When considering a vacation, or even just a day out with the family, why not consider visiting a local arboretum or botanical garden? You can enjoy a delightful getaway with a visit to one of these beautiful gateways to all that nature has to offer.
Arboretums and botanical gardens work to promote common respect and educates with a drive towards an appreciation of the world of gardening as well as the insects that work to pollinate our plants and flowers.
These nature monuments are just waiting to be discovered and welcome all visitors for a day of tranquility, enjoying their peaceful beauty. Make sure to check out one of the arboretums or botanical gardens listed below.
JC Raulston Arboretum
4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
In 1976, J. C. made the first plantings at the North Carolina State University Research Farm Unit 4 (now the Horticultural Field Laboratory) on Beryl Road on portions of an eight-acre parcel designated as the NCSU Arboretum. Over the years, the Arboretum would grow to ten and a half contiguous acres, be renamed in his memory as the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University.
Juniper Level Botanic Garden
9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
The goal and passion at JLBG is to be one of the most unique botanic gardens in the world. In the quest for new plants, JLBG has initiated over 80 botanical expeditions and sponsored many more, both domestic and global, since 1994. JLBG also works closely with the top plant explorers and breeders around the world to grow and evaluate the best in new ornamental plants.
WRAL Azalea Gardens
2619 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606
The gardens may be expanding into another section. It appeared the ground had been prepared for new plantings, and there were some containers of new plants. I will return in June to see the hydrangeas and other flowers and plants as it is a nice place to visit and see the changes throughout the year.
Sarah P Duke Gardens
420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre public botanic garden on the campus of Duke University. Among its many attractions are Italianate terraces, an Asiatic arboretum, a garden of native plants, an organic food garden, a white garden, a rose circle, a Japanese tea house and pavilion, water gardens, a memorial garden, water lily pools, a duck pond, and a century-old fountain. Duke Gardens also has a café, gift shop, and visitor center with an elegant rental hall.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Our guiding mission is to inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature. We are a conservation garden focused on the plant of the southeastern United States.
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