Among Azaleas and Oaks
Story and photos by Beverly Hurley
From Murphy to Manteo, North Carolina is home to a variety of vibrant cities, each with its own unique charm. Whenever I travel across the state, I seek out places with gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few favorites.
Charlotte: A Garden Escape Amid the Urban Buzz
Known for its iconic skyline, culinary scene, and major league sports, Charlotte is also a city rich in botanical beauty. A must-see on my list is the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden, the former home and botanical laboratory of this pioneering garden writer and landscape architect. Lawrence, the first woman to graduate with a landscape architecture degree from NC State, filled her garden with 1,500 plant varieties. I love the way the pathways intersect, guiding me through the garden where plants spill over the beds in a seemingly natural way.
Just down the street, Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary awaits. This charming garden was once the home of Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson, and it continues to thrive as a sanctuary for bird and plant lovers alike. Brick paths lead visitors through lush landscapes filled with azaleas, camellias, weeping cherries, and chaste trees. The springtime burst of color is breathtaking. Wing Haven will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
For a more diverse experience, I recommend the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. The indoor greenhouses feature tropical, desert, and carnivorous plants. Outdoors, the trails along the hillsides are lined with rhododendrons, hydrangeas, camellias, and dozens of other varieties, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk. If you’re looking for something a bit grander, the Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont is a must-see. I enjoy wandering through the many themed gardens, each offering something different. Miles of trails make a walk in the woods easy on this sprawling 380-acre estate.
A hidden gem I discovered near the city center is the McGill Rose Garden. It began as a small collection of roses planted by Helen McGill along the edge of her family’s coal yard business. Today, the garden has expanded to feature native and pollinator-friendly plants, though 60 of McGill’s original roses still bloom. Enjoy a drink at Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden, nestled within the garden’s tranquil setting.
Another historical gem is Historic Rosedale, where you can stroll through gardens dating back to the early 19th century. Original boxwoods from 1815, a French-style potager garden, and a pergola draped with Lady Banks roses are just a few of the gardens to enjoy. Five of Charlotte’s “treasure trees”—significant specimens for the area—are also located here.
Wilmington: A Garden Lover’s Coastal Retreat
While Wilmington is known for its stunning beaches, I always make time to explore the area’s many gardens. Airlie Gardens is a highlight, with its winding pathways shaded by towering trees draped in Spanish moss. I particularly enjoy the Camellia Garden, the Spring and Tranquility Gardens, and the incredible array of azaleas that bloom each spring. The stately 500-year-old Airlie live oak stands sentinel over it all.
Another must-see in Wilmington is the New Hanover County Arboretum. This demonstration garden is not only educational, but also a delightful place to wander. The Japanese Garden, with a replica tea house, is my personal favorite, along with the Camellia Walk, which features over 130 varieties of these Southern beauties.
The Wilmington area is the only place in the world where Venus flytraps grow in the wild. The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden showcases thousands of flytraps and pitcher plants unique to this area. I also love visiting Carolina Beach State Park, where the Flytrap Trail offers a chance to see these fascinating plants in the wild. A pro tip: In May, look for tall white flowers emerging from the tiny Venus flytraps, making these easy to spot along the forest floor. Remember, removing Venus flytraps is illegal in North Carolina.
For even more garden exploration, I suggest visiting Harbor Way Gardens in Wrightsville Beach, the Fragrance Garden at Greenfield Park, and the various gardens on the UNC Wilmington campus, including the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve. And if you’re in town in early April, don’t miss the North Carolina Azalea Festival (April 8–12), when the city’s thousands of blooming azaleas put on a spectacular show.
From Beaches to Blooms: The Outer Banks’ Garden Gems
While the Outer Banks are famous for their pristine beaches, I have discovered the region’s flora is equally enchanting. In Manteo, The Elizabethan Gardens are a treasure, with carefully manicured landscapes, stately statues, and fountains, all set against stunning views of the sound. Nearby, the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden in Kill Devil Hills offers a shaded retreat filled with plants ranging from blueberries to azaleas and jasmine.
For those who love to explore wild terrain, Jockey’s Ridge is more than just a sand dune. The dunes support a surprising variety of vegetation, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and native grasses.
For a water view of the local flora, I love kayaking through the maritime forest at the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. The Milltail Creek Paddling Trail at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is another stunning spot where vibrant blue flag irises bloom along the creek’s edge come springtime. Back on land, Nags Head Woods Preserve in Kill Devil Hills is home to over 550 plant species, including delicate orchids.
Asheville: A Mountain Garden Wonderland
Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, with its magnificent grounds and gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed New York’s Central Park), is a must-visit. In the spring, the estate dazzles with tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and wisteria, creating a floral display that is nothing short of spectacular.
Nearby, The North Carolina Arboretum offers its own botanical wonders, including the National Native Azalea Collection, which is particularly stunning in spring. Just down the road in Hendersonville, I have discovered the Bullington Gardens with its eclectic mix of flowers, shrubs, and interesting trees.
Pinehurst and Southern Pines: Where Golf Meets Gardens
North Carolina’s home of golf is also home to gardens. The Village of Pinehurst, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, features winding streets and a central village green. The nearby Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are a tranquil spot for a stroll. A personal favorite here is the Atkins Hillside Garden, where a 300-foot-long winding stream flows past a butterfly garden. In nearby Southern Pines, visit the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, where the gardens include long beds filled with pollinator-friendly plants.
Beverly Hurley is editor of the metro’s gardening publication, Triangle Gardener, and the website gardendestinations.com. When she isn’t gardening, she loves to travel and visit gardens.
Visit a Rose Garden
Buying roses for your loved one may seem thoughtful, but it’s not the most sustainable choice. Many roses are grown in South America, then shipped thousands of miles before they land on your kitchen table, leaving a significant environmental footprint. Instead of giving roses, why not experience these in a more eco-friendly way by visiting a rose garden this spring?
Start by exploring the Raleigh Rose Garden, JC Raulston Arboretum, and Sarah P. Duke Gardens, all of which showcase a, variety of beautiful roses. For a wider selection, head to the Wilson Rose Garden, an accredited garden with over 1,200 plants and 180 different varieties. The Fayetteville Rose Garden is another option, with 1,000 bushes and dozens of rose varieties. In High Point, the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has an impressive collection of shrub and climbing roses.
