
JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, aims to introduce, display, and promote plants that diversify the American landscape, as well as educate visitors and provide a living laboratory for research.
The Arboretum is free to visit. Its hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Arboretum hosts many events and activities. Some are free and some have a cost associated with them. The cost for many events is low, $5, and free for Arboretum members. You can see all of the events on the calendar.

Upcoming Events

There’s a Yeti in the Garden — Winter Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, January 17th, through Monday February 6th, 2023
During open hours (self-guided)
Free
Come ready to search the Arboretum to find their hiding spots. Each Yeti will have its own hiding spot, so you have two Yetis to find in the gardens!
The Garden isn’t passing out any clues or directions to follow, so all you need is your sense of adventure and your eagle eyes. Once you discover the Yeti, scan the nearby QR code to reveal the information on how to open the Yeti’s treasure chest. Take an item or bring an item to trade.
The Yetis will be moving around the gardens. The Yetis will move from their first spot to a new location on Tuesday, January 24 and another new location on Tuesday, January 31. Make sure to come out and find all three of the hiding spots before the Yeti leaves on Monday, February 6!
Phenology Wheel
Monday, January 16th, 2023
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Register
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Register
$10 per child
Grades 6-8
Phenology is noticing the recurring, seasonal rhythms of nature’s calendar! Birds building nests, plants beginning to bud, leaf or bloom, frog, cricket or bird songs and even the first sightings of bees, caterpillars, ants, butterflies!
A phenology wheel is an easy tool to remind you to pay attention and a place to make note of your observations throughout the year.
Participants will learn how to become better observers, what to look for, and how to record their observations in a variety of formats. Each will make a phenology wheel to use at home during the coming year. What a fun way to start 2023!
I Spy Winter Walk
Friday, January 27th, 2023: Register
Friday, February 10th, 2023: Register
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$5 per child
Preschool and elementary age children
Think nothing is happening during the winter out in the gardens? Join others on a guided I Spy! tour where you’ll see all the winter fun happening in the gardens.
This hour long walking tour will start at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center where you will meet your tour guide for an introduction to the JC Raulston Arboretum. With the tour guide, you will explore our gardens in their winter splendor. At the end of the tour, pick up a “Take & Make” craft or science activity to complete at home.
Please plan for this to be an active walking tour that lasts about an hour and explores different areas of the gardens. Parents and/or caregivers stay with children during the activity. Reserve your spot today for the I Spy! Winter Walk since space is limited to ten participants.
North American Rock Garden Society (Piedmont Chapter) Lecture
Saturday, January 21st, 2023: Register
Saturday, February 11th, 2023: Register
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Available in person and online (Registration required if attending online)
Free for North American Rock Garden Society (Piedmont Chapter) members, Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum members, NC State University students, and online participants; otherwise $5
Intro to Gardening in the South
Saturday, February 4th, 2023
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Available both online and in person. Registration required for both.
Free
While gardening in the Southeastern US can have its challenges, particularly for new gardeners and gardeners new to the area, this region is absolutely brimming with potential for creating diverse and breathtaking garden spaces. Join us for a morning symposium full of tips, tricks, and insights into Gardening in the South so that your Southeastern garden can start strong and stay glorious!
Garden Story Walk
Monday, February 6th, through Sunday, February 12th, 2023
During open hours (self-guided)
Free
Come out to the gardens for a Garden Story Walk. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens and read a good story at the same time!
Not familiar with Story Walks? Story Walks are self-guided experiences where pages of a book are displayed along a route. At each stop, read the next part of the story. There is no set time to start this experience and can be done at your own pace.
Plant-Lover’s Tour — Winter Perennials
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023
1 to 2 p.m.
Free for members; $5 for non-members (check in at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center)
Resident horticulturists will show you around the garden and tell you everything you could ever want to know about all the plants! You’re sure to see some spectacular and unique plants and even gain some inspiration for your own garden.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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