GASTON COUNTY, N.C. -- The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens officially reopened to the public Saturday. It comes after being closed for about five months due to the pandemic.

Gardener, Derron Schronce and Director of Horticulture, Jeffrey Wuilliez say it’s been pretty quiet at the gardens. They both have been maintaining the grounds since the start of COVID-19.

“When we first closed it was strange because you were always used to people being around,” Schronce says.

Due to reduced staffing and a decrease in volunteers, they both have worked long hours and even came in on weekends. They say three workers have been in charge of most of the maintenance for 110 acres of gardens.

“We are very excited about the opening because we have worked so hard over the last several months to maintain and bring the existing perennials to come back,” Wuilliez says.

A new addition this year are their banana plants in Canal Garden. It’s an art masterpiece that these two men say they are proud of and happy to now share with others.

“I do it because I enjoy it, and if people enjoy the visual from what I do then I think that is a great thing,” Schronce says.

The gardens are open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets cost $14.95.