History with ‘Hud’: How an elementary school arson fire turned into a popular garden area
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — One of the most visited and widely known garden spaces in the Cape Fear is Airlie Gardens. But there’s another very popular one less than a mile down the road.
The New Hanover County Arboretum on Oleander Drive is visited by an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people per year, with the free gardens open year-round, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. Although the site is just 7 acres compared to Airlie Gardens’ 67 acres, it packs a large variety of sights into every square inch.
The arboretum began as an initial idea conceived by a group of local citizens in the 1970s, as New Hanover County began to transform from a rural farming region to a more urbanized area.
Former New Hanover County Extension Director Dr. Charles E. Lewis spearheaded the effort. By 1981 the decision was made to create an arboretum for plant research and to showcase existing plants indigenous to southeastern North Carolina.
During the search process for a site to place the gardens, an arson fire destroyed Bradley Creek School on October 11, 1982 which had stood for the previous 40 years. It took two years for the New Hanover County Commissioners to consider the site, but they eventually allotted $200,000 for the arboretum to be created on the former school grounds.
The arboretum and extension service took over the land in 1985, though it wasn’t until October 5, 1989 the New Hanover County Arboretum officially opened to the public following the work of hundreds of volunteers.
Today the site continues to be supported by county funding, as well as private and commercial donations. Several fundraisers also help supply funds for the grounds to keep going and thriving throughout the year.
The gardens contain special areas, such as a Japanese Garden and Tea House with a variety of plants and rock features, a large water garden housing dozens of Koi Fish and a showcase of stunning local plants and trees scattered throughout, attracting butterflies and birds.
The arboretum has changed a bit over the last few decades as the region has grown, but it continues to provide a completely free, calming space away from the bustling streets for people of all age to enjoy.
Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston (‘Hud’) has always had two major loves – weather and history. While you can watch him talk about weather each morning on WWAY, he looks forward to bringing you a little piece of history each Thursday on WWAY’s website.
To read other History with ‘Hud’ segments, click HERE.
