Raleigh is a city full of lush gardens and flowers that thrive in this warm and humid climate. From public parks to private residences, the city has a wide variety of gardens that are perfect for nature lovers. Let’s take a look at just a few of Raleigh’s scenic floral displays.

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One popular garden in Raleigh is the JC Raulston Arboretum, which is situated on the campus of NC State University. This 10- acre garden is home to over 6,000 plants from all over the world, including a diverse collection of flowers that bloom throughout the year. Visitors can stroll through the garden to see azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and many other flowers. Cypress Members enjoy an outing here yearly!

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Another popular spot for flower lovers is the Raleigh RoseGarden, which is in the heart of the city behind Raleigh Little Theatre at 301 Pogue St. This garden is home to over 60 varieties of roses and boasts a colorful display of blooms throughout the spring and summer months. Visitors can also enjoy the garden’s many water features, including a peaceful fountain and a small pond. This garden is one of three accredited rose gardens in NC. It is believed that a rose garden was in the works from the start of the theatre by Cantey Vanable Sutton (the mastermind behind what we now know as the RaleighLittle Theatre complex). Mrs. Sutton asked Raleigh housewives and other groups across the state to donate shrubbery for what “will someday be a showplace of the city” after the opening show in 1939. In 1947, Sutton sent a formal request to the Raleigh City Council to establish the rose garden and provide maintenance. Since then, it has continued to grow into the beautiful grounds as we know it today.

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For those who prefer a more natural setting, the William B. Umstead State Park offers over 5,500 acres of wilderness to explore. In the spring, visitors can see the park’s many wildflowers in bloom, including trilliums, violets, and bloodroots. The park also has several trails that wind through the woods, offering visitors a chance to see the flowers up close. A detailed plant checklist with resources and bloom times can be found on the park’s website by visiting nc parks. gov.

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The North Carolina Botanical Garden is another must-visit for flower enthusiasts, and is located in Chapel Hill. It features over 7,000 plants native to North Carolina. Visitors can explore the garden’s many trails and exhibits to see a wide variety of wildflowers, including coneflowers, asters, and black-eyed Susans.

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The WRAL Azalea Gardens, which is located on the grounds of the WRAL television station, is open to the public and is open from dawn until dusk. The gardens opened to the public in 1959, and has grown in size and different plant varieties over the years. There are over 60 varieties of azaleas across 1.5 acres, and it is recommended to visit in spring or fall to witness them in bloom. There are other varieties of plants as well to enjoy in the summer months.

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In addition to these public gardens, many Raleigh residents have their own private gardens that are bursting with colorful flowers. The Oakwood Garden Club, one of Raleigh’s oldest garden clubs, was formed in 1950 and is extended to any resident of Raleigh’s Oakwood neighborhood. Though these resident gardens are private, the club does host a public garden tour each spring. Tickets are required and visitors can expect to walk about 1.5 miles.

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Don’t forget, we at The Cypress have a group of talented gardeners and Members can visit our Cypress garden area to enjoy flowers, herbs, bushes and more! Take advantage of this beautiful addition to The Cypress with a walk to our garden!

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Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply love to admire beautiful blooms, Raleigh and the surrounding areas has something to offer.