Did You Know, Wilmington: The History Behind Airlie Gardens

Welcome to the second feature of my local history series, where we explore the fascinating stories behind the places that make coastal North Carolina so special!

One of Wilmington’s most beautiful places has a story that stretches back centuries. If you’ve ever wandered beneath the towering live oaks, admired the colorful azaleas, or strolled along the peaceful lakes at Airlie Gardens, you know what a special place it is. But did you know that this beloved Wilmington landmark began as a private estate more than 130 years ago?

From Private Estate to Public Garden

The story of Airlie Gardens dates back to the 1700s, but its transformation into the gardens we recognize today began in the late 19th century. In 1886, Sarah and Pembroke Jones acquired the property near what is now Wrightsville Beach. Pembroke named it Airlie after his family’s ancestral home in Scotland. The couple envisioned a beautiful coastal estate, and in the early 1900s, Sarah began developing the grounds into an elaborate garden. With winding paths, picturesque lakes, and an impressive collection of flowering plants, the estate became known for its natural beauty and lavish entertaining.

The gardens were designed to feel as though they had grown naturally from the landscape, blending the area’s coastal environment with carefully planned plantings. Over time, azaleas, camellias, and other Southern favorites became defining features of the property.

A Garden Fit for Grand Entertaining

During the early 1900s, Airlie was much more than a garden. It was a gathering place for Wilmington’s wealthy and influential social circles. The Joneses hosted elaborate parties and welcomed distinguished guests to their estate. The property featured landscaped grounds, lakes, and architectural elements designed to make an impression. Imagine arriving at the estate more than a century ago, traveling along the coastal roads before entering a garden filled with flowering shrubs and enormous live oaks. Although the world around Wilmington has changed dramatically, visitors can still experience some of the beauty that made Airlie so memorable.

The Famous Live Oaks and the Airlie Oak

One of Airlie’s most recognizable treasures is the magnificent Airlie Oak, a towering Southern live oak that has stood on the property for centuries. The tree is a reminder that some of Wilmington’s most remarkable landmarks are living pieces of history. Its massive branches and sweeping canopy create the Southern coastal scene that visitors come to experience. Throughout the gardens, mature trees provide shade and character, while seasonal blooms transform the landscape throughout the year.

The Bottle Chapel: A Unique Tribute to Local Art

One of Airlie’s most distinctive features is the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel, a colorful artistic installation created in 2004. The chapel pays tribute to Minnie Evans, a celebrated Wilmington-area folk artist who worked at Airlie Gardens. Evans was known for her imaginative, intricate artwork, inspired in part by vivid dreams and spiritual visions. Built with thousands of glass bottles and decorated with colorful details, the chapel offers a completely different experience from the gardens’ traditional landscape design. It is a wonderful example of how Airlie brings together nature, history, and local creativity.

From Private Treasure to Community Landmark

For decades, Airlie remained a privately owned estate. The Corbett family later owned the property and continued its legacy. In 1999, New Hanover County purchased the gardens, helping preserve this special place for future generations. Today, the public can explore approximately 67 acres of gardens, walking paths, historic features, and natural habitats.

Airlie also serves as an important educational resource, helping visitors learn about local plants, wildlife, and environmental conservation.

Why Airlie Gardens Is Such a Special Part of Wilmington

Airlie Gardens is more than a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. It tells the story of Wilmington’s past, from private coastal estates and grand social gatherings to the community’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting during azalea season, exploring the Bottle Chapel, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk beneath the live oaks, you’re experiencing a piece of the history that makes our coastal community so unique.

And perhaps that’s one of the best things about living in Wilmington: there is always another story to discover right in our own backyard.

Did you know the history behind Airlie Gardens? I’d love to hear your favorite memory of this local treasure!

Planning a visit? Find hours, tickets, and more information on the official Airlie Gardens website.