Charlotte’s Hidden Gem: The Enchanting MapleWalk Garden Awaits You!
Good morning, Charlotte! Just a week away from the stunning autumn display of colors at MapleWalk Garden, it’s time to add this enchanting spot to your weekend plans. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood off Carmel Road, MapleWalk is a vibrant, private garden that boasts over 97 unique varieties of Japanese maples, all crafted lovingly by its creators, Lib Jones and Tom Nunnenkamp. After 25 years of dedication and hard work, this garden is set to bloom into a breathtaking display of fall colors, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
A Walk Through Artistry
As you step into MapleWalk, you’re greeted by the welcoming sunny Upper Garden, which is framed by towering Japanese cedars. Picture this: smooth grass paths winding among beautiful perennial beds, shrubs, and tiny trees. You might even stroll underneath a charming stone arch leading you into the shaded Woodland Garden, where the Japanese maples shine bright against the towering tulip poplar and sweet gum trees.
But it’s not just about the maples! The garden brims with surprises waiting to be discovered. Amid the graceful greenery, you’ll find Chinese wild ginger, lovely ferns, and even a unique tree that seems right out of a Dr. Seuss book — the bigleaf magnolia. Right now, keep an eye out for the fragrant blooms of the ‘Winter’s Snowman’ camellia, whose blossoms create a stunning white carpet on the ground. How delightful is that?
From Brush to Blooms
Creating MapleWalk wasn’t all sunshine and smiles. Back in 1990, when the couple first moved into the Kingswood neighborhood, they teamed up with a landscape designer to craft their initial yard. However, heavy rains awathed their property and after some trial and error, they decided to buy the adjacent lot, which was in dire straits. Picture invasive plants, downed trees from Hurricane Hugo, and more sinkholes than you can count!
This new land quickly became a labor of love, and with the guidance of the late Dr. Larry Mellichamp, a well-respected botany expert, they transformed this chaotic space into the Woodland Garden. “It took us two and a half years to clear it,” Nunnenkamp explained, reflecting on the amount of hard work put into creating this beautiful oasis.
Numbers Tell the Tale
The sheer effort put into MapleWalk is staggering. We’re talking about 1,600 feet of paths, 48 tons of laid stone, and over 100 scrub trees removed. They even brought in more than 40 tons of boulders to create the spectacular mountain landscape effect in the Woodland Garden. Talk about dedication! While they did have help on heavy construction, almost every plant you see has been lovingly planted by either Tom or Lib. That emotional bond with every plant truly shows how invested they are in their garden.
More Than Just a Garden
What’s more lovely about MapleWalk? The flora isn’t the only charm; Lib and Tom are true animal lovers as well! In the Woodland Garden, you’ll be greeted by their rescue rabbits, affectionately known as the “Taj MaHutch.” These adorable bunnies — Peppercorn, Teddy Bear, Allspice, and Marshmallow — fill the garden with joy and laughter as children visit to feed them. It sounds like a place straight out of a storybook!
Though delightful, maintaining such a beautiful space does have its challenges. While they’ve done a pretty good job keeping the deer away with sprays and protective netting, their robot lawnmower, affectionately named Harold, also pitches in to help with upkeep. “If I could teach Harold to edge, I’d really have something!” Nunnenkamp joked. How’s that for modern gardening?
Come Visit MapleWalk Garden!
If you’re itching to see fall in all its resplendence, make a plan to visit MapleWalk Garden at 4255 Kingswood Road, Charlotte, NC 28226. Note that your GPS may lead you to a lot without a house – that’s the spot! Keep in mind that parking is available on Kingswood or along the side streets while being considerate of neighbor’s lawns.
MapleWalk opens its gates year-round during daylight hours, but it’s wise to check their website beforehand to avoid any closures due to private events. This is truly a garden that’s bursting with year-round beauty – from the striking Japanese maples now to the camellias blooming in winter and the flowers spring brings! Trust us, you won’t regret exploring this vibrant piece of paradise right here in Charlotte.
