Today, this original plan remains the basic design for the Daniel Boone Native Gardens.  The main axis is a wide, grassed allee extending from the upper north entrance to the lower south entrance.  The allee is anchored on the north with massive wrought-iron gates forged by Daniel Boone VI of Burnsville, NC.  The south entrance of the allee is marked by steps leading down to a rockery. 

To the left of this grassy avenue, a gravel path winds around a wishing well and over the small bridge of the reflecting pool toward the Squire Boone Cabin. 

This cabin was situated in the Gardens to honor the father of Daniel Boone, Squire Boone.  It serves as an educational representation of frontier living in the years following the Revolutionary War.  Beyond the cabin, along a path leading back up to the north side of the allee, is a meditation maze of ferns and hemlock.  Its center point is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi.

In 1992, the reflecting pool and surrounding area was re-planted as a bog garden.  Today, a small bridge crosses the bog garden and leads to the Squire Boone Cabin.

In 1973, a 2-acre plot originally owned by a private citizen was leased to the Garden Club of North Carolina.  The section was designed as a fernery.  Today, benches and a small observation gazebo allow visitors to enjoy the quiet restfulness of this special garden.

In 1964, junior gardeners throughout the state of North Carolina collected nickels and dimes to donate a birdbath for the Gardens.

In 1963, a gatehouse was added, built from local stones of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In 1996, a Pickin’ Porch was constructed in the northern area of the gardens.  Its presence recalls the custom of mountain families to gather on the front porch with neighbors in the evening and “pick a few.”  The porch reflects the hospitality of the mountain community of Boone and the inviting presence of the Gardens.  Close your eyes and you can almost hear Doc Watson strumming his tunes.

In 2025, a larger stage was added near the Pickin’ Porch to accommodate larger community events, such as the Roots in the Garden summer concert series.

Daniel Boone Native Gardens remains a peaceful spot in the center of a busy community.  Visitors are invited to the Gardens to feast on a family picnic, take a one-of-a-kind photo of a blooming flower, have a memorable day in the Wedding Garden, or simply sit and absorb nature.  

The Gardens are waiting.