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!

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.

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

Love the mission of this beautiful place. I highly recommend the welcome tour. Afterwards you can wander around for yourself. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I love that you can purchase plants.

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!

Amazing experience! The gardens are so peaceful and relaxing. The maintained gardens are an exceptional display of plant life and formal design while the natural lands cater to the vast wildness of the area. Excited to visit again soon to experience the changing season. Also spent an hour talking with staff about the benefits and joys of native plants. Jay and Liz were great additions to your team!

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.

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

Went to Mt. Cuba for the first time for their twilight event. Relaxing evening with music, food and drinks. I look forward to visiting again to check out the gardens and other events

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.

Enjoyed this magical place so much! The staff is amazing always so friendly and helpful! Thank you for having my family and I. We will definitely be back!

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.

A great alternative to Longwood Gardens. The gardens are beautiful with a huge range of native plants. You can take a picnic and eat it in one of several outdoor dining areas. Great for school aged kids and older: there are activities for kids in mailboxes around the gardens. The friendly public safety staff took us on a golf cart tour. I'll definitely be back!

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.

Absolutely amazing! The views were gorgeous! The botanical garden is full of so many vibrant colors and different variations of plants and flowers. Bees and butterflies are enjoying them and it was so peaceful to watch. We did the scavenger hunt and couldn't find a turtle but we did see frogs and fish in the pond! 💚 The history and informational pieces are sure to keep you busy as you stroll around! We had a fun-filled joyous day 🙂 We will be back after today's successful family field trip 🎯

A beautiful, hidden gem. There are lovely trails and gardens featuring native plants.