Welcome

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed botanic garden located in Raleigh, North Carolina with one of the largest collections of garden plants adapted for the southeast United States. Plants 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. Free admission. Ranked as one of the best things to do in Raleigh.

Golden Gala Tickets - Close-up view of the delicate, deeply lobed leaves of Acer palmatum Tsukasa Silhouette backlit by warm autumn sunlight, with orange-red foliage creating a glowing translucent effect.

Golden Gala

50 Years of Growing Together

Saturday, September 26 from 4 pm to 7 pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Golden Gala, celebrating 50 years of growth, beauty, and community at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Honoring our rich legacy of horticultural excellence, this milestone evening features exceptional cuisine, curated drinks, live entertainment, and auctions—all to support the JCRA's mission to inspire, educate, and connect people through plants.

Tickets are $250 per person, and space is limited.

Buy Golden Gala Tickets Now

Become a Golden Gala Sponsor

Learn with the JCRA

Ready to dig into the joys of gardening? Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your skills, our expert instructors have a variety of classes to connect you with nature and fellow gardening enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the chance to grow your green thumb—sign up today and cultivate your passion for gardening!

Upcoming Classes

photo of Magnolia Serendipty at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Events

Aug.

31

Mon.

Sep.

1

Tue.

Plant-Lover's Tour
"Top Ten Plants for the Next 50 Years"
Mark Weathington
9 am

Sep.

2

Wed.

The Midweek Program
"More Plants You'll Fall For"
Mark Weathington and Dennis Carey
3 pm

Sep.

3

Thu.

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
Full—Waitlist Started
"Olderwood"
6:30 pm

View JCRA Calendar

Butterfly on Cosmos Flower | JC Raulston Arboretum

The Plant Stand

Check out the JCRA's Plant Stand when you visit. Located outside the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center, it’s a great spot to find choice and unusual plants for your garden. New plants are added throughout the week, and payments can be made using cash (no change available), checks or credit cards.

See what's for sale on the Plant Stand

Intro to Gardening
in the South

Sponsored by Leaf & Limb
Saturday, August 29 – 9 am-12 pm

Join us for a free morning of tips, tricks and insights for new gardeners or those new to gardening in the South!

More Information about the Free Lecture Series