A Visit to Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, Raleigh: Exploring Botanical Wonders

Alright Raleigh, I’m sure many of you have never heard of the Juniper Level Botanic Gardens before. I can’t believe I only recently discovered this Raleigh hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and botanical aficionados alike.

This enchanting botanical wonderland, founded by plantsman Tony Avent and his wife Michelle, serves as a sanctuary for rare and exotic plant species, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse world of plants.

In this blog post, we’ll embark on a virtual journey through the captivating landscapes and offerings of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, uncovering its treasures and the experiences it has to offer.

What IS the Juniper Level Botanic Garden?

Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, affectionately known as JLBG, is a renowned botanical garden located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The garden name originated from “junipers” which used to grow along nearby Juniper Branch (more than a ton of 90-million-year-old petrified conifers and palms have been excavated from the JLBG property). The southern term “Level” is used for the flat areas between creeks.

Founded in 1986 by Tony Avent, a horticulturist and plant explorer, the gardens span over 28 acres and boast an extensive collection of over 27,000 different types of plants, including rare and endangered species from around the globe.

It’s hard to believe that this flourishing and lush garden was abandoned sandy loam tobacco field when the property was purchased. It now has volved into one of the largest ex-situ plant collections in the world.

Tony’s former job as a landscape director of the NC State Fairground helped him turn this sandy loam into nourishing soil ripe for a botanical garden and a wide variety of plants.

I loved hearing how Tony created the garden – ditching limiting, creativity-stifling drawn plans, to instead wander the grounds to listen to the energy of the site for inspiration on were put plant beds, paths, and garden features.

If you visit Juniper Level Gardens, I’m sure you will agree, the site gave beautiful instructions. Tony has created something truly magical; a garden space that allows plants to grow that normally wouldn’t in the local climate. And gardens that Raleigh can enjoy year-round!

In June 2016, Tony and Anita Avent (Tony’s second wife after the passing of Michelle) legally gifted their gardens to NC State University, where it will become a sister institution to the JC Raulston Arboretum. You can read more of the gardens fascinating history here.

Gardens to see at the Juniper Level Botanic Garden

One of the main draws to visiting JLBG is its unparalleled collection of rare and exotic plants. From vibrant tropicals to hardy perennials, the gardens showcase an astounding diversity of plant life, including many species that are rarely found elsewhere.

JLBG fosters botanical diversity by carefully curating their collections, ensuring each plant has an ideal environment with proper placement, spacing, and soil preparation. Thoughtful combinations of plants based on color, texture, and form highlight their unique characteristics, resulting in visually captivating scenes throughout the garden all year round.

The display gardens are spread across 8 acres and include bogs, rock gardens, waterfalls, creeks in shady and sunny areas. It is free to visit. A few favorites:

Michelle’s Garden

Did somebody say waterfall? The most enchanting of the gardens at Juniper is Michelle’s Garden, dedicated to the late founder Michelle Avent.

Here you’ll find an elevated path winding to 330’ at the top of Mystic Falls that falls 20’ over the lip. There is a walkway under the falls as well as the top.  

Michelle’s Garden has sunny and shady parts with a house with a patio garden that showcases the world’s largest collection of potted variegated agave from May- October. 

There is also a 25-year-old Lim’s Crape Myrtle said to be one of the largest in the country. The variety of plants from ferns to loblolly pines and lilacs is beautiful. I loved the peaceful and vibrant energy of this garden that is comprised of sloping rock gardens, woodland spaces, and a sunken pond rain garden.

Founder’s Garden

The first garden at JLBG is the Founder’s Garden. Here you’ll find a beautiful woodland area that is home to the garden’s most mature trees, hundreds of rare woodland perennials, the gorgeous pixie-like grotto garden and waterfall, and a small rock garden.

It’s a maze of pathways here so enjoy getting lost in all the nooks and crannies of the area. As you’d expect, it’s also lovely and shady, which also means the floor will be covered with ferns. There are sculptures to enjoy along the way as well.

Souto Garden

The sunny section of Juniper is the Souto Garden, named after the garden’s late neighbor who previously owned the property.

You can expect to find a wide range of sun loving plants in this area including cactus, agave, acacia, and seasonal blooms.

We loved the wetland areas formed by interconnected rain garden pits to support plant growth. You’ll find wetland plants, and a wide variety of hibiscus and iris. I also like the woody area and the sunken rock bog. And the cat that came up to say hi!

The Crevice Gardens

On the edge of the parking lot, before you wander into Michelle’s Garden is the interesting Crevice Gardens. Don’t forget to pay attention to them.

The garden is created from narrow rock crevices (made from concrete) that mimic those found in the uplifts of the earth’s crust. Here they have planted plats from dry areas of the world including the Middel East, the Mediterranean, South Africa and South America.

The Greenhouses

You can also wander through the greenhouses where the plants for the Plant Delights Nursery are grown.

Juniper Level Garden Open Days

Juniper Level is a working garden and nursery, so it is only open for public viewing on select days throughout the year, spread out across the four seasons, so you can experience what makes it different through life’s cycles. We share those in our weekly events post (join our email so you don’t miss it) Open days for 2024 are:

GArden Tours + Workshops

Don’t want to wait for the free public days? The gardens run an hour-long tour, highlighting the best plants, with information from the experts every first Wednesday of the month at 10am.  Free to members, $25 for non-members.

Since Juniper Level is committed to being an educational, scientific and research-based botanic garden, they host horticulture classes and workshops on a wide range of topics to help you learn more about creating and maintaining thriving gardens.

Plant Delights Nursery

For those looking to bring a piece of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens home with them, the gardens operate a nursery where you can purchase a wide variety of rare and unique plants propagated on-site. At any one time, 1,200–1,500 perennial plants are available for purchase in the nursery.

Plant Delights Nursery is instrumental in helping Juniper Level Garden to continue to operate, as a portion of the revenue goes towards operation costs.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, you’re sure to find something special to add to your own garden collection.

Other important things to know

• There are plenty of seating areas for you to relax with chairs, decks and picnic tables,
• You are welcome to bring in your own picnic during a scheduled appointment visit. On Open House days there will be a food truck
• Respect the plants. Stay on the paths. No picking, or cutting, only gentle touching and smelling.
• If you see a plant you’d like, take a photo of the tag, and show them in the nursery.
• The garden has paved gravel and mulched paths which are handicapped accessible.
• If you can’t make the open house, you can request a visit by appointment during our regular business hours. But note, staff won’t be on hand to help as they are taking care of the garden and nursery. Some parts of the garden may be closed due to maintenance work.

Video: Juniper Level Botanic Gardens

In Summary: JLBG is a Plant Wonderland in Raleigh

In conclusion, Juniper Level Botanic Gardens stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom. Whether you’re a seasoned botanist, a casual nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat into nature, JLBG offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

With its rare and exotic plant collections, educational programs, and public garden days, the gardens continue to inspire and delight visitors from near and far, serving as a valuable resource for plant conservation and botanical education for generations to come.

More Gardens in Raleigh to love

• Don’t Miss JC Raulston Arboretum (5,000+ Plants)
• The Beautiful Raleigh Rose Garden (Free & Open 365 Days)
• 6 Lovely Gardens In Raleigh (And One Amazing Garden Nearby!)
• A Guide To Sarah P. Duke Gardens In Durham (30 Minutes From Raleigh)