Mission

Over time the mission has evolved from one of general collecting to evaluation, selection, and display of a widely diverse group of plants from around the world that are hardy in a USDA Zone 7b climate.  Since human activities such as clearing forest have put much of the world’s flora at risk, the mission also includes preservation of the germplasm of many critically endangered plants.  A major focus today is conifers at the genus/species level, as well as dwarf selections that may have commercial appeal.  Throughout the year, we receive numerous plants from growers and horticultural institutions for the purpose of evaluation.  Through this effort and in offering tours to the public, we are seeking to expand the plant palate in the southeastern U.S.

Approximately 3 acres of land is maintained in a natural state and remains undisturbed.  The goal is to maintain and ultimately increase native species diversity of both flora and fauna.