Delaware Center for Horticulture launch $3M renovation campaign

Delaware Center for Horticulture launched a new campaign to improve garden accessibility and expand educational programs. | PHOTO COURTESY OF DCH

WILMINGTON – Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) launched the $3 million Rooted in Resilience campaign to create an educational center and improve site safety.

DCH Executive Director Vikram Krishnamurthy says the project will renovate the entrance and enhance safety and accessibility.

“The Rooted in Resilience concept for this project was developed from what we learned, what we heard, and what we experienced here at DCH as we emerged from the pandemic,”  Krishnamurthy said. “What we learned first-hand is that safe, welcoming and inclusive places to gather, especially outdoors and in green spaces, are not just amenities, but are essential elements of strong and thriving communities.”

The Rooted in Resilience campaign has five goals to create an ADA-compliant entrance into the DCH building and gardens, provide educational programs, expand on existing garden programs, improve public spaces, and create a healing garden retreat.

“What we heard, from a series of listening sessions with our partners, community groups, other nonprofits, and residents, is that DCH has so much more potential to grow and reach people as a community resource, a destination for learning and for gathering. As you see this project come to fruition in the sense of physical and visual changes, keep in mind that those are reflections of how DCH is changing to better serve our community through our programs, events, and as a space for celebrating the special moments in people’s lives,” Krishnamurthy said.

The project will unfold in two stages. The first stage, scheduled for completion in March 2024, will focus on improving site accessibility for entrances, sidewalks, parking lot, and lighting. Subsequently, the second stage will involve the construction of the community education center, education funding, and new sidewalks and walkways.

DCH is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM located at 1810 North Dupont St., Wilmington DE, 19806.