Doesn't Recommend

Ganiza

Joined 3 years ago

Atrocious Exhibit. My extended family went to see the Come Sit a Spell exhibit at the garden since we knew of two people/groups that entered benches. I have never seen such a shotty job of hosting an art exhibit, but also the look of the signs for the art and the garden setting itself looked gross.

We saw dead trees in the perennial gardens and leading, half brown trees and shrubs in the big orchid conservancy building. I think no one waters the plants or knows how to plant things. My sister in law commented that no one gives money anymore because of the mean, vindictive director who has alienated everyone in the area. It makes sense, since the gardens look totally, including really ugly, sick looking pots with dead plants.

My husband laughed as we left about the $12 ticket price. Clearly that money does not go to the exhibits or the garden. Do they not care to straighten signs at the art pieces? And dead plants? My daughter was disappointed in the outside bird cage.

Recommends

laurie3035

Joined 11 years ago

Wonderful garden-still evolving. Daniel Stowe is a lovely and quiet garden. It has many full sun garden rooms with fountains, a wedding garden, an orchid conservatory, and shaded trails edging the gardens it is not perfect but it is evolving. Christmas brings wonderful lights, pictures with Santa and carolers. Easter brings fun for children and photos with the Easter rabbit. Bring your own food and drinks and eat on the patio tables, picnic tables, or a blanket. There are also drinks, ice cream, and sandwiches in the shop. Remember how wonderful that sun will feel when you return in cooler seasons! One fountain arches to cool visitors who get caught as it cycles. Keep in mind that bulbs do require a period of natural wilting in order to keep the bulb healthy for its next blooming. Some of the plantings especially conifers, like the Redwood, are planted very close together. There are too many positives however, to focus on the negatives. If you are able to return with the family several times during the year save with the annual membership. This will allow you to visit for $75 with all the family throughout the year. Gardens, as nature, offer beauty unique to each season! Don't miss out with just a single visit. Daniel Stowe is like a new garden every season!

Doesn't Recommend

JanetA2

Joined 5 years ago

Middle of nowhere, unkempt, WAY overpriced for what is there.. After the buzz I have been reading about, my friends and I went to Daniel Stow Botanical Garden. First off, it is NOWHERE close to any of the interstates as their advertising states 'convenient access to interstates 77a nd 85' NOT. With the price of gas so high, this place was some 40 miles out of Charlotte one way,a nd in the middle of nowhere.

The entrance building was large and sterile, the glass dome was pretty, but the building is like a courthouse. OMG, $10 per person? To see what? brown grass, weedy gardens and then no water, restrooms or shade in the gardens that go on and on for miles?! The gift shop had lots of chotzky-upscale garage sale jewelry and some ho-hum books. The plant area was atrocious. And, there is no real amenities for food there. Outrageously priced soggy wrapping bread and meat sandwiches?!

I've visited many gardens in North Carolina and coming from a family of gardeners (and friends of same), we were shocked to see weeds all over, and even the perennial plants looked awful. Things are way overplanted, and even the conservatory looked dirty and plants looked hacked back.

I think I will keep the Biltmore and North Carolina Arboretum and Sarah Duke Gardens as the gardens to show anyone. This place seems nice because of all the walkways and buildings, but it just dones not cut it, especially for $10 in the middle of nowhere with nothing to offer except sunburn and no labels or information on the few plants that are healthy.

VERY disappointing, but much potential if they really wanted to make it a great place IMHO.

Janet.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Go west and visit Gaston County's Garden of Eden.. In Short
Gaston County's lush Garden of Eden, located on the banks of Lake Wylie, appeals to botanists and nature lovers seeking a haven from the bustle of the city. The garden is made up of 110 acres broken up into four major gardens. Each makes use of the park's proximity to water, surrounding displays with rain-fed ponds and elegant fountains. With species ranging from crape myrtle to roses, there's enough to keep any flower lover happy.

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laurie82

Joined 10 years ago

Evolving Nicely. These fountain gradens are mature now and provide a nice show. The white wedding garden has small, immature plantings.It is in full sun (as is all the garden area) and without trellis. If your looking for lush shaded gardens with mature trees, in the garden area you will be very disappointed. There are tables with umbrellas near the building. There is a small adjacent lawn area that would be perfect for croquet. Take a picnic to setup at the tables, with plenty of drinks and try an early morning or evening time. Bring bathing suits, and sun block for small children and let them run through the fountain (just for that purpose). Remember the heat and direct sun and you should have fun!