The Elizabethan Gardens Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New Sensory Garden and Virginia Dare’s 438th Birthday
MANTEO, NC – On Monday, August 18, 2025, The Elizabethan Gardens welcomed guests to a day of history and celebration with the official ribbon cutting of its new Sensory Garden alongside the 438th birthday of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World.
Elizabethan Gardens staff, board members and community partners gathered for the ribbon cutting (Photo by Kip Tabb). This marked the grand opening of the Sensory Garden, a thoughtfully designed space created to engage visitors through touch, sound, sight, taste, and fragrance. Features like the wheelchair assessable raised garden beds, highlight the Gardens’ ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and the enrichment of all who visit.
Daniel Hossack, Garden Manager pictured above, encouraged guest to to interact with the plants by touching, smelling, and even tasting edible herbs.
“The Sensory Garden was created to spark curiosity and awaken the senses,” said Brendan Medlin, Executive Director of The Elizabethan Gardens. “This garden would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partners. We are deeply grateful to The Dare County Tourism Board and the Outer Banks Community Foundation.”
Eleanor Dare (Caroline Belangia) holding baby Virginia Dare (Ava Russ), photo by Tip Tabb
Following the ceremony, the Gardens continued its long-standing tradition of honoring Virginia Dare with birthday treats and festivities. Guests were delighted by a special appearance from the actress, Caroline Belangia, portraying Eleanor Dare in The Lost Colony, who visited the Gardens in full costume carrying baby Virginia Dare (Ava Russ).
