It’s early December and I’m writing a post about visiting the local arboretum? Yes, that’s right! Even though the Winter season is upon us in a few short weeks, JC Raulston Arboretum has a diverse group of plants, trees, and flowers in bloom and some upcoming events to check out.
JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University is located at 4415 Beryl Rd near the State Fairgrounds. It is open to the public seven days a week, including holidays. Plant collections are its foundation, with over 5,000 different kinds spread across about a dozen different gardens or areas.
With so many gardens to explore, it can be rather overwhelming deciding which garden to start at. Luckily, the Visitor Center is extremely helpful and has a self-guided tour “Late Autumn in the Arboretum.” The brochure contains a map of the nine different plants, along with color photos and details about each plant. This was a great way to visit several different gardens and see what’s in bloom this time of year.
Upcoming events and notable places to explore at the Arboretum:
- Thursday, Dec 8 & Saturday, Dec 10: Poinsettia Sale
- Sunday, Dec 11 from 2-4pm: Who’s Who? Trees Without Leaves – take a walk and learn the clues to identifying plants in the winter. Age range: 5+, Price: $10/family for members; $15/family for non-members. Pre-registration and payment required.
- Tuesday, Dec 13 from 1-2:30pm: Plantsmen’s Tour “What Is That Plant? Winter Plant ID”. FREE
- Sunday, Dec 18 from 2-3:30pm: Year-long Class “The Year in Trees and Shrubs, Etc.” Price: $12 for members, $15 for non-members
- Thursday, Jan 5, 2012 from 7:30-9pm: Friends of the Arboretum Lecture “Plant Hunting Expeditions of E.H. Wilson.” FREE for members, $5 for non-members
- Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 from 1-2:30pm: Plantsmen’s Tour “Hot Plants That Take Cold Temperatures.” FREE
- Winter Garden: showcases plants that thrive on winter days
- Rooftop Garden: reduces heat and helps control runoff while creating a beautiful setting
- Ruby C. McSwain Education Center: contains auditorium, classrooms, and the headquarters for the Garden Club of NC.
The Arboretum also has several great picnic spots and benches scattered throughout the gardens. On a sunny winter day, it’d be a great place to pack up the family for a picnic lunch followed by a “Late Autumn in the Arboretum” tour. The Arboretum also offers a variety of rental opportunities for special events and has membership opportunities with many benefits.
Thumbs up: diverse plants, informational boards, plant labeling, stroller-friendly, picturesque gardens, beautiful terraces, educational opportunities
Thumbs down: a few plants on the self-guided tour were difficult to find