The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation and a $10,000 grant from the Doctor Foundation in support of the Willow Maze, which opens in late September at the Garden.

The Willow Maze will serve as an educational resource for Gaston County, allowing school groups a chance to learn outside the classroom while following the guidelines of the science curriculum.

Shaped as a potted plant, students and visitors will have a chance to travel through the maze and explore the parts of a plant by going through the roots, up the stem, and into the leaves.

Educational signs will be placed throughout the maze explaining the process and creating a unique learning experience.

"We are very pleased to receive support from our neighbors in the community," Executive Director Kara Newport said. "It is because of organizations like the Glenn Foundation and the Doctor Foundation that the Garden is able to bring educational resources to the people of Gaston County."

The maze was designed by the Garden's horticulture staff, covers 3,000 square feet, and is constructed of more than 600 Dappled Willow plantings.

The variegated foliage of the Dappled Willow will add interest to the maze as it grows, leafing out green and then developing pink and white variegation.

In addition to serving as an educational tool, the maze will further develop educational activities for children at the Garden. The grand opening of the Willow Maze will take place during the Fall Family Festival, September 29- 30. For more information, call 704- 829-1259