The Vision – The Inspiration – The Founding

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Core Focus: Improving Lives by Cultivating Inspiration

Improving lives are what The Gardens are all about. As the display gardens and nature trails are developed, this experience will improve the lives of our visitors and volunteers by cultivating inspiration. For some, the inspiration will be in admiring the simple elegance of a single flower, and for others, the overpowering color of one thousand petunias in bloom. Many will get lost in sweet fragrance or resplendent foliage. Perhaps it will be the magnitude of a mature Beech Tree or a two hour walk through our native hardwood forests. The sound of water cascading over rocks, the calm water in Washington Creek, and the diversity of other water features dancing throughout will be designed to inspire. Wildlife will show up in the form of butterflies, hummingbirds, deer, turkeys, and a multitude of birds. Nature’s inspiration is an abundant gift that we want everyone to experience here.

The Gardens will be a vital community resource that will improve the lives of our community and draw visitors from all over the state and country, and even international visitors will make it a destination. The Gardens will have a meaningful financial impact on the local economy; however, the impact will extend beyond finances. Experiences will be offered in education, entertainment, dining, worship, photography, music, health, family, friends, simply relaxing, and so much more.

The Gardens will offer great employment opportunities in Southeastern North Carolina. As The Gardens grow, so will the opportunities. Horticultural work has proven to be meaningful therapy, and hard work is good for the mind, body, and soul. We welcome the opportunity to work with everyone from high school students to retirees. 

The Lord’s guidance is a witness to my Christian belief and a testimony to the spiritual guidance that I believe I have received since a young man. The journey of cultivating display gardens in Southeastern North Carolina began over twenty years ago and has challenged, and thereby strengthened, my faith. It would be an honor to share my lifetime of spiritual experiences; however, this is not my purpose for creating The Gardens. No one is required to believe what I believe in order to work here, visit, or support this new venture. My hope is for you and your family to always feel comfortable visiting this property and that the experience of its natural beauty will help guide you on your own journey. My belief is that you will be inspired when you visit The Gardens. You are invited and we will be honored with your attendance and support.

Thanks and God bless,

David