While I still work on secret sewing, I thought I would finally show you the gardens I visited in Raleigh. The JC Raulston Arboretum is maintained by NC State University as a study area for plants and trees that would do well in our area of the country. They describe themselves as a ‘living laboratory’ providing education to its students and the general public.
There are lovely paved pathways through flowering beds of color and texture. We visited in August so there were many things in bloom.
This is one of the weeping trees, a study of the growth habits of this type of tree.
This lovely deciduous shrub is a coralberry.
Another flowering deciduous shrub, a lovely hydrangea, had the greenish flowers. It was huge, over six feet tall.
These beautiful purple beauties are called Baptisia.
More pathways lead to covered alcoves with benches to sit and enjoy the quiet.
The variety of pollinators hard at work was amazing, starting with this black beauty.
Huge bees worked on a bed of pink day lilies.
Monarchs were having a feast on milkweed.
These pretty pale yellow flowers are in the hibiscus family.
At the end of a path was a sweet little building with a painted lady feel. This was actually the restroom.
Turning toward field area, there were large beds planted with study plants.
This marvelous beauty was among the rose garden. This campus is a research facility for roses.
The rose study area encompassed not only the bush style, but also climbing roses.
I could have taken a hundred photos of roses alone. They are more difficult to grow in the mountain region due to pests and diseases, but the Piedmont area can grow a wide variety of them.
Beautiful colors, and every variety from floribunda, grandiflora and hybrid tea roses, to miniature varieties were being grown.
Along another path, I tried to get a photo of this bright cerulean blue butterfly, but he didn’t want to sit still. That flash of bright blue in the middle is it. Behind the flowering shrub is a black elephant ear. I didn’t know they came in such a dark variety, such a wonderful contrast with the lighter greens in the beds.
That same contrast of dark purple leaves with brighter green was repeated in several areas of the garden.
One last butterfly for today. There were pollinator plants scattered around all the grounds, making a smorgasbord for the butterflies and bees.
There is more to show, and I’ll get to it next time. It is nice to see blooming gardens in the sunshine in this winter time when it has been raining for days. Today will be sunny, and I am looking forward to hiking at the NC Arboretum here as soon as there is a warm and dry day! PS – I forgot to mention that this trip was made in August, not February, LOL!!!
Do you have an arboretum near you?
Sharing – Take Me Away!
From My Carolina Home 
That is beautiful. I kept thinking of all the work it takes to keep a place like that so beautiful.
Beautiful…..hadn’t heard of this arboretum….tx’s for posting about it.
Yes we have an area called Morton Arboretum in suburban Chicago. It currently has an exhibit of sculptures made of twigs and other pieces of trees. The children love it.
Love the color on that coralberry..just luscious–what a nice day outing…hugs, Julierose
Beautiful photos. It was almost as good as being there. We don’t have an Arboretum around here but a couple years ago I visited a butterfly house in MN and really enjoyed it. Right now here in WI we have snow, snow and more snow. There have been 3 pileups in WI during the last week. Latest one was 131 cars in Neenah. Good to stay home and quilt, especially when the temps are in the minus area.
I’m going to keep this post handy. All the beautiful, colorful flowers are just what I need to look at these days with all of our cold, winter weather outdoors! Looks like a fun outing!
Green, such a welcome sight today! We are back in the deep freeze (-4) here, with no spring in sight. Thanks for sharing some sunshine!
Such beautiful photos. Just now we are enjoying a few days of balmy weather before the forecasters assure us we will be returning to Winter. I am very lucky to live within an hours drive of Kew Gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley, not to mention some beautiful National Trust gardens. we have trouble growing roses in our garden – black spot gets them every year but I persevere with one bush as I just love the scent of the blooms 🙂
thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure, Carole. I love all of the photos you shared, lovely
It is a beautiful garden. I always feel inspired after visiting lovely gardens like this.
Carole, beautiful arboretum! I enjoyed my visit through your camera lens!
Beautiful…….but I wonder if what you called milkweed is actually garlic chives???
We do have a mountain top arboretum, you have reminded me to visit it in spring! Gorgeous pics, what is that purple groundcover?
What a beautiful spot! Love the restroom building!
Jenna
Good morning Carole,
Goodness what a beautiful morning you made for all of us. The trip to the Raulston Arboretum is so delightful, Love the beautiful butterflies and it has encouraged me to make the trip to the dollar store
For some of the seeds they like if they have any. Also want to get a few for my kitty cat as they like the greens as well, I have a pretty long list if I can find them all. It will sure keep me busy with all the
Planting I’ll be dong.
I love the weeping willow trees, they are so graceful when a little breeze is going and they just dance like a ballerina, don’t they?
Have a great day,
Phyllis
Such a beautiful post. We are so far from having any blooms, here in MN, it made me feel good to see so many green plants and flowers. Thank you, Carole.