Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, Historic botanical garden and bird sanctuary in Charlotte, North Carolina
Wing Haven Gardens is a botanical garden and bird sanctuary in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring water features, fountains, and diverse plant collections across its grounds. The property contains over 150 bird species, along with naturalized areas designed to support wildlife habitat and attract visitors interested in both plants and animals.
Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson created Wing Haven in 1927 as a private garden with an emphasis on birds and plant collections. The couple donated the property to a foundation in 1971, ensuring its preservation and opening to the public for education and enjoyment.
The garden follows a Cross of Lorraine layout with a central path intersecting two shorter paths, and features an English sundial from the 18th century that many visitors overlook. This pattern creates distinct garden rooms that guide how people naturally move and explore the space.
The gardens are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM for visitor exploration of the grounds. Guided tours and educational programs about wildlife are available regularly to help guests understand the birds and plants they encounter.
The property contains a champion Tulip Poplar tree, one of the largest of its kind in the region. It also hosts the largest recorded Japanese Stewartia specimen in Mecklenburg County, drawing attention from people interested in rare tree species.
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