Jun 26, 2024

Proven Winners opens new Signature Garden

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina has been named a Proven Winners Signature Garden, becoming the eleventh such property in the U.S. This designation recognizes high-profile gardens that showcase outstanding ornamental horticulture and landscape presentation.

The Gardens, supported by Johnson Nursery and its development team, will use this recognition to enhance its conservation goals and expand visitor engagement.

“The diverse balance of ornamental horticulture, engaging nature, and a healthy calendar of agrotourism events promise to make The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina a showcase destination for Proven Winners products and gardening ideas,” said Josh Miller, landscape manager for Proven Winners.

Signature Gardens criteria

Signature Gardens must meet strict criteria, including high visibility and a commitment to quality. These gardens benefit from increased visitor interest, garden tours, and event opportunities.

“Signature Gardens serve many purposes for both their stewards and their visitors,” Miller added.

Founded in 1981 by David Johnson, Johnson Nursery established The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina to showcase plants at maturity. Now a nonprofit, the gardens’ mission is “to improve lives by cultivating inspiration.” The property features native hardwood forests, walking trails, creeks, and agricultural fields, attracting visitors year-round.

“Being a Gold Key grower for Spring Meadow Nursery, we have all this diversity – more than we could have ever imagined,” Johnson said. The garden allows the nursery to demonstrate Proven Winners’ plant varieties, providing valuable insights for customers.

The new Signature Garden is the fourth in North Carolina, joining Creekside Gardens, Pinehurst Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Resort. It features a range of Proven Winners plants suited to the Southeast region, adjacent to Johnson Nursery’s retail location.

For more information, visit the website.