Ah, spring in North Carolina – when the rain taps on your windows, the air smells fresh and the flowers bloom in a riot of colors. “April showers bring May flowers,” they say, so this May is the perfect time to visit our state’s botanical gardens. The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most stunning and diverse botanical gardens, which are like nature’s own symphonies – full of color, texture and life. And, guess what? You’re invited to the concert.
North Carolina Botanical Garden (Chapel Hill)
The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG), part of the University of North Carolina, is a more than 1,000-acre assemblage of display gardens and natural areas in and around Chapel Hill. It is more than just a pretty place – it’s a living museum of native plants. The garden’s mission is to educate the public about the importance of preserving native species, and it does so with elegance and grace. Picture yourself strolling through the flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, and magnolia trees, all in their springtime glory. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the short-lived but utterly stunning bloom of the Carolina Lily – North Carolina’s state wildflower. The garden also has a “Wildflower of the Year,” with 2025 being the Common Blue Curls.
Fun fact: The garden is known for its “Plant Conservation Program” which helps restore and protect endangered species. So, while you’re snapping photos of those colorful blooms, you can also feel good knowing you’re supporting sustainability.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens (Durham)
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Is this heaven?” while admiring meticulously manicured landscapes, chances are you’ve been to Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Located on the campus of Duke University, this 55-acre paradise is a testament to the artistry of nature. You’ll find an elegant blend of formal gardens, woodland areas and aquatic landscapes – like a hydrangea-soaked dream or a serene pond that’ll have you questioning if you’ve stepped into a Monet painting. Every year unfolds differently, depending on seasonal weather conditions. For an idea of plants you may wish to seek out each week, please download our “What’s Beautiful Now” map on the website.
JC Raulston Arboretum (Raleigh)
The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed botanic garden located in Raleigh, North Carolina with one of the largest and most expansive collections of landscape plants adapted for landscape use in the southeast United States. Plants especially adapted to Piedmont North Carolina conditions are collected and evaluated in an effort to find superior plants for use in southern landscapes. Open to the public every day of the year with free admittance. It’s a mecca for plant lovers and amateur horticulturists. The arboretum’s collections include everything from rare plants to beloved favorites. If you’re an azalea aficionado, you’re in for a treat – the arboretum’s azalea collection is world renowned.
During spring, the arboretum practically bursts into color, with its cherry trees, magnolias and tulips lighting up the landscape. And, don’t be surprised if you spot a few expert gardeners in action – they’re always on hand to offer tips, answer questions or simply explain why your bonsai tree looks less “artistic” and more “distressed.”
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont)
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden outside of Charlotte is the perfect place to find your path to nature. The stunning Visitor Pavilion greets you before you explore 30 acres of beautiful gardens, including the Lost Hollow Children’s Garden, a conservatory full of tropical plants and orchids, a dry Piedmont Prairie, vibrant flower displays, sparkling fountains, walking trails and so much more!
In North Carolina, springtime isn’t just a season – it’s a celebration. The botanical gardens here offer more than just a chance to enjoy flowers; they provide an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about conservation and experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state. So, this May, head to one of these gardens or the many more that the Tar Heel State has to offer. After all, the flowers are waiting, and they won’t be shy about showing off their colors!
