NCBG

NORTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Native wildflowers, shrubs and trees greet visitors as they enter the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s main site. More than 15 display gardens show the remarkable diversity of the state’s plant life, while an educational center, library, art gallery and meeting rooms underscore the garden’s mission to cultivate connections between plants, people, and place through science, engagement and conservation.

The Garden, part of the University of North Carolina, is a nationally recognized center for research, education and conservation that cares for over 1,200 acres of gardens and natural areas. Wandering through the site, one can enjoy the main display gardens that boast elaborate plantings featuring the flora of the region, including Eastern columbine, Carolina wild indigo, Southern sundrops and many other native plants. Visitors should make sure to see the Carnivorous Plant Collection, filled with pitcher plants, sundews, and the legendary Venus flytrap that grows naturally only within 90 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina.

In the Children’s Wonder Garden, youngsters can learn about the natural world through hands-on activities such as building with wooden blocks or jumping on tree slices.  

The new African Diaspora Garden was recently added to honor the history and many contributions to North Carolina agriculture by people of the African diaspora. Situated within the Herb Garden, this special area features okra, collards, Liberian eggplant and many other traditional plants. Most have been grown from seeds contributed by the Black Seed Saving Collective and other community members of African descent.  

Open year round, the Garden offers ample parking, wheelchair accessibility and three miles of paths and hiking trails through flowers, woods, and meadows. Throughout the year, lectures, workshops and other educational sessions are offered for both the novice and experienced gardener. The garden is listed as one of the top ten things to do in Chapel Hill.

Look For:

• Children’s Wonder Garden

• African Diaspora Garden

• Carnivorous Plant Collection

SUMMARY

Native wildflowers, shrubs and trees greet visitors as they enter the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG). More than 15 display gardens show the remarkable diversity of the state’s plant life, while an educational center, library, art gallery and meeting rooms underscore the Garden’s mission to cultivate connections between plants, people, and place through science, engagement and conservation. A nationally recognized center for research, education and conservation, the Garden is part of the University of North Carolina and hosts a variety of programs for visitors and students alike. The main display gardens boast many elaborate plantings featuring the flora of the region and southeastern native carnivorous plants, including the legendary Venus flytrap that grows naturally only within 90 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina.