Mt. Cuba Center in
Hockessin (DE)

We visited the garden yesterday for my birthday, as visiting gardens is my favorite way to spend the day! We had been there one other time in the past. We arrived at 1 pm & were able to join a walkin̈g tour of the garden. Mary was an excellent guide ! She explained so much about the native plants & pointed out so many plants that we may have missed, if walking the grounds on our own. We learned so much from her! Mt. Cuba is a beautiful place to visit & I am so glad that I chose it to spend the day!

This location was PERFECT for engagement photos! This couple's wedding is Lord of the Rings, so I had to find a place that had stunning views outside and a lot of moss!

Mt. Cuba Center is a hidden gem—a serene and beautifully maintained native plant garden that offers a peaceful escape into nature. The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Every path leads to a new scenic view, with a calming, natural aesthetic that feels both wild and wonderfully curated. A perfect spot for garden lovers and anyone looking to unwind in a truly tranquil setting.

I enjoyed my visit to the Mt. Cuba Center. The formal and naturalistic gardens were scenic and interesting. I also enjoyed the trail area across Barley Mill Rd.

Welcoming, rain or shine (they offer umbrellas!) Well shaded trails to wander through to beat the heat this summer. Gorgeous landscapes!

One of the best woodland gardens in the region! Well-worth a visit especially in spring!!

First, I recognize that it isn't fair to compare every estate and garden in this area to Longwood Gardens. I feel that if I'm going to give an honest review for those traveling out of state—or for individuals like myself who have health and physical limitations, it is good to draw a comparison between the two places since they are only miles apart. Mt. Cuba charges $15 and Longwood $25 for adults (anyone under 18, it's $13). I would want to know if the trip and money spent would be worth it or if I could have gone just a few miles farther away and been more than satisfied with a planned visit to Longwood Gardens. I have visited there many times, along with my husband and children, over the last two decades. With Mt. Cuba's proximity to our town, we often spoke about visiting, especially if either of us didn't feel up to handling a crowd or being overwhelmed by too much stimuli. We finally visited! I can see Mt. Cuba is holding an advantage in this area for many individuals. It provides an opportunity to enjoy a quieter and less overwhelming environment. A larger, busier botanical gardens such as Longwood could hold a disadvantage for someone who gets anxious and overloaded by large groups of people, music playing, sounds of the fountains, and other stimuli you'll face. I've included pictures because they truly speak a thousand words. I will most likely purchase a membership, but this is because I want to support more local businesses. I think you'll fall a little more in love with plants, gardening, and the potential for horticulture to improve peoples’ lives. We locals should enjoy getting out here, and out of state visitors will also enjoy as long as they have realistic expectations. I've been to Botanical Gardens in the Southwest with sculptures and hardscaping, in the South I've visited some lovely Estates and Gardens, and Longwood is a favorite several times a year. Anyone checking my profile sees health issues, and limitations are my main concern. I want to share things in my reviews for others who have challenges due to aging or health. We can still enjoy a lot. By the way, Copeland house carries juice, water, and iced tea plus varieties of snack bars, crackers, nuts, and fruit for sale. There's someone there to assist you with purchasing food and drinks. Next time, we decided to bring a lunch and sit at the tables with umbrellas or ask for one of their picnic blankets to use on the grounds. Check out and register for a couple of activities I read about online. I got excited over the Night Hike, but we're not sure I'd do well with that. One of our date nights could be the Bale and Brews hayride instead. Either way, I'm looking forward to revisiting even as Longwood remains my fave!

We attended an event at Mt Cuba Center recently and were so impressed that we signed up for a membership. The lands were absolutely beautiful and there were informative signs to give information about what we were looking at. The staff were extremely friendly and were stationed all throughout the property. We can’t wait to go back!

Very nice garden and small trails available. Clean and neatly maintained. In the garden lots of flowers are available.

Absolutely loved this garden. I dream of native plant garden and forest restoration for my property. To see this place in bloom was fantastic. We had a picnic and walked around. Made for a great day.

Best garden for those who believe in using native plants. Both garden, education center, and hiking destination. If you believe in using native plants for your landscaping check Mt. Cuba out.

Escape the stresses of the world and explore this incredible botanical garden of Delaware's happiest plants. This is a Top 3 DE destination 100% 3rd Friday of the month all summer is Twilight on the Terrace. live music and food trucks till 8pm. Watch the sun go down and chill!

This place is gorgeous! The gardens are serene and beautiful and the guides are very informative about the different native plant species growing there.

The entire range was beautiful and learning about the lady who started it and the different plants and ecosystems on the property was an amazing experience. I would definitely come here again very soon.

Exceptional displays of a wide variety of native plants on grounds tended by welcoming volunteers. The ponds were teeming with frisky frogs and sunbathing turtles when we visited in early spring. We spent a few hours strolling the formal and woodland gardens as well as hiking their trails. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch: snack options onsite are limited and there are no nearby restaurants. The trail markings, maps and interpretive signage were clear and enlightening for novice gardeners like us. There is some parking and construction of an overflow parking lot is underway for later this year. Stop and check out the mailboxes around the gardens, especially if you come with children. Each has a scavenger hunt or fun activity to do. If you hike the trails, the understory and forest edge trails offer more visual interest than the grasslands trail. Note that dogs are not allowed, to protect the wildlife and plantings.

Beautiful experience! Great collection of local plants. There are many lovely walking paths around the grounds. The test gardens were very interesting. The mansion and it's architecture were delightful. Overall a memorable experience.

Mt. Cuba Center is a hidden gem in the hills outside of Hockessin, Delaware. Once an estate it is now one of the most recognized botanical gardens in the area. The focus is on native plants of the Delaware Piedmont and land preservation. Beautiful formal gardens as well as naturalistic gardens galore. Come spend a couple of hours our make it a day. Bring your own picnic lunch and eat in the picnic area or anywhere you like. Check out their Educational programs and special events throughout the season (April - End of November). Enjoy!

We visited here father's day weekend while the hydrangeas were in full bloom. It was a nice walk but the heat cut our visit short. It was nice to view a brief video about the history of Mt Cuba and then tour the grounds. The kids enjoyed doing the scavenger hunt, spinning the "big seed", walking through the Forests and searching for frogs by the beautiful ponds. Our stay lasted about 3 hrs but could have done more like walked the open fields. We agreed that fall will be our next visit.

There is something incredibly calming about a garden of native plants. This may be the closest I'll ever be to Eden. Staff & volunteers are abundant & helpful. Visit this treasure!

A beautiful venue for a time of exploration, with several beautiful trails. Must go back a few times a year to experience the blooms as they progress. The mansion is not open right now, and there is timed entrance right now due to covid, so be sure to get your tickets before you go.

Beautiful estate high in the hills of Hockessin. I visited for the first time in November and the autumn colors are fantastic. Can't wait to go back in the spring!

A beautiful, wild native plants garden. There are so many butterflies and birds. They are doing excellent job on Covid protection - limiting the number of people allowed to enter, all the pats are one way, masks are required. I highly recommend it. If we lived closer I'd buy a membership

Beautiful gardens. I can't believe I've lived in Delaware my whole life and never visited before today. Will definitely be going back.

A beautiful, hidden oasis that feels like a “secret garden.” Complete with a large pond that is filled with tadpoles and frogs, a stately mansion, endless acres of meadows and woods, & plenty of flowers, you will leave feeling satisfied with all that the area has to offer. A quiet, serene location for a peaceful walk either alone or with family.

A spectacular example of English inspired gardening in Delaware's historic Brandywine River Valley. While on the smaller side, every trail is packed with amazing specimens.

I came here for the first time today and I can say I'm thoroughly impressed. The staff are very friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the site, the mansion, and the plants. The landscaping was absolutely beautiful and well maintained, the paths were well maintained, and there were very clear directions along the way so no one should get lost easily. Lots of beautiful statues throughout the garden, a few small waterfalls, ponds, some fountains, many local plants, and many butterflies. You can pack a picnic, bring it in, and they even offer picnic blankets for you, and many picnic areas! Honestly, I loved it so much I'm considering buying an annual pass. In addition to all of this I'd like to say that this place isn't snobbish at all. It's beautiful, historical, but also very down to earth. This would be a place where someone could come and study, draw, have a nice date, or even bring small kids and do a nature hunt!

A definite gem. We love to go in spring when so many of the Wildflowers are in bloom. The paths are easy to follow and well kept