One of my favorite books growing up was "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
I was enchanted by the idea of stepping through a garden gate to discover a magical landscape inside. Imagine yellow sulfur butterflies and hummingbirds sipping nectar from red turk's cap flowers, bumblebees busily darting among the yellow and orange zinnias, and our stunning ginkgo tree just coming into its golden glory.
This fall, Cape Fear area residents can step into a real life magical garden as the Friends of the Arboretum presents the 30th Anniversary of Art in the Arboretum.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the New Hanover County Arboretum will transform into an open-air gallery. For three decades, this beloved community
event has invited visitors to wander winding pathways, enjoying the crisp fall air while discovering unique art tucked among the trees.
The show this year features 70 local artists displaying their work throughout the seven-acre grounds. As guests explore the artwork, they can vote for the coveted People's Choice Award. While casting their ballot, visitors can also check out the incredible raffle prizes for a chance to win original artwork, gift cards to local nurseries, season theatre tickets, and so much more.
Art in the Arboretum offers something for all ages. The Children's Corner returns with interactive hands-on 4-H crafts alongside temporary tattoos and fairy hair for the young and young at heart. The event also highlights youth art from DREAMS of Wilmington and handcrafted woodworking like cutting boards and bottle stoppers from Kids Making It students.
Beyond celebrating the creativity of artists in our community, Art in the Arboretum serves as the major annual fundraiser for Friends of the Arboretum, the non-profit that supports the Arboretum grounds and the programs of N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County Center. The Arboretum serves as a living classroom for local residents, students, and gardening professionals. The funds raised help maintain diverse plant collections tailored to southeastern North Carolina's climate, promoting environmental stewardship and horticultural education year-round.
The 30th Anniversary of Art in the Arboretum will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Hanover County Arboretum, located at 6206 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. Admission is $5 at the gate, while children under 12, military personnel with a current ID, and Friends of the Arboretum members receive free entry. Free on-site parking is available for all attendees. Guests can spend the day exploring the art and gardens without worrying about lunch, as the 2 Brothers Coastal Cuisine food truck will be parked on-site serving up local eats throughout the event.
We hope you'll join us to support artists in our community and help us to raise funds for our own magical garden, right here in the heart of Wilmington.
Amy Mead is the County Extension Director in New Hanover County. She can be reached at afmead@ncsu.edu. Visit NC Cooperative Extension at the New Hanover County Arboretum.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington garden transforms into open air gallery
