​​​A Brief History of Arborcrest Gardens

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Arborcrest Gardens has its roots in the vision of Ron and Cheryl Stanley, who relocated to Boone in 1976. A few years later, they purchased a 5-acre parcel from James Councill at the base of Howard's Knob. In 1979, they built their home and began transforming the surrounding landscape into a flourishing garden. When the remainder of Councill's property went to auction in 1985, the Stanleys seized the opportunity to expand their holdings to a total of 50 acres.

Dr. Ron Stanley, passionate about horticulture, dedicated himself to experimenting with various plant species in his vegetable garden and ornamental beds. His journey into gardening was fueled by extensive reading, consultations with local nurseries, and a commitment to learning through hands-on experience. A pivotal resource in his early gardening efforts was James Underwood Crockett's "Crockett’s Victory Garden," which inspired Dr. Stanley to refine his techniques.​ 

In a remarkable achievement, the Stanleys' vegetable garden was featured on the PBS show "Victory Garden" in 1984, after Dr. Stanley entered a contest with photographs of their garden. His meticulous layout, raised beds, and integration of flowers impressed the judges, earning it a place among six gardens highlighted nationwide.​ 

During those formative years, Dr. Stanley meticulously recorded his gardening practices and the performance of various plants, creating a valuable database that now encompasses over 15,000 species and varieties. As a physician, he embraced his role as an educator, finding fulfillment in sharing his knowledge with others.​ 

In 1989, Dr. Stanley formalized his commitment to horticultural education by establishing Arborcrest Gardens as a non-profit botanical garden. His experimentation with diverse plant varieties continued, and he began to share his findings with the broader gardening community.

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Over the years, Dr. Stanley has assembled a dedicated team to assist with maintenance and various projects across the gardens, though he remains deeply involved in the hands-on aspects of landscaping. In 2009, he undertook a significant expansion, clearing 20 acres to create a 2.5-mile network of paved trails, building bridges, and developing plant beds. A deer fence was installed to protect the gardens from foraging deer.​ 

Dr. Stanley personally designs each section of the garden, carefully selecting the placement of every plant. He estimates that he has chosen, purchased, and planted over half a million specimens since the garden's inception. Inspired by visits to botanical gardens across the country, particularly the landscape designs at Walt Disney World, Dr. Stanley sought to capture the beauty and harmony of nature through their "overlapping, curving, and meandering" design elements.​ 

What sets Arborcrest Gardens apart is its singular vision; it has been conceived, designed, and managed by Dr. Stanley himself. He dedicates 40 to 60 hours each week to working in the gardens and overseeing staff projects. The ongoing processes of clearing, planting, and refining the landscape are a testament to his commitment.

After years of being open to visitors by appointment, Arborcrest Gardens began welcoming guests on

Fridays by reservation in 2019, offering a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of this meticulously curated botanical haven.​

Read more about the Stanley Family.​