Extension Master Gardener℠ Association of Cleveland County
About the Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Gardens
Our Inspiration
Our Vision & Goals
Our Vision & Goals
We are excited to create Cleveland County’s first public botanical garden at Hanna Park in Shelby, NC. The initial 2-acre space will serve as a demonstration and teaching garden that honors the life and legacy of Dotty Ruth Leatherwood and reflects her radiant spirit. Well known and respected for her career in healthcare and her dedicati
We are excited to create Cleveland County’s first public botanical garden at Hanna Park in Shelby, NC. The initial 2-acre space will serve as a demonstration and teaching garden that honors the life and legacy of Dotty Ruth Leatherwood and reflects her radiant spirit. Well known and respected for her career in healthcare and her dedication to community service, Dotty was an avid gardener and a champion of lifelong learning. Her persistence and enthusiasm were instrumental in launching Cleveland County’s Extension Master Gardener Program in 2010. Dotty was a charter member of the Extension Master Gardener Association of Cleveland County and served as its first president.
Our Vision & Goals
Our Vision & Goals
Our Vision & Goals
Extension Master Gardeners strive to cultivate a vibrant community by teaching people how to become successful, lifelong gardeners. The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Gardens will create a beautiful space where visitors can embrace nature, learn proven gardening principles, and find inspiration for enhancing their home landscapes. Our goal i
Extension Master Gardeners strive to cultivate a vibrant community by teaching people how to become successful, lifelong gardeners. The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Gardens will create a beautiful space where visitors can embrace nature, learn proven gardening principles, and find inspiration for enhancing their home landscapes. Our goal is to foster environmental stewardship and promote gardening as a meaningful way for people to increase physical activity, grow their own food, and improve mental and emotional well-being.
Our Programs
Our Vision & Goals
Our Programs
The Botanical Gardens will host a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. Extension Master Gardeners will use the space to demonstrate the “Right plant, right place” approach to gardening and teach the art and science of garden cultivation and management. Many programs will be open to the public at little or no cos
The Botanical Gardens will host a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. Extension Master Gardeners will use the space to demonstrate the “Right plant, right place” approach to gardening and teach the art and science of garden cultivation and management. Many programs will be open to the public at little or no cost and designed to be interactive and engaging for all ages. Extension Master Gardeners will also pursue training in Therapeutic Horticulture and collaborate with community partners to develop programs that use plants to support human health and wellness by meeting people’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs