JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh

It's lovely to check out the flowers at JC Raulston Arboretum, a ten acre garden in Raleigh! There are many large multi-colored flowers which makes this garden unusual. Bright splashes of color, such as wide plantings of Phlox, make the garden a delight. There are plenty of empty patches too, so it is a work in progress, but the wonderful flowers make up for this. Down the center of the garden is a hard-packed, sunny dirt path. On either side, you must venture into some unpaved grassy areas, or walk on stepping stones through the garden areas. There is a rose garden (come in mid-May) which is oddly bare in the middle but gorgeous around the edges with roses in big bunches and climbing up arches. A desert garden has cactus and bright flowers. The white garden is lovely with its white flowers. There are large grassy areas where events can take place. Most of the gardens in the Research Triangle are under forest trees, but this garden is on cleared land. 

After, stroll around the NC State University campus (five minutes drive away) or check out the North Carolina Museum of Art (eight minutes drive away). 
For another wonderful garden nine minutes drive away, visit WRAL Azalea Garden. And of course visit the world-class Sarah P. Duke Gardens with its lovely flower terraces and lakeside allees. In early July, check out the sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park.
The garden organizes spring day trips to different locations nearby. Check their website for more information.
Ten minutes drive to the east, walk around the central park of Raleigh, Pullen Park. You can ride a carousel, a mini train, kiddie boats, or paddle boats! The playground is also awesome.

Directions

JC Raulston Arboretum is located at 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606. There is free parking in the lot and along the road. Entrance to the garden is free. Open 8-8 in summer (Apr-Oct) and 8-5 in winter (Nov-Mar).

Click on map for interactive view