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.
Kick off the spring season at Raulston Blooms! This event features our largest plant sale of the year. The garden will also be packed with nature inspired activities, a makers market, food trucks and outdoor fun for everyone to enjoy.
Raulston Blooms Event & Plant Sale Details
The Birdhouse Competition returns to the JC Raulston Arboretum for the 24th year. If you love nature, birds and unique garden art, this is the competition for you! Register now to enter a birdhouse in this year's competition. Participants will receive a family ticket to join us at Raulston Blooms!
Learn More about the Birdhouse Competition & Register to Compete
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!
Apr.
13
Mon.
The Art and Science of Plant Care
Bryce Lane
6:30
pm
Apr.
14
Tue.
Evening Garden Stroll
Free Public Tour at 6:00 PM
4:30
pm
–7:30
pm
Apr.
15
Wed.
The Midweek Program
"PLT Premiere: Outrageous Flowering Plants"
Evan Villani
3:00
pm
Apr.
16
Thu.
Forest Bathing
A Guided Journey into Nature's Wisdom
Shawn Ramsey
1:00
pm
Apr.
17
Fri.
Gardening with Bulbs
Full—Waitlist Started
Brent Heath
1:30
pm
Experience the beauty of Switzerland’s Alps in full bloom alongside Mark Weathington and the JC Raulston Arboretum. Limited spaces remain for this once-in-a-lifetime journey of breathtaking landscapes, culture and cuisine. Secure your place today and make June unforgettable!
Learn more about the Swiss Alps trip
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
When you become a JCRA Member, you sustain world-class plant collections and education programs open to all. As thanks, members get first access to plant sales, priority sign-ups for special programs, free monthly Plant-lover’s Tours with our horticulturists and reciprocal admission to gardens across the country.