At its heart, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a conservation garden committed to creating a harmonious and lasting relationship between humans and plants. The fact that it’s also one of the most beautiful in the state – and completely free, though donations are popular – day trip destinations are simply a wonderful perk. Come with us to explore this beautiful space filled with wildflowers, native species and many educational opportunities.

Operated by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a love letter to the native flora of the Piedmont region of the state. Researching, cataloging and promoting these plants is the main mission, and it is almost impossible to visit them without learning something. During your visit, you’ll look forward to learning about plants found nowhere else in the world. world.

The inspiration for the conservation garden you see today dates back to 1903, when UNC botany professor William Chambers Coker planted trees on campus for educational purposes. As the trees grew, the area became known as the Coker Arboretum. It was clear that a larger botanical facility was needed, so one was built a little south of campus. Thanks to horticulturist William Hunt, one hundred acres were added to the property and the project flourished. The botanical garden fittingly opened its doors to the public on Arbor Day in 1966.

It’s easy to spend hours scrolling through the screens, which are meticulously labeled. Areas to explore include the Entrance Garden, Children’s Wonder Garden, Piedmont Habitat, Sandhills Habitat, Coastal Plain Habitat, Water Gardens, Carnivorous Plant Collection, Garden aromatic herbs, the Native American garden, the poisonous plant garden, and more.

Plus, there are a handful of attractions scattered throughout the property that you’ll want to visit, like the Salamander Pool or Paul Green’s Cabin. Green was one of the most famous writers of the American South, famous for The lost colony.

The cabin was a quiet writing retreat for Green and after his death in 1984, there was a movement to save his cabin. The North Carolina Botanical Garden seemed like the ideal site for its preservation. The gate will likely be closed when you get there, but the garden welcomes visitors inside. Indeed, you will see fascinating exhibitions and a few benches to rest.

The gardens are just the beginning of everything this destination has to offer. Year-round events, activities, educational programs and walking trails add to the long list of reasons to visit. Who knows…you might just be inspired to create your own native garden!

If you haven’t yet visited the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, we highly recommend it! Be sure to visit the official North Carolina Botanical Gardens website to learn more about planning your visit. If you need a place to stay while you explore the area, be sure to check out these vacation rentals in Chapel Hill.