Horticultural Highlights: June 2026

By Aaron Holloway, Membership Manager

With summer fast approaching, the improvements here at Stowe continue. Our Horticulture Team has been working on some new projects that will ensure the beauty of the Gardens last for years to come! 

Shade and Seating on the Horizon

The Prairie Castle Playground will be receiving some much needed updates. We have heard many requests for there to be more shade and seating at the playground, and we listened! Over the coming weeks, you may see our Horticulture Team working to install wooden beams around the perimeter of the castle, which will become the supports for new shade sails. Benches are also on the way, so that all our guests can enjoy a shaded rest amidst a day of play. 

Want to help us make even more improvements to the Prairie Castle Playground area? Become a Castle Guardian and donate $500 to receive a plaque on our Castle board! Reach out to Development Director Brittney Speaks for more info.

Reinvigorating a Classic Stowe Landmark

Work has also begun on the Soil Restoration Project in the Williamson Conservatory! Our Conservatory Manager, Chloe Linton, has begun the task of removing old plantings to make way for yards of new soil, which will allow some new plants to be added back into the collection. 

Conservatory soil is a special mix of inorganic and organic amendments. Over the past 18 years, the soil has broken down and dropped feet below the original soil level. Mixing in new soil and replanting will greatly improve the health of the Conservatory, and will allow us to bring you new and exciting displays of a variety of different plants. While the Conservatory may look bare in places as we undertake this project, the end result and overall increased well-being of the Conservatory will be worth it. We are very excited for the opportunity to showcase a whole new Conservatory for you in the future. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this great undertaking!

Growing the Future: How Stowe’s Native Plant Nursery is Supporting Conservation, Education, and Restoration

One of the most exciting conservation initiatives at Daniel Stowe Conservancy is happening behind the scenes in our Native Seedbank and Plant Nursery. What begins as tiny seeds collected from local and regional native plants is growing into a powerful tool for habitat restoration, education and community engagement.

Our Native Seedbank serves as the foundation for much of this work. Throughout the year, staff and volunteers collect seed from plant populations across the Piedmont and surrounding ecoregion, helping preserve regional genetics and increase the availability of locally adapted plant material. Seed is collected responsibly from conservation properties and partner sites with landowner permission and, where required, appropriate permits.

Many collections occur in partnership with land trusts, public agencies, botanical gardens and other organizations working to protect biodiversity across the Southeast. This fall, we will once again head into prairies, savannas, roadsides and other natural areas in search of seed that will support future restoration, education and horticultural efforts.

We’re also grateful for the support of organizations like Enbridge and the Catawba Nation Foundation who make this project possible.

A primary goal of the seed bank is to produce plants for habitat restoration from wild-collected seed. By growing plants from locally and regionally sourced genetics, we help maintain the resilience and diversity of the landscapes we steward. These plants support restoration projects both at Stowe and with partners throughout the region.

So far this growing season, the Stowe Native Plant Nursery has successfully grown more than 6,000 plants from seed, representing 111 unique species, with a special focus on Piedmont Prairie plants. Approximately 600 plants have already been installed in gardens, restoration areas, educational landscapes and community initiatives such as scout pollinator projects.

The Native Plant Nursery also supports public education and retail sales, helping visitors create wildlife-friendly landscapes at home. Plants offered for sale are grown from seed and nursery stock, with a focus on species and plant materials well suited to the North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding ecoregions.

Native plants are uniquely adapted to our soils and climate. Their deep root systems improve soil health, reduce erosion, and help the land absorb and store water. These qualities are especially valuable during drought conditions. While many traditional landscape plants require supplemental irrigation during extended dry periods, native plants are often better equipped to withstand weather extremes, making them a resilient and sustainable choice for both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Looking ahead, our goals for 2026 extend beyond simply growing plants. We are producing plant material for local and regional restoration projects, supporting educational programs and retail sales, and building nursery stock that can be overwintered for future use. Through our seedbank, nursery and prairie restoration programs, we are creating a pathway from wild-collected seed to restored habitat, helping build a healthier and more resilient future for wildlife, water quality and our community.

Every seed collected, every plant grown, and every habitat restored is an investment in the future of the Piedmont landscape and the people who call it home.