You don’t have to be a plant lover to appreciate the serene beauty of the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, N.C.
Spread across 10 acres, Raulston is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of life, see new and different plant life, and meet up with friends and family for a nice afternoon.
The arboretum began in the 1970s as a living laboratory for horticultural students at N.C. State University and is named for the renowned professor who spearheaded the project and served as its director.
Today, the arboretum is a nationally acclaimed teaching and research garden featuring over 8,000 different kinds of plants in its living collection. Raulston is beautifully designed and landscaped with paths, open green spaces, shady spots and public art.
On a typical day at Raulston expect to see families meeting for a picnic on the Great Lawn, a bride having her picture taken in the Rose Garden or a couple walking hand in hand.
Raulston is that kind of place – where people gather surrounded by the color and beauty of nature. And, as an added bonus, it's all free to the public.
What I love about Raulston is how the pathways wind through various gardens to delightful surprises, like a gazebo or a bench under a shady tree. Even with people meandering throughout the arboretum, the spaces feel quiet and peaceful.
The Lath House for shade plants is one of my favorite spots. The building’s wood-slat design creates an interesting striping effect across the planting beds.
Another design highlight is “Cascade,” a memorial wall made of stacked stone complete with plants and a water feature. Overhead is a large circular opening, which is in the floor of the Rooftop Terrace garden.
Art is incorporated into the gardens, including sculptures and garden posts. Tucked throughout are tall posts painted by artists and students in a style inspired by alebrije, Mexican, folk art sculptures of brightly-colored, whimsical creatures.
Throughout the arboretum are opportunities for learning and engagement. For instance, with a QR code you can access a map of the gardens and the alebrije post locations.
The arboretum's garden story walk is a fun family activity. During these self-guided adventures, “pages” of a story are displayed in the gardens. Children experience the full story one page at a time, unfolding as they go.
There is also a "frog" hunt where children search for figurines placed among the various gardens.
Raulston maintains a thorough online calendar of upcoming events, including story walks, educational talks, plant sales and evening garden strolls. 'Moonlight in the Garden' is fall evening event featuring magical lighting displays, live music and food trucks.
If you decide to spend an afternoon enjoying all the natural beauty at Raulston Arboretum, here are some tips:
• Arboretum admission is free, but donations are accepted.
• Bring a refillable bottle for water stations (no concessions on site).
• No pets or emotional support animals allowed, only service animals.
• No games (football, soccer, etc.) or the use of anything (kites, discs, etc.) that might damage plant life.
• Strollers are allowed in the arboretum, but no scooters or bikes. A bike rack is in the parking lot if that's your mode of travelling there.
• Walkways are a combination of soft and hard surfaces (pavers, compact dirt, small gravel and stepping stones).
• Free parking.
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