While the original gardens were created by William Nichols in 1816, little is known of that earlier design. Today’s gardens were created In the early 1930’s by Leila Budlong Wood. A trio of hearts formed the early gardens at Hayes: the massive azaleas before the entrance gates; the bed of Old China Blush roses facing the house; and the perennial garden, facing the water.

One goal guided the restoration efforts: honor the contributions made by generations of dedicated gardeners. Since January 2023, a team of volunteer gardeners has worked to restore the gardens and grounds, uncovering them from their smilax, wisteria, poison ivy, and briar cages.

Please wander through the gardens at Hayes, take that perfect graduation photo, and should you visit on a Tuesday morning, speak with any of the volunteer gardeners.

Leila Wood created the boxwood and camellia beds on the west side of the house in the early 1930s. There are over 40 varieties of camellias, blooming from late November to April.  A new Arbor, replicating the earlier structure, and planted with Helleborus and Japanese Holly fern, adds to the formal lines of boxwoods and specimen trees.

A large selection of specimen trees, both native and imported, edge the fence line leading to the main house.  Dominated by the pines, cedars and live oak, many qualify as century trees.

Peonies are the stars of the perennial garden and many of the original plants were gifts from fellow Edenton gardeners. This tradition was followed as the perennial beds were restored, using garden gifts from friends. On the plant tags, you may notice and even recognize the names of some of these generous gardeners.

Hayes gardens offer a year-round display, from Camellias and Azaleas to Paeonias and Daylilies

LATE WINTER:  Camellias (Sasanqua), Helleborus, Magnolia buds

EARLY SPRING:  Camellias (Japonica), Daffodils, Tulip and Stellata Magnolias; Anemone

LATE SPRING:  Azaleas, Iris, Paeonia, Roses

SUMMER:  Baptisia, Acanthus, Phlox, Nepeta, Coreopsis, Zinnia, Perovskia, Shasta, Saliva

FALL:  Anemone, Rudbeckia, Mums, Nepeta

WINTER:  Holiday Decorations with China Berries, Pinecones, Osage Orange, Cedar and Cryptomeria.