HARBOR WAY GARDENS
The Harbor Way Gardens, located on the west end of the Wrightsville Beach Park, was created in the summer of 2003, when several members of the Harbor Island Garden Club approached the Town of Wrightsville Beach concerning an acre of town property located between West Salisbury Street and Causeway Drive. In previous years, the area had been used as a dumping ground for storm debris, but the ladies had another idea and went to the town’s Board of Aldermen with a plan to design and plant a garden for public enjoyment. The Board of Aldermen agreed, and work began by the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation staff as well Public works employees to clear out the area and create pathways to border varieties of potential gardens.
Arbors were built at the four entry points. A fifth arbor opens onto the center point of the project where a recirculating water fountain feature was initially installed in 2012. Recently the fountain has been redesigned to include additional bricks and pavers which surround the arctic white quartz boulder and three stone gurgling spheres. In addition to the center point fountain, there are three other water features inside the garden. Available in two mailboxes are printed Harbor Way Gardens visitors guides which designate each garden section wherein label stakes identify plant material that can survive this east coastal environment. Harbor Way Gardens is one of three public gardens in New Hanover County and currently the only public garden in the state of North Carolina that features Witherspoon Rose Culture. Moving forward, these gardens will continue to provide areas of quiet rest and the enjoyment of nature along with educational opportunities for all ages. To cover expenses incurred, in 2006 the Garden club started a fundraising project selling bricks and blue stone pavers to commemorate loved ones, pets and occasions. That effort continues today to help with maintenance and future projects. |
Check out our official club flower: The Gaillardia. We've planted a bounty in the garden. Come take a look!
Bird's Eye View: Harbor Way Gardens
Now you can visit the garden anytime, anywhere! Aerial Images ILM created this amazing video for Harbor Island Garden Club. We hope you enjoy this aerial view of Wrightsville Beach Park, Harbor Way Gardens and Wrightsville Beach.
Map of Harborway Gardens
Little Libraries
Grab a book or donate one. Come visit us anytime!