Meet our new Director,

Greg Stivland

Hi!  I’m Greg Stivland and I am so grateful to be the new director of Bullington Gardens and join this dynamic and creative team of staff and volunteers. My professional journey has been shaped by two lifelong passions: helping people reach their fullest potential and discovering the healing power of nature. I have spent more than 30 years as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children, families, educators, and communities. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the creativity, resilience, and growth I witness every day in the people I serve.

Since 2016, I have worked with Durham Public Schools, providing occupational therapy services to students ages 3 to 21 and collaborating with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success. One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been developing the Exceptional Gardeners Program, which brings therapeutic horticulture  into exceptional children's classrooms. I have watched students build confidence, develop new skills, and connect with the school community and the natural world through plant based activities. This experience has reinforced my belief that meaningful growth often happens when learning extends beyond traditional means.

Prior to joining Durham Public Schools, I worked in Moore County Schools (2012-2016) and spent the 18 years before that with Developmental Therapy Associates, a pediatric speech and occupational therapy clinic, where I combined clinical practice with business management and leadership responsibilities.

My interest in therapeutic horticulture led me to pursue specialized training through the Horticultural Therapy Institute, North Carolina State University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 2024, after completing a 480 hour internship through the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, I became a Registered Horticultural Therapist through the American Horticultural Therapy Association. This milestone reflects my commitment to integrating evidence-based horticultural practices with allied health therapy principles. I enjoy teaching and sharing these approaches with others through workshops, conference presentations, and professional collaborations across the United States and Canada.

As a founding member, past Treasurer, and current President of the Carolinas Horticultural Therapy Network, I am passionate about expanding awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horticulture and creating opportunities for professionals to learn from one another. At Bullington Gardens, I look forward to continuing to build on the foundational work of previous directors John Murphy and Annie Higgins by fostering welcoming spaces where people of all ages and abilities can learn, heal, connect, and grow. I am honored to be part of this incredibly special organization that enriches the community through horticulture education, therapeutic horticulture, and connecting people to plants through creative and serendipitous ways.

BOOST & ECT Programs

Educational Program Updates

At Bullington Gardens, education is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we're inspiring children to discover where their food comes from or providing adults with opportunities to learn new skills, we're committed to growing knowledge alongside our gardens.

This spring, we welcomed approximately 600 kindergarten through fifth-grade students for educational field trips. These hands-on experiences gave young learners the opportunity to explore the natural world, discover the importance of plants and pollinators, and connect classroom lessons with real-world experiences. Watching their curiosity bloom is one of the greatest rewards of our educational mission.

We were also proud to celebrate another successful BOOST graduation. Watching participants build confidence, develop workplace skills, and take meaningful steps toward greater independence is a reminder of the life-changing power of hands-on education. Every graduate represents growth, perseverance, and the strength of a supportive community.

Our BOOST students have been hard at work this season, cultivating cool-season crops from seed to harvest. Along the way, they learned about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Even more inspiring, they chose to donate their harvest to local food banks, showing that gardening not only grows healthy food—it also grows compassion, generosity, and a commitment to serving others.

Our adult education programs have also enjoyed tremendous success this spring and summer. From gardening workshops to horticultural classes, community members have embraced opportunities to expand their knowledge, connect with fellow gardeners, and discover the joy of lifelong learning. It's been exciting to see our classes filled with enthusiastic participants eager to learn and grow.

As we look ahead, we're excited to continue offering engaging educational opportunities for all ages. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for upcoming classes and workshops—we have more exciting learning opportunities just around the corner!

Thank you for supporting Bullington Gardens and helping us cultivate a community where people of all ages can learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we're planting seeds of knowledge that will flourish for years to come.

Isaac Wyatt

Bullington Gardens - Education Coordinator 

Update on the Greenhouse Repairs

Repair crews have arrived on site and made excellent progress. The shade cloth has been fully replaced, along with the weed block, providing better climate control and a cleaner growing environment.

Work is currently underway on the insulated knee wall, and the new heating system installation is scheduled for the near future. Crews are also replacing broken glass panes in both the main greenhouse and the Therapy greenhouse to restore structural integrity and improve overall conditions.

Through your generous support and that of the community, we have raised 75k towards our goal of 125k. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your continued support and encouragement during the greenhouse repairs. Your patience and generosity are truly appreciated as we work to restore and improve this vital space.

We invite you to help us complete this important project and keep the greenhouse thriving for years to come. Please consider donating to our greenhouse fundraiser, becoming a Friend of the Gardens, or volunteering a few hours of your time. Every contribution—large or small—makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for growing with us!

Linda and Crew have some beautiful displays of glorious plants still for sale.

Fall Classes Added!