Delaware Center for Horticulture, Wilmington

The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH), established in 1977, is a dynamic nonprofit rooted in Wilmington’s Trolley Square neighborhood. With its headquarters nestled beside Brandywine Park, the Center serves as both an urban sanctuary and a hub for environmental engagement. Visitors can explore a public demonstration garden, greenhouse, lecture hall, and rotating exhibitions in the on-site art gallery. The venue also plays host to weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings, offering a green oasis amid the bustle of city life.

At the heart of DCH’s mission is a commitment to cultivating healthier, more vibrant communities through plants and education. The Center spearheads numerous greening initiatives across Delaware-from planting thousands of urban trees to designing and maintaining roadside landscapes with native flora. Its influence extends to community gardens, schoolyard green spaces, and Wilmington’s first Urban Farm, offering residents direct access to fresh produce and green infrastructure.

Education and empowerment are core to DCH’s impact. Programs such as Branches to Chances, a return-to-work initiative for underserved populations, and the Neighborhood Tree Steward Program, which trains locals in tree care and advocacy, foster environmental stewardship and economic opportunity. These efforts are particularly focused in under-resourced neighborhoods where environmental justice and public health intersect.

Signature events like the Rare Plant Auction-held annually at Longwood Gardens-raise critical funds for DCH’s Community Greening Program. Meanwhile, the long-running Wilmington City Gardens Contest showcases the city’s floral flair, encouraging residents and businesses alike to celebrate the power of horticulture in transforming urban spaces. Through a blend of education, hands-on work, and community celebration, the Delaware Center for Horticulture continues to grow a greener, more connected Delaware.