The Power of Plants

How Gardening Enriches Our Lives
Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University

Mondays, October 20 through November 3, 2025 – 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

Monday Nights | In-Person + Zoom | Recordings Provided

Plants do more than beautify our surroundings—they nurture our bodies, calm our minds, and connect us more deeply to the world around us. Gardeners have always known that tending to plants brings joy and balance, but today’s research confirms just how profound those benefits can be.

In this 3-week course, Bryce Lane will explore the many ways gardening enriches our lives—physically, emotionally, and socially. You’ll gain a fresh appreciation for how plants influence not only personal well-being, but also our communities, our culture, and even the health of the planet.

Each session combines inspiring stories, current research, and practical takeaways that will change how you see your garden—and yourself.

Course Topics Include:

• The Joy of Gardening: How Plants Change Your Perspective
  
Discover how gardening can reshape the way you see time, history, art, patience, and more—helping you find meaning and inspiration in everyday life.
• Mind, Body & Soul: The Healing Power of Gardens
  
Explore the proven physical and emotional benefits of spending time with plants, from reducing stress and boosting mood to improving overall health.
• Adding Value in a Mixed-Up World
  
Learn how plants strengthen our environment, economy, and communities—through energy savings, relationship building, and countless other unseen contributions.

Why Attend?

• Gain insight into the latest research on gardening and well-being.
• Explore both the personal and societal benefits of cultivating plants.
• Be inspired to see gardening as more than a hobby—it’s a way of life.
• Connect with fellow plant lovers in an engaging, approachable learning environment.

This hybrid course is offered both in person at the JC Raulston Arboretum and online via Zoom, giving you the flexibility to attend from anywhere. Can’t make it to every session? All lectures will be recorded and shared with participants each week, so you won’t miss a thing.

Sign Up Today!

About Bryce Lane

Bryce has been teaching students, home gardeners and garden professionals for over 40 years. Many may know Bryce from his UNC TV public television show called "In the Garden With Bryce Lane" which was on the air for 11 seasons and won three Emmys. Others may know him as a student from his time in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University.

Growing up in Western Massachusetts, Bryce discovered his passion for plants and telling others about them while working at a local garden center through high school and college. After earning his B.S. in plant science from the University of Massachusetts in 1979 and an M.S. in horticulture from The Ohio State University in 1981, he came to the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University where he taught in the two-year and four-year programs, majors and non-majors, served as the undergraduate coordinator and even the interim director of the JC Raulston Arboretum.

He has received numerous local, regional, and national teaching awards and is frequently invited to speak at many workshops and symposia, about teaching as well as horticulture and gardening. Most importantly, he has been married for over 45 years to his high school sweetheart, has two happily married daughters, and six incredible grandchildren. He is an avid gardener who has gardened in the same spot for more than 40 years with many stories, advice and passion to share with other gardeners regardless of their experience!

Cost

$100.00 for members, $150.00 for nonmembers. Note to nonmembers: instead of paying $50.00 more for the program, become a member for $50.00 instead.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Registration is available for in-person, on-site attendance or online attendance.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

Location

Online and in person at the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.