Visited here on a chilly but sunny day in December and loved it! Went for the poinsettia show, which was fun, then walked the grounds. It was so beautiful, even this time of year. I can only imagine how gorgeous it is in the spring! Creative gardens and displays. Extremely impressed.
While the nearby Duke Garden attract more attention, this gem is known to locals and well worth seeking out. I decided to spend a Sunday here on one of the last warm weekends of the year. The gardens here are just simply stunning. Gardens here include a winter garden..Asian..and a white garden. They have one of the most comprehensive collections in the world and the gardens are used as a testing center for All American Selections. It is 10 acres of pure bliss for garden lovers. I am in pure heaven here with my camera and my favorite sections include the testing center and the Japanese Gardens. The testing center is where plants are testing for seed companies and have brillent seasonal displays. for the season. The Japanese Garden combine both exquisite plants and sculptures. As a photographer, this place is just a pleasure to be in and photograph. The southwest gardens are also one of my favorites reminding me of my time in Phoenix. It is also a great place to gather ideas for your own garden, which is also my problem. I go here and then want to go home and turn my own garden into a 10 acre paradise. The gardens are located on the campus of NC State university and are open to the public and a free of charge. There is a donation box and please be nice and make a donation as it isn't free to run this place. There is a visitors center and restrooms. Parking is free. They do offer numerous tours of the gardens. You can see their website for more information. The gardens can also be rented out for events such as weddings and parties. This is also a popular place for special events photography such as weddings, engagements, and pregnancy. Just remember to be respectful of others. Several people were out having professional pictures made and made it very difficult for people to enjoy the gardens.
Probably the best time to visit is in the spring. They really have a lot of plants that can be easily grown in North Carolina, the staff is eager to answer any questions curious visitors may have.
Visited the arboretum in May when so many flowers and plants were in full bloom. It was incredibly beautiful - so much so my husband thought it would be a beautiful venue for a wedding for one of our children. I hadn't been to the arboretum in a number of years. I will not let that happen again.
It is an Arboretum but has a fantastic collection of plants. Also some interesting outdoor art. Rental space available for meetings and parties.
Despite graduating from NCSU and living in Raleigh for years before and after going to State I never even knew there was an Arboretum in Raleigh. It is tucked away right by the Vet School and Fair Grounds. It is a first rate Aboretum. I love spending a nice spring day walking around and taking in the foliage. I recommend this highly it is a great way to spend an afternoon.
I could spend hours in here. This place is vastly educational and a great place to take engagement/wedding photos. There are places off to the side to read or relax and it's a great place to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon. Since it is ridiculously huge, allot some extra time in your day so you can get the full experience -- there are several sections and you don't want to rush it.
This arboretum is a beautiful place to go and relax, spend time with family and/or friends, or just appreciate the beauty of nature. There are so many small gardens within the arboretum. There is a Japanese garden, flower gardens, an urban garden, a rooftop garden and other gardens within the arboretum. There are so many beautiful places to enjoy here.I went for a visit yesterday (21 Sept 2014) and it was a Sunday. I stumbled upon a free tour of the arboretum and was asked to join. The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her tour was very informative, and not at all overwhelming.I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the arboretum and will return again in the future. It is definitely worth a visit.
This place has so many scenic areas of natural beauty that vary in plant life, from the unique and gorgeous trees and surrounding foliage to the rose gardens, the Japanese garden, the rooftop and succulents... a great visit for anyone who loves to be outside and enjoy plant life in the shade or sun.
Spend the day walking around and viewing all the different gardens! Bring a book, picnic lunch and your camera to enjoy in its fullest! Highly recommend it!