Wing Haven

Today we celebrate what would have been Elizabeth Lawrence's 122nd birthday. 🎉
Elizabeth Lawrence (May 27, 1904 – June 11, 1985), was an American horticulture writer and landscape architect. She is regarded as one of three preeminent figures in the horticultural history of the Southeast and is also listed among the top twenty-five gardeners of all time. The work she did while designing, writing and gardening at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed greatly to that status.
The Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden is a recognized local historic landmark by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, is part of the Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens, and is listed in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. The property is also a Preservation Partner of The Garden Conservancy. Come celebrate her life and legacy with a visit to her historic garden this week! 🌱(All visitors must check in at 248 Ridgewood Ave before visiting the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden)

Gardeners are so generous 💚 Many thanks to Ellen Mary for these lovely cornflowers she gifted to us for our annual Volunteer Appreciation last week!

We are proud to be part of the Blue Star Museum program again this year! Wing Haven offers free admission from Armed Forces Day, May 16 through Labor Day, September 7 for all active-duty military personnel and their families (up to five people). Visit during regular garden hours, Wed-Sat 10 am-5pm. We thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

Wing Haven members enjoy several benefits including a new members-only Curated Tour of Elizabeth Lawrence's Garden. Join Garden Curator Michael Sheek this Friday to explore what is currently blooming in the garden and the corresponding writings by the renowned garden writer. These morning walks are a benefit for Wing Haven Members and are free to attend, though registration is required. Learn more - https://bit.ly/3R96KyO

Today is Day 5 of the nature scavenger hunt put on by American Public Gardens Association. Join us in celebrating spring by uploading a photo of today's theme: a pond or creek!

Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary was created with the birds and wildlife in mind. This included providing all the necessary elements to create natural habitats, especially water. Did you know? There are over 15 water features at Wing Haven including ponds, pools, fountains and bird baths.

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 12: Find a pond or creek.
Day 6 – Wednesday, May 13: National Tulip Day
Day 7 – Thursday, May 14: Find a different pollinator.
Day 8 – Friday, May 15: National Hug a Tree Day
Day 9 – Saturday, May 16: Look for native wildlife.
Day 10 – Sunday, May 17: Photo of your favorite plant or tree.

Use the hashtags and tag Wing Haven and American Public Gardens Association in your posts!

Today is National Iris Day and also Day One of American Public Gardens Association's Nature Scavenger Hunt! Pictured is Iris 'Royal Velour' found in the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden which Elizabeth planted in her garden in the 50s.

Join us in celebrating spring with a nature scavenger hunt over the next ten days! Locate the featured plant, tree, or native wildlife in the list below, snap a photo, and share it on the corresponding day on social media.

Day 1 – Friday, May 8: National Iris Day
Day 2 – Saturday, May 9: Find a pollinator.
Day 3 – Sunday, May 10: Look for a flowering plant.
Day 4 – Monday, May 11: Find a bird or nest.
Day 5 – Tuesday, May 12: Find a pond or creek.
Day 6 – Wednesday, May 13: National Tulip Day
Day 7 – Thursday, May 14: Find a different pollinator.
Day 8 – Friday, May 15: National Hug a Tree Day
Day 9 – Saturday, May 16: Look for native wildlife.
Day 10 – Sunday, May 17: Photo of your favorite plant or tree.

Use the hashtags and tag Wing Haven and American Public Gardens Association in your posts! We look forward to seeing what you find!

We're excited to partner with The Garden Conservancy during their annual Open Days to host a Digging Deeper program at Wing Haven!

On Friday, June 12, join Garden Curator Michael Sheek to "dig deeper" into the legacy collections of Iris and Hemerocallis growing at the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden. After, Nora Carothers, Wing Haven Gardener, will share about garden allies--beneficial animals, insects, arachnids, and more that help maintain the balance in the ecosystem of Elizabeth Lawrence’s garden. The program will conclude with a stroll through Elizabeth Lawrence's garden led by both Michael and Nora. Register in advance on The Garden Conservancy's website - https://bit.ly/4cJMCM4."

The deadline to register for the spring Girl Scout Badge Day is next Monday, May 11! Register your girl scout(s) to satisfy the requirements of nature and art themed badges in the gardens on Sunday, May 17. All materials and supplies, including badges, will be provided.
Register your Scout today to enjoy an afternoon learning in the gardens! https://bit.ly/410DbRG