Shelby, North Carolina, October 20, 2025
The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Garden project in Shelby, North Carolina, is advancing with strong community support. This initiative aims to create a lush green space that celebrates local heritage and enhances environmental education through native plant displays. Involving local residents not only fosters community spirit but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the region’s natural beauty. As the project unfolds, it promises to be a valuable asset for both education and recreation in the area.
Shelby, North Carolina
The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Garden project in Shelby, North Carolina, is progressing with community involvement, aiming to create a green oasis that honors local heritage and promotes environmental education through native plant displays.
Project Overview
The Extension Master Gardener Association of Cleveland County is leading the creation of a public garden at Hanna Park in Shelby, NC. This garden will provide a community gathering space for people to learn horticultural and environmental principles, strengthen their social connections, and be physically active outdoors. By maintaining the garden, members will hone their individual and collective gardening skills and share that knowledge with the public through hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and garden tours. Schools and youth-serving organizations will be invited to use the garden to help children learn and grow by interacting with the natural environment. Individuals, families, and groups can visit to harmonize with nature and gain inspiration for enhancing their home landscapes. Because winding pathways, garden structures, and raised beds will be ADA compliant, people with disabilities will be afforded easy entry to greenspace and hands-on access to soil and plants.
Phase 1 Details
Phase 1 of garden construction will develop half of the available area to create an arboretum featuring several species of deciduous and evergreen trees organized in three sections to reflect those typically associated with the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions of North Carolina. The arboretum will also showcase shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials, and ornamental grasses that are adapted to the region, using botanical markers to identify those that are deer-resistant, native, comparatively low-maintenance and pest-free, and beneficial to pollinators. The arboretum hardscape will include a rustic covered main entry and winding paved paths that connect with existing Hanna Park trails and walkways to draw visitors in and encourage garden exploration. Other features will include a large centrally located teaching gazebo, a garden shed to house landscape maintenance supplies and equipment, a cobblestone sitting area, and a man-made recirculating water feature emulating a mountain stream.
Community Involvement
The project emphasizes community involvement, with local residents participating in the planning and development stages. This collaborative approach ensures that the garden reflects the values and needs of the Shelby community. The Extension Master Gardener Association of Cleveland County is actively engaging with local schools and organizations to incorporate educational programs and workshops into the garden’s offerings.
Environmental Education and Heritage
By focusing on native plant displays and sustainable gardening practices, the garden aims to promote environmental education and stewardship. The arboretum’s design reflects the diverse ecosystems of North Carolina, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the state’s natural heritage. The project honors the legacy of Dotty Ruth Leatherwood, a respected community member known for her dedication to horticulture and environmental education.
Project Timeline
The construction of Phase 1 is underway, with completion expected in the coming months. The project is progressing on schedule, with ongoing community engagement and support. Future phases will expand the garden’s offerings, including additional educational programs and community spaces.
Conclusion
The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Garden in Shelby, North Carolina, is a community-driven project that combines environmental education, local heritage, and sustainable gardening practices. Through its development, the garden aims to provide a valuable resource for residents and visitors, fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting environmental stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Garden project?
The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Garden project is a community-driven initiative in Shelby, North Carolina, led by the Extension Master Gardener Association of Cleveland County. It aims to create a public garden at Hanna Park that serves as a community gathering space for horticultural education, social engagement, and outdoor activities. The garden will feature native plant displays, educational programs, and accessible pathways for all visitors.
Who is Dotty Ruth Leatherwood?
Dotty Ruth Leatherwood was a respected community member in Shelby, known for her dedication to horticulture and environmental education. She was instrumental in launching Cleveland County’s Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program in 2010 and served as the Association’s first president. The garden honors her legacy by providing a space for continuing horticultural education and community engagement.
What will the garden include?
The garden will feature an arboretum with various species of deciduous and evergreen trees, organized to reflect North Carolina’s Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions. It will also showcase shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials, and ornamental grasses adapted to the region. Additional features include a rustic covered main entry, winding paved paths connecting with existing park trails, a centrally located teaching gazebo, a garden shed for maintenance supplies, a cobblestone sitting area, and a recirculating water feature emulating a mountain stream.
How can the community get involved?
The project emphasizes community involvement, with local residents participating in the planning and development stages. The Extension Master Gardener Association of Cleveland County is actively engaging with local schools and organizations to incorporate educational programs and workshops into the garden’s offerings. Community members can participate in these programs and contribute to the garden’s growth and success.
What is the project timeline?
Construction of Phase 1 is underway, with completion expected in the coming months. The project is progressing on schedule, with ongoing community engagement and support. Future phases will expand the garden’s offerings, including additional educational programs and community spaces.
Project Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Arboretum | Various species of deciduous and evergreen trees representing North Carolina’s Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions. |
| Native Plant Displays | Showcasing shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials, and ornamental grasses adapted to the region. |
| Accessible Pathways | Winding paved paths connecting with existing park trails, designed to be ADA compliant for easy access. |
| Educational Programs | Hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and garden tours to promote horticultural and environmental education. |
| Community Spaces | Features like a teaching gazebo, garden shed, cobblestone sitting area, and a recirculating water feature emulating a mountain stream. |
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Author: Construction NC News
The NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionncnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in North Carolina and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
