The Hazel McCauley Heritage Garden brings the past to life, preserving the rich agricultural traditions of North Carolina. This space is home to historic structures from the 1800s, heirloom crops, and traditional gardening methods, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of early farmers in the region.
The Heritage Vegetable Garden – staffed by volunteers – provides fresh vegetables and herbs to local food banks while also illustrating the agricultural practices that sustained families generations ago.
A preserved homestead offering a glimpse into the past
Reflecting a time when local shops were the heart
of a community
Showcasing traditional methods of curing and
preserving crops
A historic structure used for storing harvested corn
Featuring plants historically grown for
North Carolina families
Note: All buildings can be viewed from the outside during General Admission hours. Interior viewing is available during special events, group tours, and as volunteer staffing allows.
The Heritage Garden serves as an educational and cultural space, illustrating the deep connection between North Carolinians and the land they worked. Visitors can experience the resilience and resourcefulness of early settlers while appreciating the natural beauty of a time-honored
way of life.
The plantings in the Heritage Garden reflect the traditional crops and gardening practices of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Bloom and harvest times will vary based on seasonal conditions.
Browse the images to explore the unique features of this space.
Navigate the Garden like a pro with click-and-learn descriptions of trails, sculptures, and signature spaces.
From hands-on workshops to seasonal festivals and family fun, our calendar is full of ways to explore, learn, and connect.
Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a grand event, our versatile spaces offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Explore hands-on, standards-aligned experiences for PreK–12 students—on-site or at your school. Also great for scout groups & other organizations.
Make the most of every visit with an annual membership—enjoy unlimited admission, exclusive perks, and reciprocal access to 300+ gardens.
For more than 35 years, Cape Fear Botanical Garden has connected people with plants, place, and purpose. Discover our roots and growth on the History page.
