Conceived in 1989 by Daniel J. Stowe, a retired textile executive and lifelong gardening enthusiast, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden sits on 450 acres of rolling meadows and woods on the banks of Lake Wylie, and contains nine distinct gardens interspersed with refreshing fountains. Guests can wander freely through the lovely Four Seasons Garden, in bloom year round, the tropical Canal Garden, the charming Cottage Garden, the Conifer Garden, and the formal West Gardens.
Four different Perennial Gardens offer visitors lots of ideas for home gardening. Guided tours are also available, including the General Garden Tour, which takes visitors through the stained-glass-domed Visitor Pavilion and formal gardens, and the Woodland Trail Tour, a delightful interpreted walk along a forested nature trail. Artists and photographers should bring their supplies to capture the beauty of the Garden, while shoppers should be prepared to stock up on some handmade pottery, birdhouses, and botanical-inspired dinnerware. The terrace provides the perfect place for an afternoon picnic.
