Lewis Ginter Native Reserve

Located on the property, the Cosby Family has amassed a truly impressive collection of Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) and azaleas (subgenus Tsutsuji and Pentanthera). To date the collection is home to 2,000 varieties of azaleas, 300 varieties of rhododendrons and numerous ornamental perennials and annuals. In addition to purchasing new specimens, plants are actively propagated on-site.  It was the desire of the Cosby’s that this collection be maintained for current and future generations to enjoy. To that end, they placed the property under conservation easement with NALT and bequested the property to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and upon the family’s passing will accept and manage the reserve.  They envision the potential for a dedicated arboretum, a site for trial or test beds and other sites for collaborative horticultural activities with community partners, including community colleges, universities and other gardening initiatives. They also intend on honoring the intention of the family by creating an educational and therapeutic natural space for individuals with developmental disabilities, those suffering from trauma, wounded veterans and urban youth. Shane Tippett, Executive Director of the Botanical Gardens puts a conservation lens on the Reserve, explaining that “Conservation of resources is not only a responsibility, but increasingly a mandate for the long-term survival and health of the interrelated ecosystems of which humans are an influential part. Conservation is embedded and implied in many aspects of the Garden’s strategic plan.”