Garden Conservancy's Open Days

Sponsored by the JC Raulston Arboretum

• Saturday, September 21, 2013 – 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Sunday, September 22, 2013 – 12:00 pm–5:00 pm

The Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program comes to Raleigh, North Carolina, in April and September this year. This fall's tour features the gardens of Pat Grady, Bryce Lane, Peggy Titus, and Helen Yoest (Saturday only).

A portion of the proceeds from the weekend will benefit the JC Raulston Arboretum, a working research and teaching garden of NC State University.

Visitors may start the tour on either day at the JC Raulston Arboretum at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh, where discount admission tickets will be sold (six tickets for $25.00). Open Days are rain or shine, and no reservations are required. Call (888) 842-2442 or visit www.opendaysprogram.org for more information. For local ticket information, please contact Faye Koonce at the JC Raulston Arboretum at faye_koonce@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7457.

Featured Gardens

Helen's Haven

3412 Yelverton Circle
Raleigh, NC 27612

Low Boxwood hedges are used to create a formal atmosphere to complement the architecture of this Georgian Colonial-style home. Within these hedges are informal plantings of unusual trees, shrubs, and perennials to attract birds, bees, and butterflies. This half acre wildlife habitat of garden writer Helen Yoest includes many natives, unusual weeping trees, and intriguing garden art from flea market finds to rare works by artists such as Thomas Sayre. Much of the garden's collection is from the JC Raulston Arboretum and Plant Delights Nursery, as well as plants collected from her travels around the country as a field editor for Better Homes and Gardens and other magazines.

Directions: From I-440 at Crabtree Valley Mall, turn right onto Glenwood Avenue/Highway 70 east towards downtown. Turn right onto Glen Eden Drive. Then right onto Yelverton Circle. Go to 4th house on right.

Grady Gardens

5206 Huntingwood Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606

This is a two-acre, filtered-shade garden that has been in development for the last ten years. A few areas with more sunlight allow for a few sun plantings. Meandering paths throughout the garden offer a view of shade-tolerant shrubs and perennials, whimsical statuary, and playful characters. Containers of all sizes, shapes, and colors draw the eye with plantings of evergreens and annual color. Along the paths, chairs, and benches are placed to give a relaxing point of view to take in the sights of sounds of the garden. Even in winter, bursts of color and delightful smells are achieved with camellia, mahonia, edgeworthia, and Lenten rose. A wonderful garden that offers interest to heighten senses any season of the year.

Directions: From Tryon Road, Take Holly Springs Road toward Holly Springs, turn left on Penny Road, go 0.5 mile, turn left on Huntingwood Drive, house is on left after 0.5 mile.

Lane Family Garden

2365 Ravenhill Drive
Raleigh, NC 27615

I have gardened in this quarter acre plot for thirty years. The garden represents a journey of growth and change. I'd call it a "plant collectors garden" with groups of many different ornamental plants organized for interaction and enjoyment. You can't miss all the Japanese maples, anise, heuchera, and a home-made dry stack wall that surrounds the sunroom. The garden blends strategically with Millbrook Exchange Park, so all can enjoy. The Lane Family Garden also serves as a virtual horticultural classroom for "In the Garden with Bryce Lane."

Directions: Atlantic Avenue North becomes Litchford. Turn left onto Johnsdale, and then the first left onto Ravenhill. Number 2365 is on first cul-de-sac on right.

Titus Garden

10101 Roadstead Way East
Raleigh, NC 27613

This garden is primarily a shady specimen garden featuring numerous mature trees, shrubs as well as plants from around the globe. The hardscape includes an eighteen-foot octagon-shaped gazebo on stilts reached by a bridge over a pond containing koi and other pond fish, a two drop water fall, water lilies and other water plants. There are two other smaller ponds, and an arbor with chandelier featuring dining for twelve. The garden consists of several "garden rooms" connected by stone and gravel paths that make a circular path around the garden.

Directions: Take the Leesville Road Exit off of I-540. Go north. Turn right onto Norwood Road then right onto Ray Road. Take next right onto Boxelder Road and go to second right onto Roadstead Way East. Additional parking is available at swim club on right past Roadstead Way East off of Boxelder.

Cost

Admission is $5.00 per garden, or get six tickets for $25.00 in advance at the JC Raulston Arboretum or at the gardens during the Open Days.

Registration

No reservations required, but tickets will be available prior to the event.

Location

Six gardens in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina.

Directions

A map to each garden is available (link removed).

Parking

Free parking is available at each of the gardens.

Questions

Contact Faye Koonce at (919) 513-7457 or faye_koonce@ncsu.edu for more details or ticket information.