To provide environmental, historic and cultural experience including exploration of an indoor nature center, wildlife habitats, a carriage collection, Italian and Japanese gardens and a Victorian mansion.

Promotes horticulture and environmental awareness through education, research, display, and interpretation of plants and ecosystems. Encompasses 175 acres of botanical displays with over 50 themed gardens, including one of the largest collections of azaleas, roses, camellias, hollies, and rhododendrons on the East Coast. Tours of the garden by train and boat are offered.