Swiftbrook Gardens provides a restful retreat for humans and a refuge for native plants and wildlife. Spouses Dale Batchelor and John Thomas began creating the garden on 1.4 acres of reforesting piedmont farmland in 1993. Today Swiftbrook Gardens is recognized as a Native Plant Habitat by the North Carolina Native Plant Society and a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National and North Carolina Wildlife Federations. Different areas of the gardens reflect Dale and John’s divergent interests and passions.
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Dale’s Garden
Dale’s open and inviting front and side garden blends with the surrounding cul-de-sac. The sunny and shaded planting beds alongside mossy paths reflect her passion for native flora.
Removing English Ivy and Japanese Honeysuckle revealed large areas of Partridge Berry and Running Cedar as well as several types of native orchids. Areas of undisturbed leaf litter provide habitat for insects and other small animals that support successful plant communities.
John’s Garden
John’s background in theatrical design sets the stage for the whimsical garden behind the modest ranch house. Careful control of sight lines creates mystery and drama, while solid geometry lends formality to areas such as the “Little Sissinghurst Behind the Pergola.” His desire to have something in flower 365 days a year made him an avid collector of native and well-behaved exotic plants.
A woodland collaboration
In the collaborative back woodland, brush piles, standing dead trees, and fallen deadwood support cavity nesting birds and other wildlife. A path to a pair of swings leads visitors through a reforesting area enhanced with Southeast natives, some from organized plant rescues. Approximately 60 native plant species have reemerged at Swiftbrook Gardens since the land was last farmed 60 years ago. The gardeners reintroduced another 30 indigenous species.
Read about Swiftbrook Gardens in the Raleigh News and Observer: “Backyard Wildlife – A haven fit for creatures”.
