The DuBose House

Daffodil at the DuBose GardensDelia Steele DuBose created gardens on the DuBose property in the 1940’s. Down near the cool and moist wooded area at the falls, she created a wildflower garden. The garden started below the road (now a nature trail) and cascaded down to the falls and river below. Some of the flowers were quite rare and would only grow in a specific micro-climate found near the falls. Flowers such as Oconee Bells thrived on the cool bank. The falls is a spectacular setting with the solid rock beneath the falls and large stretches of bare rock to roam out into the middle of the river and feel the cool mist and hear the powerful sound of the water falling downward. A mother of five, Delia enjoyed time at her wildflower garden and sometimes enlisted help from her children to keep the poison ivy and undergrowth at bay.

Delia DuBose also created a garden closer to the DuBose House affectionately called “Mother’s Garden” by her children. The garden originally was a square-shaped grassy meadow-like area surrounded by a wall of trees such as Dogwood, Maple, and Pine. As you approached the house by car, a hint of Mother’s Garden was on the left if you peaked through the trees. This garden was enjoyed by grandchildren when walking out along the “Ridge” which runs from the DuBose House to the new Wellness Center. As you set foot into the fallen leaves, you could peak into the sunny garden which felt like a secret garden before continuing on further into the wooded “Ridge”. Mother’s Garden is now a labyrinth and memorial remembering Mrs. Delia Steele DuBose.

Mrs. DuBose donated her time to the local community. She maintained a wildflower The Botanical Gardens at Asheville and there is a memorial there remembering her and her contributions.  The Botanical Gardens has a comprehensive bloom list of native species listed by month.