Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Belmont, North Carolina, United States

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The Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont, North Carolina, is a sprawling 380-acre botanical garden founded in 1991 by Daniel J. Stowe, a retired textile executive and avid gardener.

The site was developed to preserve natural beauty and serve as a public outdoor space for community, education, and recreation, opening to the public in 1999. It features a main visitor pavilion, extensive formal gardens, a children’s garden called Lost Hollow, a Tropical Conservatory dedicated to orchids and tropical plants, and nearly 6 miles of walking trails along Lake Wylie.

The gardens include themed areas such as the Perennial Garden, the Crape Myrtle Cove, a Ribbon Garden, and a Chinese Garden, offering a diverse plant collection with fountains, sculptures, and scenic vistas.

The conservancy hosts educational programs, festivals, and special events, emphasizing conservation, horticulture, and family-friendly activities. Over the years, it has expanded to include the Orchid Conservatory, the Piedmont Prairie Garden, and other innovative garden spaces, making it a prominent attraction that fosters a love of nature and sustainable gardening.