Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days

“Spring is a spectacular time in the garden – a time when visitors can expect most of our plants to be out of the ground and in bloom,” says Tony Avent, founder and proprietor of JLBG. “Our gardens will have more than 3,000 varieties of peonies, cactuses, irises, hostas, aroids – and so much more. Many of these will also be available for guests to purchase in the nursery and take home to plant in their own gardens.”

In addition to self-guided garden tours, 15-minute “Gardening Unplugged” talks, and access to the open greenhouses for plant purchases, one of the highlights of the annual Spring Garden Party is the DIY floral hat decorating contest – open to all visitors during both weekends of the Open Nursery Days. Entries will be photographed at the welcome tent upon arrival and voted on the Plant Delights Nursery Facebook page following the second weekend. Winners will be announced on Facebook and receive Plant Delights Nursery gift certificates.

“The hat contest was a big hit last spring and we’re really looking forward to bringing the experience back for this year’s event,” says Avent. “It’s also fun that the second open garden weekend falls on Mother’s Day weekend, so if families are looking for something special to do with their mother or grandmother in Raleigh, there’s really no better place than here in the garden.”

While exploring JLBG, attendees will also have the opportunity to check out and purchase local pottery and stone sculptures from Jim and Kathy Phillips (May 3-5), and an assortment of woody plants and unusual trees and shrubs from Garden Treasures (May 10-12). Visitors can also enjoy local food trucks and coffee from U.F.Jo each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During our Open Nursery and Garden weekends horticultural staff is available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden. No appointments are necessary and no tickets are needed during the Open Nursery & Garden Days.