JC Raulston Arboretum — Attraction in Raleigh

I went to help the Eastern NC Iris Society set up an Iris Show one Sunday 2 years ago. After putting the irises out on the tables for the judges to critique; I went out and explored the gardens. In April, a lot of irises and other flowers were in bloom. I took pictures of the different plants that caught my eye!! It was the first time that I had ever seen an Iris Tectorium, aka Japanese Roof Irises. I enjoyed my walk as I love beautiful plants. It was a relaxing day for me. When the judges had finished deciding on blue ribbons, etc, and awarded a Best in Show, they opened the room up for the public to check out the winners. I took pictures of the ones that I thought were beautiful. I made some new friends that day. This past July, I helped the Eastern NC Iris Society with their annual Iris Rhizome Sale. You can get some really good bargains at our sales!! A lot of the rhizomes are donated by the members of the ENCIS group and are very good quality. July is usually the best time of year to dig, divide, and transplant irises. These have been dug, cleaned, and processed by the members for healthy rhizomes to be sold. I, personally, donated a lot of dwarf varieties that multiplied very well for me in my garden. They seem to clump up quickly and have a lot of blooms. Plus, they bloom earlier than the bigger varieties. Just when you are tired of the winter blahs and the cold, these little surprises pop up and give you visual delight!! So this coming year, come on out and enjoy the Arboretum gardens and maybe you'll be l7cky enough to arrive on a Saturday in July when we have our annual...

JC Raulston Arboretum near Raleigh, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for plant lovers and anybody looking for a peaceful, beautifully kept green spot. This botanical park is well-known for its rich and distinctive plant collections, which include over 6,000 species from all over the world. The Arboretum is intelligently organized into themed areas, allowing visitors to discover anything from bright seasonal blossoms to ornate Japanese maples, native plant species, and unique succulents. One of the most notable qualities is how the garden evolves throughout the year, with each season providing something new to admire. Spring and summer bring vibrant blooms and lush vegetation, while autumn brings stunning foliage. The Arboretum is beautiful year-round, with winter-blooming flora and dramatic evergreens. Each visit can provide a unique experience, making it a destination worth repeating. The Arboretum is more than just a plant collection; it is also a place to learn and be inspired. It provides instructional information and regular activities for people of all ages, ranging from plant care recommendations to guided tours, providing for a soothing and intellectually stimulating visit. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the JC Raulston Arboretum is a relaxing hideaway that invites visitors to slow down, appreciate nature's diversity, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's ideal for garden enthusiasts, families, and anybody intrigued about the beauty and diversity...

Come here if you want to see dead butterflies and possibly a trapped Hummingbird.

I sent an email to the director of the Arboretum two years ago about this problem. This is regarding the Bobby G. Wilder Visitors Center. This structure has a covered shelter with open sides and sloped glass ceiling with glass panel windows partly down the sides.

Butterflies and other flying insects enter this structure from the open sides and become trapped in the upper structure. Most of them end up along the glass panels that face west. They hang out there until they die. Two years ago I found a hummingbird slowly flying back and forth near the ceiling that was obviously unable to figure out how to escape. I got it to land on a long branch I found somewhere in the garden. It was almost in a comatose state so I took it home and gave it sugar water. It recovered and then flew away.

At that time, the director told me in an email response that there was a plan to remove some panels to allow for egress of trapped insects and birds. Well, fast forward two years later and STILL nothing has been done. Meanwhile much more extensive projects have ensued including a new copper roof on the public restroom at the east end of the garden, new fence along Beryl Rd, new installed pavers along previous dirt paths and an overhaul of the garden parallel to Beryl Rd.

The follow up response this time was, "The JCRA is not allowed to modify buildings without...