Our Roots
Wilson Botanical Gardens began with a simple but powerful idea: to create a living landscape where plants, people, and education grow together.
That vision first took root in 1995 under the leadership of longtime Agricultural Extension Agent Cyndi Lauderdale. The Gardens were her dream and her legacy. Over her 30-year career serving Wilson County, she was instrumental in bringing this garden to life — guiding its growth from early demonstration plots into the thriving educational destination it is today. Her passion for horticulture, youth education, and community engagement helped shape the Gardens’ mission and continues to influence its direction.
In 2003, grant funding enabled the Wilson County Arboretum to hire a landscape architect to develop a Master Plan for a community garden surrounding the Wilson Agricultural Center. What began as six acres soon expanded in both scope and ambition. To reflect a broader plant collection — beyond trees alone — the site was renamed Wilson Botanical Gardens.
Community input played a vital role in shaping its future. Through meetings and collaboration, the Gardens were envisioned as a place for education, inspiration, and enjoyment. Today, nearly 11 acres are complete or in development, with additional acreage secured for continued growth.
Growing Wilson - One Plant at a Time
Our slogan, “Growing in Wilson… One Plant at a Time,” reflects both steady progress and long-term vision. While gardens do not grow overnight, each season brings new additions, new learning opportunities, and deeper community roots.
The Gardens promote tourism and economic growth throughout Wilson and the surrounding region. More than 30,000 visitors pass through the Wilson Agricultural Center annually, many experiencing the Gardens during their visit. We welcome guests from across the country — and even internationally — for tours, educational programs, and events.
Wilson Botanical Gardens operates without state or county funding. We are sustained through grants, memberships, personal donations, fundraisers such as Wilson Winter Lights, and the extraordinary dedication of the Wilson Master Gardener Association volunteers. Simply put, the Gardens thrive because of community support.
Honoring our Agricultural Heritage
Wilson’s agricultural history remains central to our identity. Traditional row crops are grown in select areas, and recycled tobacco warehouse bricks are incorporated into pathways as a tribute to our region’s farming legacy.
All gardens (with the exception of select paths) are handicap accessible, ensuring visitors of all abilities can enjoy the space.
A Living Timeline of Growth
Early Foundations
The first plantings began in 1995 under Extension leadership with turfgrass demonstration plots — still among the most popular features today. The Gardens maintain five turf species and more than a dozen cultivars for educational comparison.
The Certified Plant Professional Mixed Planting Garden was developed to train landscapers and nursery professionals preparing for certification exams. With more than 200 plant species, this display garden also serves as inspiration for homeowners.
In 2001, the Tree Testing Area — now known as the Arboretum — was established along Goldsboro Street, signaling to the community that something exciting was taking root. It later expanded with additional native tree plantings.
Youth & Heritage
In 2005, the 4-H and Youth Garden was created to educate young people about vegetable and heritage gardening. It later became known as the Heritage Garden and received the State Master Gardener Landscape Design Award in 2012.
Youth engagement remains a key focus. Programs such as Green Adventures continue to foster hands-on learning and long-term involvement in horticulture.
Sadie Minshew Greenhouse & Educational Complex
Dedicated in 2005, the Sadie Minshew Greenhouse honors one of the original Master Gardeners and a devoted plant propagator. Adjacent to it, the Educational Complex — funded by the Wilson Community Foundation — provides gathering space, handcrafted benches, and seasonal container displays.
Our Mission
The mission of Wilson Botanical Gardens is to promote horticultural education through dynamic outdoor classrooms.
We believe learning deepens when experienced hands-on and outdoors. By connecting horticulture, gardening, landscape design, and environmental stewardship to the land we share, we cultivate curiosity, stewardship, and lifelong appreciation in both youth and adults.
Our Logo Plant: Black-Eyed Susan
Our logo features Rudbeckia, the Black-Eyed Susan — a perennial known for resilience and beauty. Like this hardy plant, the Gardens withstand challenges, adapt with the seasons, and return each year stronger and more vibrant.
Original logo artwork was generously donated by local artist Pat Montgomery.
Looking Ahead
As the Gardens continue to grow, so does our commitment to youth engagement, community partnerships, and meaningful educational experiences.
We invite you — and anyone who enjoys plants, learning, and beautiful outdoor spaces — to visit Wilson Botanical Gardens and grow with us.
Because here in Wilson, growth truly happens one plant at a time.