Sandhills Horticultural Gardens | Fayetteville

The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are a distinguished 27-acre public garden complex located on the campus of Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Established in 1978, the gardens have grown from a single holly garden into a diverse collection of ten distinct themed gardens, each offering a unique horticultural experience designed to educate, inspire, and provide aesthetic pleasure to visitors. These gardens are open daily from dawn until sunset, with free admission, making them accessible for everyone interested in plants, landscape design, and nature.

Detailed Overview of the Gardens

Ebersole Holly Garden
This garden is notable for being one of the largest holly collections accessible to the public on the East Coast. It features 28 different holly species and approximately 350 cultivars. The diversity in size, shape, and color of the holly plants here offers a vibrant display year-round, particularly striking in the winter when many other plants are dormant. The garden serves both as a conservation site and as an educational resource for those interested in holly varieties.

Sir Walter Raleigh Garden
Inspired by traditional English garden design, this 1.5-acre formal garden pays tribute to the historical attempt to colonize Roanoke Island in 1584. The garden is divided into several smaller thematic sections including the Holly Maze, Fountain Courtyard, Sunken Garden, Ceremonial Courtyard, and Herb Garden. Each mini garden displays carefully planned plantings and features that evoke historical and cultural connections while showcasing ornamental plants suited to the Sandhills climate.

Atkins Hillside Garden
This garden mimics a naturalistic landscape with a meandering stream made of river rocks, complemented by waterfalls, pools, and a gazebo called the Falls Overlook. The garden’s design emphasizes water features integrated into plantings of shrubs and perennials, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. This space is ideal for those interested in water garden design and landscape architecture.

Desmond Native Wetland Trail Garden
Serving as both a nature conservancy and bird sanctuary, this garden highlights native wetland plants indigenous to the Sandhills region. It features a boardwalk trail weaving through mature poplars, pines, and wetland vegetation, creating a peaceful, immersive experience in a natural habitat. This garden educates visitors on the importance of wetlands and their role in regional ecology.

Hackley Woodland Garden
Showcasing plants adapted to woodland and shaded environments, this garden contains a wide range of azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and companion plants selected for their seasonal interest. The garden is designed to demonstrate how shade gardens can be lush and colorful throughout the year, providing inspiration for gardeners with shaded outdoor spaces.

Fruit & Vegetable Garden
This garden includes an orchard with dwarf fruit trees, berry patches, various vegetable plots, and a small vineyard. It is designed to educate visitors on sustainable gardening practices and growing their own food. The garden is a resource for those interested in organic gardening, food production, and the seasonal rhythms of edible plants.

Rose Garden
Featuring a collection of old-fashioned roses well-suited to the Sandhills climate, this garden offers fragrant blooms and vibrant colors. The roses are chosen for their hardiness and beauty, making the garden an excellent example of rose varieties that thrive locally. The garden invites visitors to experience the timeless appeal of roses in a carefully maintained setting.

Conifer Garden
This garden displays a unique collection of slow-growing conifers selected for their interesting foliage color, form, and texture. The collection includes species that are not commonly seen in southern landscapes, providing visitors with insights into conifer diversity and their use in garden design for year-round interest.

Succulent Garden
Designed to resemble a Southwest desert environment, this garden features a variety of succulent plants that thrive in the Sandhills climate despite their desert origins. The garden demonstrates the adaptability of succulents and offers inspiration for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardening.

Children’s Garden
This area is dedicated to young visitors, encouraging them to explore gardening by growing vegetables and other plants. It serves as an educational space that fosters curiosity and pride in gardening among children, with interactive elements designed to engage and inspire future gardeners.

Visitor Facilities and Amenities

The gardens are supported by the G. Victor and Margaret Ball Garden Visitors Center, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and educational materials here. Throughout the gardens, designated picnic areas allow guests to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The gardens maintain policies that prohibit pets, smoking, and alcohol to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all.

Educational and Community Role

Beyond being a public garden, Sandhills Horticultural Gardens functions as a living laboratory for students enrolled in the Landscape Gardening Program at Sandhills Community College. Students are required to complete hands-on fieldwork in the gardens, gaining practical experience in horticulture, landscape design, and plant care.

The Sandhills Horticultural Society actively supports the gardens by organizing workshops, seasonal tours, gardening classes, and family-oriented events. These programs promote community engagement, environmental awareness, and lifelong learning about plants and sustainable gardening practices.

Location and Accessibility

The gardens are conveniently located at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, North Carolina, within easy reach of local residents and tourists. With free daily admission from dawn to dusk, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens provide an accessible and enriching experience for visitors of all ages and interests.

Summary

The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens offer a diverse, educational, and scenic environment that highlights both native and exotic plants suited to the Sandhills region. They serve as a center for horticultural education, conservation, and community involvement, blending natural beauty with purposeful design. Visitors can immerse themselves in formal gardens, natural woodlands, wetlands, water features, and specialized collections, making it a comprehensive destination for anyone passionate about gardening, landscaping, or simply enjoying nature.