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 and only public botanical garden at Hanna Park in Shelby, NC. The initial 2-acre space will function as a demonstration & teaching garden that honors the life and legacy of Dotty Ruth Leatherwood and captures her radient spirit. Well-known and respected for her career in healthcare and her
We are excited to create Cleveland County's first and only public botanical garden at Hanna Park in Shelby, NC. The initial 2-acre space will function as a demonstration & teaching garden that honors the life and legacy of Dotty Ruth Leatherwood and captures her radient spirit. Well-known and respected for her career in healthcare and her dedication to community service, Dotty was an avid gardener and a proponent of lifelong learning. Dotty led by example, and 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 the organization's first president.
Our Vision & Goals
Our Vision & Goals
Our Vision & Goals
Extension Master Gardeners strive to cultivate a vibrant community by teaching people how become successful lifelong gardeners. The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Gardens creates a beautiful space that will welcome visitors to embrace nature, learn proven gardening principles and gain inspiration for enhancing their home landscapes. Our goal
Extension Master Gardeners strive to cultivate a vibrant community by teaching people how become successful lifelong gardeners. The Dotty Leatherwood Botanical Gardens creates a beautiful space that will welcome visitors to embrace nature, learn proven gardening principles and gain inspiration for enhancing their home landscapes. Our goal is foster environmental stewardship and promote gardening as a satisfying way to for people to increase physical activity, grow their own food, and improve mental & emotional well-being.
Our Programs
Our Vision & Goals
Our Programs
The Botanical Gardens will host a variety of educational programs & events throughout the year. Extension Master Gardeners will use the space to illustrate the "Right plant, right place" approach to gardening and to teach the art and science of garden cultivation & management. These programs, often free, will be to open to everyone and d
The Botanical Gardens will host a variety of educational programs & events throughout the year. Extension Master Gardeners will use the space to illustrate the "Right plant, right place" approach to gardening and to teach the art and science of garden cultivation & management. These programs, often free, will be to open to everyone and designed to be interactive and fun for all ages. Extension Master Gardeners will also pursue training in Therapeutic Horticulture and engace community partners in developing programs & activities that use plants to support human health & wellness by meeting people's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs.