Ann Mattingly

Delaware Center for Horticulture

The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) was founded in 1977 by members of the Garden Club of Wilmington to promote a love of gardening and urban greening. As a non-profit membership organization, DCH's mission is to inspire individuals and communities through the power of plants. We cultivate a greener community, inspiring appreciation and improvement of our environment through horticulture, education and conservation. We achieve our mission through Education and Outreach programs, including our Branches to Chances/Return to Work horticultural job skills training program for returning citizens, youth gardening education programs, trips, tours, lectures, and hands-on workshops. Through our Community Forestry programs, we have planted and cared for over 15,000 trees by partnering with neighborhood and community groups, schools, and municipalities across Delaware. Our Urban Agriculture programs include the creation and support of over 30 community gardens, including Wilmington's first urban farm. We beautify high-impact gateways and roadsides through our Public Landscapes program, integrating water management and urban-tolerant plants into sustainable landscape design. Our newly updated facility in Wilmington's Trolley Square neighborhood includes an accessible public garden, art gallery, and examples of sustainable building design, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and our new "infinity green roof,"​ completed in October 2017. Events such as the Rare Plant Auction, seasonal plant sales, and events that integrate food, wine, craft beer, art, and music engage gardeners of all levels and interests. Join us and support our work as a volunteer, member or partner!