Garden Highlight: David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden 

Tucked into the woodlands of Powell Gardens lies a shady retreat perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature—the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden. With its bubbling brook, three scenic overlook decks, and a canopy of trees, this garden invites visitors to linger as they visit. 

Phil Bishop, Director of Horticulture, shares why this garden is a staff and visitor favorite. “The Woodland & Stream Garden is a place where people can really slow down”, he says. “It showcases plants that thrive in shade, but more importantly, it offers peaceful spaces where visitors can reflect and experience the rhythm of the seasons.” 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read, a peaceful place for shade garden inspiration, or a new path to stroll, the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden offers beauty in each season. The winding “secret trail” provides a sense of discovery, while the bridges and decks offer vantage points to admire the surrounding woodland plantings. 

Visit the Garden’s Webpage 

Seasonal Highlights in the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden 

Spring
This garden is a haven for spring ephemerals! Watch the space come alive with snowdrops, daffodils, and winter aconite carpeting the ground, followed by blooms of hardy azaleas, rhododendrons, and shade-loving favorites like astilbes, bleeding hearts, and woodland phlox.  

Summer
Escape the summer heat under a leafy canopy. Ferns, heucheras, and tropical plants in rustic log planters create lush textures. The cool streamside paths and decks offer some of the most refreshing spots in the Gardens. 

Fall
A must-visit season for this garden. Sourwoods and serviceberries glow with fiery color, making the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden one of the best destinations for leaf peeping at Powell Gardens. 

Year-round
The decks—such as the Carl and Jean Chinnery Lower Deck Garden and the Natalie Prussing Upper Deck Garden—are perfect for sketching, picnicking, or simply listening to the rustle of leaves and flowing water. 

Plan Your Visit 

No matter the season, the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden rewards those who pause and explore. Bring a book, a sketchpad, or simply your curiosity, and discover one of Powell Gardens’ most serene landscapes. 

To visit, follow the path from the Visitor Center through the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden. Once you’re through the Island Garden, turn right to head into the David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden. Enjoy a peaceful and shaded oasis!