Dating back to the 1700’s when the Moravians – a group of Eastern European Protestants – settled in the area and planted their own herb, vegetable and medicinal crops, gardening has been an integral part of the Winston-Salem community. Today, visitors can enjoy a history lesson on Winston-Salem’s horticulture with a tour through a number of area gardens.
Enter Historic Bethabara Park and step into the days of 18th-century North Carolina backcountry. The park dates back to 1753 when the Moravians first settled the area and showcases more than two centuries of gardening traditions with the reconstructed Hortus Medicus, the country’s oldest known medical garden, and the 1759 Community Garden, the only known, well-documented colonial Community garden in the U.S.
At Old Salem Museums & Gardens, one of America’s most well-documented historic attractions, visitors enjoy another up-close look at 18th and 19th century Moravian traditions. Discover the Single Brothers and Miksch heirloom gardens and “dig up” ingredients that are often times plucked and freshly prepared at the nearby Tavern in Old Salem. Now an award-winning restoration garden, the Single Brothers’ Garden is the largest interpreted garden in Old Salem.
The journey continues at Reynolda Gardens, located just 10 minutes from Old Salem. Planted in the early 20th century, Reynolda Gardens are the by-product of Katharine Reynolds’ vision and progressive thinking. Mrs. Reynolds, wife to tobacco baron R.J. Reynolds, firmly promoted healthy eating and cooking habits and wanted her gardens to be a beautiful gift to the community and the workers on her country estate. A step into the 1913 greenhouse opens the door to a wonderland of vividly colored plant life.
Nestled 15 minutes east of Winston-Salem, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden (PJCBG) is the newest of the gardens in the Winston-Salem area. Featuring 15 separate gardens and continuing to grow (literally and figuratively), PJCBG is home to a Kitchen and Pattern Garden – both of which are based upon traditional Moravian gardening methods and practices.
To learn more about our offerings contact Visit Winston-Salem’s Group Tour and Services Manager Kay Calzolari directly at 336-728-4237 or email Kay@VisitWinstonSalem.com.
