CityView Magazine

CityViewNC .com | 15 shaded outdoor table on the patio overlooking the pond and garden, in all its late springtime splendor. An unbeatable al fresco midday meal, if you ask us. Fellow garden frequenters, typically thrilled to observe the evolution of the camellias, daffodils and tulips, have been monitoring the blossoming of something of a different variety with great anticipation. e planning and construction of the one- of-a-kind Eleanor and Raymond Manning Children's Garden and outdoor learning center have been years in the making, and will culminate when they open for use in July. Interactive recreational and educational features will continue to be installed throughout the summer, and we can all celebrate at the official grand opening during the garden's "Pondamania" event on Sept. 26. Frank Moorman, the garden's director of operations and development, speaks about what just might be the crown jewel of the Botanical Garden with great enthusiasm. "e Eleanor and Raymond Manning Children's Garden is designed to be a place for children and families to explore plants and the natural world through hands-on experiences and play," he said. "Children will use their imaginations and sense of wonder to create their own connections with nature. e garden features an elevated canopy walk, a fossil dig, learning landings and a slope slide. e canopy walk reaches 14 feet up into the treetops and provides a bird's-eye view of the surrounding gardens. A series of sloping ramps makes climbing easy and is completely wheelchair accessible. e educational pavilion, complete with an observation deck, will provide a unique setting for classes, lectures, demonstrations and even birthday celebrations and weddings." Really, what more could a nature nut hope for? e wonderful new additions to our ever- growing Cape Fear Botanical Garden promise to delight those of us who take the time to go for a visit. I, for one, am so grateful for the small group of gardening enthusiasts turned visionaries who came together in 1989 and recognized the potential of the 80-acre expanse on Eastern Boulevard. ey must be so proud of what it has become. Aer all, as a quote by Audrey Hepburn featured on the garden's website goes, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." To learn more about Cape Fear Botanical Garden, explore membership options or make a donation, visit the garden website at www.capefearbg.org or follow their Facebook page. Claire Mullen can be reached at clairejlmullen@gmail.com. The Garden View Cafe is operated by Elite Catering Company, owned by Army veteran Louis Irizarr y, or "Chef Lou" as he is affectionately known, along with his wife Mrs. Edna and their son.

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