Delaware Center for Horticulture

Since 1977, the Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) has cultivated a greener community by bringing people and plants together. Our work includes creating the first urban farm in Wilmington, beautifying public landscapes, planting over 17,000 trees, and hosting educational programs and community events. Collaborations with social service, municipal, and government agencies afford DCH the opportunity to continue our mission of inspiring individuals and communities through the power of plants.  

DCH is the only nonprofit membership organization in Delaware that mobilizes and inspires community greening statewide in urban and suburban environments. By inspiring an appreciation for improving our environment through horticulture, education, and conservation, we have become a leader in improving and beautifying communities by harnessing the power of our members, volunteers, and staff to go out and make a difference.

Our mission contributes to community building through our strategic pillars: to transform underserved neighborhoods, communities, and individuals; to motivate individuals and communities with an interest in plants and horticulture to improve their surroundings; and to elevate the greater Delaware community resulting in a healthier, safer, and more beautiful environment. 

Using plants as a tool to meet people where they are, DCH’s work provides a forum for people interested in improving their neighborhoods through tangible, visible outcomes. Because this work is outdoors, visible, and catches people’s attention, it has proven to be an effective way to even introduce neighbors to each other. By providing practical support and training, it creates networks of active residents who interact and learn from each other, thereby building community around common interests and goals.