Manning Children’s Garden

A nature-filled adventure space designed for exploration, play, and learning.

Where Curiosity & Nature Come to Play

Easily accessed from the Pond Trail and Butterfly Stroll, the Eleanor and Raymond Manning Children’s Garden is a vibrant space designed for discovery, play, and learning. Set amidst towering loblolly pines, this enchanting garden invites families to rest in the shade, listen to birds singing, and experience the joyful sounds of children exploring nature.

Highlights of the Manning Children’s Garden include:

14-foot tree-top walkway

A unique perspective of the garden from above.

Interactive Water Station

Splash and learn about how water moves.

Play Elements

Featuring a slide, climbing web, and a sandbox for hands-on fun.

Pollinator Hotel

Home to bees and beneficial insects essential to the ecosystem

Ponds

A serene setting for spotting aquatic life and seasonal blooms.

PAVILION

A covered, open-air space used for planned activities and private rentals.

Learning & Connection

The Manning Children’s Garden also serves as a hub for story time, children’s workshops, and other enriching programs. Additionally, it is available for private rentals, making it an ideal venue for birthday parties and family gatherings.

What’s Growing Here

The Manning Children’s Garden is a dynamic space filled with plants that encourage exploration and connection with nature. Bloom times will vary depending on species and seasonal conditions.

Lotus Flowers & Lily Pads – Graceful blooms and broad floating leaves
Hibiscus – Large, colorful flowers that attract pollinators
Tulip Poplar – A towering native tree offering shade and habitat for birds and wildlife.
Bird’s-Eye View of the Camellia Garden – Glimpse the vibrant camellia collection from a whole new perspective.
Plus other seasonal blooms and native plantings that bring color, texture, and discovery to this playful garden space.