Nuptials in Nirvana: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

Future brides are born with instinctive expectations of what their wedding day will entail. Visions of cherubs, harps and rose petals falling from the sky are the typical fantasies. The staff at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens (DSBG) cannot provide the cherubs - but they can provide the gorgeous backdrop of blooming flowers of every variety to create a wonderful wedding experience within the many abundant gardens.

In 1989, textile industrialist Daniel J. Stowe began the gardens by setting aside 450 acres of Gaston County land. Being a lover of the outdoors, Stowe, with support of his wife Alene, began realizing his dream of sharing with others a majestic complex encompassed by year-round botanical gardens. At its opening in 1999 in Belmont, the Stowes presented 110 developed acres with plant life befitting a royal garden. See it once and you'll know why couples choose to exchange their wedding vows there.

Visitor Services Manager Bethe Rogers said that DSBG hosts approximately 45 weddings per year, nearly all of them taking place in the spring, summer and autumn months. The gardens attraction, Rogers said, is obvious. "People want something different and unique that stands out and brides appreciate the convenience of doing their ceremony and reception in the same place," she said.

Six gardens are placed meticulously throughout the grounds. They include Four Seasons Garden with its variety of seasonal flowers and fruits; Cottage Garden with six beds displaying plant life of yesteryear; Canal Garden, home to a grand 250-foot-long miniature canal with dramatic fountain frames; Perennial Garden which has five smaller gardens within its winding one-mile walk; Conifer Garden with brightly colored conifers in green, blue, gold, purple and even striped and finally, West Garden with another garden, the White Garden and two smaller courtyard gardens, designed within.

Head Gardener Douglas Ruhren talked about the commitment and work required to keeping the lawns in peak condition. "Our goal is to have colorful gardens year round. The horticultural staff strives to maintain the many gardens at DSBG to the highest standards possible," Ruhren said. "The displays change constantly and individuals who visit on a weekly or monthly basis are often amazed at how much the garden changes from visit to visit."

The most popular choice for weddings, the White Garden and Four Seasons lawn are the perfect fit for hosting any event. Opened in 2003, the White Garden was created for smaller, more intimate affairs; its natural décor is ideal for weddings. The Four Seasons lawn holds a more spacious crowd of 300 guests or more. If smaller accommodations are needed, the adjoining Wren Room is available. From this room, you can see the west terrace named for Stowe's mother, Nellie Rhyne Stowe.

Inside the great hall of the 13,500-square-foot visitors pavilion, named for Stowe's father, Robert Lee Stowe, is a reception area with parquet flooring and a plethora of soaring windows framing the back courtyard. DSBG accepts reservations for morning, afternoon, and all-day weddings and receptions. Rogers and Leslie Rowley are available to meet with any prospective brides and grooms to discuss wedding options. The facility provides informational packets describing specific areas of the grounds, event pricing and a list of recommended vendors to assist in wedding plans. Rogers suggests that for anyone wanting DSBG to host their event, a visit to the facility should be made ahead of time.

In addition to the beautifully manicured gardens, plans are in the works for construction of an English Wall Garden, rose gardens and a home demonstration garden area. However, the most ambitious undertaking will be the new Orchid Conservatory featuring some of the world's most exotic orchids. The fund-raising campaign for this project only recently began; already the gardens has reached half of its projected goal of $15 million.

Visitors don't have to make an appointment to come by, but it is suggested that a visit be made to fully appreciate the serene surroundings. Open every day throughout the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, admission is $8.00 per person. For more information, visit www.dsbg.org, or call 704-825-4490.

by Suvanne T. Jackson