-1998); and Victorine & Samuel Homsey, Inc. (architects, 1935-1937).