25a Friends of Cape Fear Botanical Garden will host a night of "true elegance" on Wednesday, May 18. A Garden Gathering begins at 5:30 p.m. and promises to be a beautiful evening of drinks, conversation and culinary intrigue beneath the stars and amongst the flowers.

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden comes alive this time of year. Springtime blooms of every color dot the garden and paths, making it just right for a night of enchantment.

"We have the perfect setting for an outdoor farm-to-table fundraising event to bring awareness to our mission to connect people with nature. It also fits seamlessly with our initiative to grow and donate produce to the Fayetteville Urban Ministry," said Sheila Hanrick, director of Events and Marketing for Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

A night of Fayetteville's finest entertainment has been crafted for guests' enjoyment with no detail overlooked.

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., guests can look forward to a floating cocktail hour as they make their way through the Eleanor and Raymond Manning Children's Garden.

The dulcet sounds of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's Jazz Trio will play sweetly in the background as those in attendance are served an exquisite three-course meal of locally sourced ingredients prepared by Chef Mark Elliot of Elliot's on Linden.

While the event is "formal," Hanrick wished to clarify expectations regarding attire. "The event is not a 'formal' attire event," she explained, "but more of a garden party. We advise guests to wear shoes that allow them to walk the garden grounds and grassy areas."

A Garden Gathering is an event open to the public, though it does require a pre-purchased ticket.

Tickets will be sold individually for $125 or as part of several VIP package options.
A VIP table of four is $625 and includes a household membership to Cape Fear Botanical Garden. A table for eight costs $1250 and includes a patron membership to Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Both VIP options include valet parking courtesy of Valley Auto World.

A premier destination for weddings and social gatherings, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is more than just a pretty face. The institution is fiercely committed to its mission "to transform people's relationship with plants and the natural world."

Since its establishment in 1989, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden has maintained the link between nature and the Fayetteville community through its many educational and cultural programs.
Symposiums like Gardenmania, nature camps for children of all ages and programs like yoga in the park create resources that ensure citizens of the region can enjoy being in nature while learning about everything it offers.

Fundraising events like A Garden Gathering work to support the efforts of Cape Fear Botanical Garden as it continues its valuable service to the community.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden is located at 536 N Eastern Blvd. in Fayetteville.

To purchase tickets, visit https://friends-of-the-garden.square.site/?source=qr-code&fbclid=IwAR3lHgZ4kNgZ3xoI6nBS4QuQnxnZZLBM5pMqYcdxHaz3Ncy8aRDAeTPTnVU.
To learn more about the Fayetteville Urban Ministry, visit their site at www.fayurbmin.org/about-us.