There’s no better way to enjoy the splendor of spring than among the buds and blossoms. Grab your hats and sunscreen (and maybe even your gardening gloves) for these 2018 Charlotte garden tours and events, along with a few of our favorites that are just a quick drive away.
Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour
April 13 – 15 | Wilmington
Head to the coast for the Cape Fear Garden Club’s 65th Azalea Garden Tour. Held during Wilmington’s annual Azalea Festival, one of the South’s longest-running and popular tours featuring 11 stunning gardens over three days. The tour also features dozens of local artists at work throughout the gardens as part of the 3rd Annual Plein Air Paint Out. Gardens are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are $25 each and are good for all three days. Profits are reinvested in community projects.
In the Company of Trees- Garden Tour
April 17 and April 22 | UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Environmental educator Carla Vitez leads a tour blending botany, history and the human connection through the campus’ Van Landingham Glen. Tours are April 17 at 1 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m. Free admission, but registration is required. Email choove10@uncc.edu to reserve your spot.
Art In The Garden Tour
April 21 – 22 | Various garden locations
As part of Charlotte Garden Club’s Art in the Garden Tour, experience six special gardens and enjoy the work of 12 plein air painters over two days. Admission includes entry to Sunday’s gala following the tour. Online tickets must be purchased before April 21. $15 for garden club and Mint Museum members, $25 general admission when purchased in advance.
2018 Iredell Garden Fair
April 28 | 444 Bristol Dr, Statesville
In Statesville, attendees of the 2018 Iredell Garden Fair will celebrate the arrival of spring with a day of plant sales, tips from master gardeners and a lecture on tending your Southern garden from Mark Weathington, author of “Gardening in the South: The Complete Homeowners Guide”. The festival is free and open to the public.
Chapel Hill Garden Tour
April 28 – 29 | Chapel Hill
Travel to Chapel Hill for a weekend of blooms featuring nine gardens. In addition to taking in the sights of Chapel Hill’s most beautiful gardens, attendees will enjoy watching plain air artists and educators and enjoying live music. Presented by the Chapel Hill Garden Club. $25 in advance, $35 on tour dates.
Midwood Maynia and Plaza Midwood Home & Garden Tour
May 4 – 5 | Plaza Midwood Neighborhood
As part of the neighborhood’s annual Midwood Maynia event, the Home and Garden Tour features ten stunning Plaza Midwood homes and gardens. In addition to Saturday’s touring hours, which are from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., attendees can opt to view the featured spots by candlelight on Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. Prefer to bike? Attendees can ride their way from stop to stop on free B-Cycle bikes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 during event days.
24th Annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour
May 5 – 6 | Wing Haven
At Wing Haven, the 24th Gardeners’ Garden Tour features two days of private garden viewing and live music on Saturday night. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 the days of the event, and includes admission for Saturday and Sunday.
Gardening In Charlotte
May 5 | Historic Rosedale Plantation
This intimate lecture and hands-on workshop led by botanist Larry Mellichamp will teach attendees all about cultivating a thriving garden in the Southeast. Learn about pruning, bulbs, soil types, impact of local weather and more. Limited to 15 participants. $20 per person. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wine Walk
May 12 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Raise a toast to mom with a wine walk through the blooms at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Guests will sample five wines at stations throughout the garden, and receive a wine glass. $25 per person. General admission to the gardens is required in addition to purchase, and is free for mothers and members all weekend. Noon – 3 p.m.
2018 Glencairn BloomFest
May 19 | Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill
Tour Rock Hill’s Glencairn Garden and get tips and plants, art and pottery for your own at the Glencairn BloomFest. The day is complete with strolling musicians, food vendors, kids activities and more. Free and family-friendly. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Ivy Place Ag + Art Tour of Lancaster County
June 10 | The Ivy Place, Lancaster
As part of June’s Ag + Art Tour of Lancaster County, guests can visit The Ivy Place in Lancaster. In addition to touring the gardens, guests will also be able to shop with local artisans and pick their own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. 1 – 5 p.m.
Father’s Day at the Garden
June 17 – 18 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Celebrate Father’s Day with dad doing no garden chores and enjoying all of his favorite things at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: craft beer, a round of Pollinator Putting, live music and the outdoors. Free for members or with general admission.
