Greensboro Arboretum | Greensboro

The Greensboro Arboretum is a 17-acre public garden and horticultural showcase located in the Lindley Park neighborhood of Greensboro, North Carolina. It is a collaborative effort between Greensboro Beautiful, a nonprofit organization, and the City of Greensboro's Parks & Recreation Department. The arboretum officially opened in 1991 and serves as an educational, environmental, and aesthetic resource for the community, offering a wide variety of curated plant collections, walking trails, event venues, and artistic installations.

Overview and Purpose

The primary mission of the Greensboro Arboretum is to:

Promote horticultural education through labeled plant collections and seasonal displays.

Serve as a botanical library for residents, landscape professionals, and students.

Offer a tranquil and beautiful recreational space for the public to enjoy free of charge.

Host cultural events, environmental programs, and private functions.

It is accessible year-round and is one of Greensboro’s most beloved green spaces for walking, photography, birdwatching, picnicking, and weddings.

Botanical Collections

The arboretum features 14 distinct plant collections and several themed gardens, each labeled with the scientific and common names of the plants. These include:

1. Dwarf Conifer Collection

Contains over 80 species of compact, slow-growing evergreens.

Displays a range of textures, colors, and growth habits, suitable for small gardens or urban spaces.

2. Kaplan Family Rose Garden

A formal rose garden with hybrid teas, floribundas, and climbing varieties.

Seasonal peak occurs in late spring and early fall, when blooms are most prolific.

3. Hosta Collection

Features over 200 varieties of hostas, prized for their shade tolerance and foliage diversity.

This section is particularly vibrant during spring and early summer.

4. Hydrophytic Collection

Dedicated to moisture-loving plants such as irises, cattails, and sedges.

Demonstrates plant adaptations to wet environments.

5. Butterfly Garden (R.R. Allen Family)

Designed in the shape of two butterfly wings, filled with nectar-rich perennials and native plants.

Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season.

6. Rhododendron Garden

Contains over 70 rhododendron varieties that bloom in spring.

Offers a serene shaded environment with large, leafy undergrowth.

7. Shade and Sun Shrub Collections

Comparative areas highlighting plant species suitable for different sunlight exposures.

Includes viburnums, hydrangeas, azaleas, and more.

8. Vine Collection

A wide range of climbing plants like clematis, wisteria, and trumpet vine.

Trellises and arbors help support these species for visual and educational interest.

9. Perennial Border

Colorful seasonal flowers that bloom from spring to fall.

Offers year-round interest and gardening inspiration for visitors.

10. Wildflower Trail and Woodland Trail

Naturalized pathways through shaded, wooded areas.

Promote native plant education and low-maintenance landscaping.

Architectural and Artistic Features

Several well-designed and symbolic structures enhance the experience:

1. Tanger Family Wedding Gazebo

A picturesque white gazebo ideal for weddings and formal ceremonies.

Surrounded by flowers and manicured lawns with seating for up to 150 guests.

2. Hart Chimes

Three oversized wind chimes that create a melodic ambiance.

Strategically placed for maximum acoustic effect in breezy weather.

3. Marzulla Butterfly Bridge

A whimsical, artistically designed footbridge with butterfly wing motifs.

Popular for photos and children’s exploration.

4. Blanche S. Benjamin Overlook

Elevated viewing area offering sweeping vistas of the arboretum.

Located near the rose garden and wildflower areas.

Events and Educational Programs

The Greensboro Arboretum hosts a variety of events throughout the year:

1. Art in the Arboretum

A popular annual festival held every fall (usually in early October).

Features local artists, craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and children’s activities.

Attracts thousands of attendees and supports local creatives.

2. Environmental Education

Offers school field trips, gardening demonstrations, and plant identification workshops.

Organized in partnership with local schools, universities, and horticultural societies.

3. Community Engagement

Greensboro Beautiful and other volunteer groups help maintain the gardens.

Special planting and cleanup days are open to the public.

Hours of Operation

The arboretum is open every day of the year (weather permitting), with seasonal hours:

January – February: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

March – April: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

May – August: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

September – October: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

November – December: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Admission is always free to the public.

Accessibility and Amenities

Fully ADA-accessible trails and wide, paved walkways.

Benches and shaded seating throughout the gardens.

Drinking fountains and restrooms on-site.

Pet-friendly but dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Event Rentals

The Wedding Gazebo and surrounding lawn are available for rental.

Suitable for weddings, private parties, and photo shoots.

Rental includes access to limited parking, power sources, and staff assistance.

Fees vary depending on resident status and time of day; reservations are required.

Contact Information

Address: 401 Ashland Drive, Greensboro, NC 27403

Garden Office: (336) 373-4334

Event Reservations: (336) 373-5888

Summary

The Greensboro Arboretum is a vibrant and well-maintained garden that blends natural beauty with educational and recreational opportunities. With a wide array of plant species, specialized collections, walking trails, and event venues, it serves as both a tranquil green space and an active community resource. Its accessibility, diversity of attractions, and cultural programming make it a destination that appeals to all ages and interests throughout the year.