Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Cape Fear Botanical Garden CFBG is a public garden & venue situated on 80 acres just 2 miles from downtown Fayetteville, NC. Gift Shop Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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2022 marked the 33rd anniversary of Cape Fear Botanical Garden! Come and enjoy 80 acres of natural beauty nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek - just 2 miles from downtown Fayetteville, NC! The Garden Gift Shop offers a unique selection of garden accents, nature-related toys, books, artwork, jewelry, hand-crafted gifts and more. Admission to the Gift Shop is free for Garden visitors and the public.

What a lovely evening at the Garden! 🌿We kicked off The Whimsical Naturalist with a beautiful reception featuring artist...
07/11/2025

What a lovely evening at the Garden! 🌿

We kicked off The Whimsical Naturalist with a beautiful reception featuring artist Katie Crawford, who shared insights into the research, sketching, and creative process behind her imaginative watercolor portraits. Guests—and even our summer campers—were delighted to meet “the real artist” behind the exhibit!

Katie spoke about how much she learned while creating this collection—how native animals and plants are deeply connected, each thread contributing to the larger story of our ecosystems. It was the perfect way to launch this year’s Garden theme: Harmony in Nature.

The exhibit is now open in the Wyatt Visitor Pavilion through early September—and is included with your regular Garden admission. Don't miss it.

Katie Crawford Art

Veggie Volunteers Report - July 9 (excerpted). It was a peaceful walk over to Heritage this Wednesday morning. Everythi...
07/10/2025

Veggie Volunteers Report - July 9 (excerpted). It was a peaceful walk over to Heritage this Wednesday morning. Everything was green and the flowers were perky along the path and in the cutting garden across the bridge, due to the rain. These lovelies can be seen closer up at the “Cut and Carry Floral Design Class” on Saturday.

The amount of grass in the walkways of the Veggie garden was quite a surprise since we have been working on it diligently for the past few weeks - another side effect of abundant rain. It was evident that weeding would be the main event in the garden today.

Volunteer Coordinator Brenda escorted volunteers over, including - a Camp Rockfish group of teens, an FSU student, and Ava. Marlena divided the group between the outside perimeter where bitter chamber abounded and the walkways to tackle the grass. This gave the regular volunteers time to concentrate on the veggie beds.

Thanks to Adam for bringing T-posts to raise the netting over the okra bed which is now producing. Our goal is to see it to maturity to minimize any more deer damage. The eggplants are almost ready; mint and basil were given a haircut and bundled for drying; Cynthia has the tomato beds standing tall; and Tammy tackled the squash and cucumber beds and marked an area infested with ants.

Some of the camp group had their first experience harvesting cucumbers and squash; spent zinnias and sunflower heads were cut for seed. The remainder of the pumpkins seem to be holding their own and no pests were evident. These huge-leaf volunteer plants are now covering the old potato bed and creeping up the fence, making a lovely presentation. We pulled a very long betony root from this bed, but there didn’t seem to be any plant damage. It is concerning with the close proximation of the compost bins. Josh and Jordan turned the compost in bin #1 before a multitude of grass was piled there.

We planted green beans and crooked neck squash. Marlena’s luffa gourd vines were trained around the arched trellis and is bearing gourds and many blooms! The cured garlic was taken down from the General Store porch, and some was saved for seed.

Summer Camps at the Garden? A total hit. ☀️🦋 From muddy pond adventures to bug hunts, nature crafts, and wide-eyed scien...
07/09/2025

Summer Camps at the Garden? A total hit. ☀️🦋 From muddy pond adventures to bug hunts, nature crafts, and wide-eyed science discoveries, our campers have filled every day with curiosity, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden is honored to have received a $5,000 Summertime Kids grant from Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc., along with generous private donations. These contributions helped fund our camp activities and provide scholarships—making it possible for even more kids to experience an unforgettable summer of outdoor exploration.

Huge thanks to our supporters for helping bring the magic of nature to life!
📸 Swipe to see some of the highlights!

Cut & Carry Floral Design Class at the Garden -- Saturday, July 12, 11amJoin us for a hands-on workshop where you'll lea...
07/08/2025

Cut & Carry Floral Design Class at the Garden -- Saturday, July 12, 11am

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the essentials of growing, harvesting, and arranging beautiful cut flowers. Walk away with your own hand-tied bouquet and the confidence to create stunning floral displays year-round.

Presented by CFBG Director of Horticulture Adam Premo.

Learn more and preregister at capefearbg.org/event/cut-and-carry-floral-design-class/

Even with summer temps soaring and tropical storms swirling… we’re thinking about twinkle lights, holiday cheer, and fes...
07/08/2025

Even with summer temps soaring and tropical storms swirling… we’re thinking about twinkle lights, holiday cheer, and festive gatherings at CFBG! 🎄✨

Our Holiday Party Packages are now available for booking in the Grand Hall (up to 75 guests) and Orangery (for 75+). Whether it’s an intimate celebration or a big company party, we’ve got the perfect setting—and yes, these dates fill FAST.

📞 Call or text our Events Team at 910-486-0221 to get the details and reserve your space now. It’s never too early to plan a party they’ll remember!

We’re thrilled to welcome The Whimsical Naturalist to Cape Fear Botanical Garden—an imaginative and thoughtful new art e...
07/07/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome The Whimsical Naturalist to Cape Fear Botanical Garden—an imaginative and thoughtful new art exhibit by local artist Katie Crawford, on display in the Wyatt Visitor Pavilion, July 11-mid September.

This engaging collection features original watercolor portraits of native North Carolina plants and animals—each paired with charming, educational descriptions that blend scientific accuracy with playful storytelling. Using character, expression, and a touch of anthropomorphism, Katie invites us to reflect on the beauty, balance, and interconnectedness of the natural world—making this exhibit a perfect fit for the Garden’s new theme: Harmony in Nature.

Want to be the first to see it? Join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, July 10, from 5:30–7:00 PM. It’s free and open to all—and a chance to meet the artist, explore the work, and discover how Katie turns ecology into emotion, one brushstroke at a time.

This exhibit also marks the official launch of our CFBG 2025–26 theme: Harmony in Nature. Rooted in the idea of the “web of life,” this theme celebrates the balance, interconnectedness, and interdependence that hold ecosystems together. Katie’s work beautifully embodies these ideas—reminding us how plants, animals, and people all play a vital role in keeping nature in tune.

Katie Crawford

UPDATE: This class is already full! Please check out other upcoming seminars from our Horticulture staff at capefearbg.o...
07/06/2025

UPDATE: This class is already full! Please check out other upcoming seminars from our Horticulture staff at capefearbg.org/event

New to gardening? Gardening from the Ground Up Seminar at the Garden is a beginner-friendly seminar where you will learn the basics of soil, sunlight, watering, and plant selection as you discover how to grow a healthy garden—no matter your space or experience.

* Thursday, July 10. 5-6:30pm -- Taught by CFBG Horticulture Specialist Chad Shelby.
* Register Here: capefearbg.org/event/gardening-from-the-ground-up-a-beginners-guide-to-growing-green/

***
Also Happening in the Gardening This Week
* Weeklong Summer Camp: Earth-topia - FULL
* Tuesday, July 8: Tai Chi (adults)
* Thursday, July 10 - Opening Reception: The Whimsical Naturalist Exhibit with Katie Crawford Art
* Thursday, July 10: Yoga (adults)
* Saturday, July 12: Cut & Carry Floral Design Seminar

Get details on all upcoming events at: capefearbg.org/event

Veggie Volunteers Report - July 2 - excerpted... There was much activity at the garden this Wednesday morning as we arri...
07/03/2025

Veggie Volunteers Report - July 2 - excerpted... There was much activity at the garden this Wednesday morning as we arrived for our shift at Heritage. The red hibiscus along the path were filled with beautiful plate-sized red blooms - a treat to the beholder.

From our walkabout we discovered: lots of weeds in the north end walkway; the green beans didn’t make it; there are many wasps and bees buzzing around; deer are eating the tomato plants; the netting needs to be raised for the growing okra; more basil needs pruning; and some of the pumpkin/squash vines are wilting.

We set to work prepping two beds to replant green beans, while Mary pruned a mass of basil and Tammy worked on her designated pepper and squash beds. Tomatoes were pruned of their deer damage. Signs of rabbits have been more prevalent in the garden, but no real damage since the strawberries are now in a raised bed.

We harvested cucumbers, a few peppers, and Tatsoi Mustard greens. Some of the spent sunflower heads were cut and set to dry and save for seed.

When checking out the pumpkins, we noticed evidence of the dreaded squash vine borer. Going forth, we plan to keep an eye out for the responsible moth and tell-tale signs so we can ’operate’ on the stems if possible. It is a great disappointment to lose the pumpkins, but Aisha set them apart to possibly save the seeds.

We enjoyed a break of fellowship and fresh NC Sandhills Blueberries, as well as the cold water supplied by Brenda and Chad. We then took a short hike around Heritage Square to admire the cutting garden. We deadheaded some of the Dahlias and other lovelies there and added them to the day’s seed collection. We finished up with a little more weeding and watering in the seeds planted, as well as the dry squash and cucumbers.

Visitors today included a father with his young son, who was very interested in touching the large pumpkins and checking out the peppers. Next week there are plans to work with a visiting camp group and give them lots of hands-on experiences with vegetable gardening.

Spotted in the Garden: Caterpillars doing their thing! 🐛✨ (Note, these were previously misidentified as Monarchs, but ar...
07/02/2025

Spotted in the Garden: Caterpillars doing their thing! 🐛✨ (Note, these were previously misidentified as Monarchs, but are actually Black Swallowtail)

Right now, they’re munching away—fueling up for one of nature’s most incredible transformations.

Swing by and see if you can find a few of these future butterflies in action. Just one more reminder that there’s always something quietly magical happening at the Garden.

Summer is in full swing—and the Garden offers shady trails, peaceful water views, and wide-open spaces perfect for unhur...
07/01/2025

Summer is in full swing—and the Garden offers shady trails, peaceful water views, and wide-open spaces perfect for unhurried exploration. Whether you're bringing out-of-town guests, wrangling summer break energy, or just needing a quiet walk with your thoughts, there's something grounding about a stroll through these 80 acres. Check out what else is happening this month below…

☀️ July 2: Day Camp (ages 8-12) - FULL
☀️ July 2: Preschool Bubble-ology Play
☀️ July 2: Pond Dipping - FULL
☀️ July 3: Grow Your Kitchen Propagation Workshop
☀️ July 7: Earth-topia Camp - FULL
☀️ July 10: Gardening from the Ground Up Seminar
☀️ July 12: Cut & Carry Floral Design Seminar
☀️ July 15: Preschool Animal Homes Play
☀️ July 17: Family Art Night: Paint Pour River Rocks
☀️ July 18: Buzz & Bloom Evening in the Heritage Garden
☀️ July 19: Nature Play Day: Fur, Feathers & Scales
☀️ July 19: Pond Maintenance Seminar
☀️ July 24: Healing with Nature Seminar
☀️ July 26: Urban Gardening Seminar
☀️ July 26: Adult Workshop: Curiosity Boxes
☀️ July 26: Intro to Vermicomposting
☀️ July 30: Preschool Flower Friends
☀️ July 31: Edible Container Gardens Seminar

PLUS:
🌿 Daily self-guided exploration (Extended Hours on Thursdays!)
🌿 Tai Chi on Tuesdays
🌿 Yoga in the Garden on Thursdays

See all our classes, events, and register as needed at capefearbg.org/event.
We can't wait to see you at the Garden this July!

🐸🌿 Pond Dipping fans, we heard you!Our July session filled up fast—and so many of you asked for a weekend option—so we j...
06/30/2025

🐸🌿 Pond Dipping fans, we heard you!

Our July session filled up fast—and so many of you asked for a weekend option—so we just added another chance to join the fun: Saturday, August 2!

It’s a splashy outdoor adventure where kids (and curious adults!) explore what’s living under the water. We’ll use nets to search for tiny fish, tadpoles, freshwater shrimp, and dragonfly nymphs. Prepare to get a little muddy—and a lot amazed.

Spots are limited again, so don’t wait!

https://www.capefearbg.org/event/family-program-pond-dipping-4/

It’s a great week to visit Cape Fear Botanical Garden—come wander the trails, spot wildlife, and soak up the beauty of n...
06/30/2025

It’s a great week to visit Cape Fear Botanical Garden—come wander the trails, spot wildlife, and soak up the beauty of nature at your own pace. There’s plenty of shade throughout the Garden, benches to rest on, and a refillable water station in the Entry Pavilion to help you stay cool. ☀️🌳

Just note: we’ll be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day,

Address

Fayetteville, NC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

(910) 486-0221

Website

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