The Arboretum was designed by Dr. Charles E. Lewis,(Extension Director from 1979 to 1989). In 1981 Dr. Charles Lewis shared the idea of creating an arboretum and it quickly gained community support. Now that the public was on board,a site was needed.

 

One year later in 1982, a site became available after Bradley Creek School burned down. It was not until 1984 that New Hanover County donated 200,000 dollars to change the site from a school to an arboretum. This took four years to build and finally opened October 5, 1989 at the corner of Oleander Drive and Greenville Avenue in Wilmington, NC.

 

Now there are seven-acres of gardens on the site. It continues to stays open with the help of Master Gardeners (gardening class by NC State) and volunteers. The best part about going to the gardens is it's free. There are many things to look at including; a Japanese garden, stream, tea house, children’s garden and tons of flowers which attract butterflies and humming birds.