Garden News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Explore Raleigh's Juniper Level Botanic Garden for three weekends this spring

A 28-acre wonderland of exotic and rare plants from all over the globe is opening for visitors for an extra weekend this spring.

Stinky, damaging Bradford pear trees have fallen out of favor

They're a tree you won't see in many nurseries anymore. The Bradford pear and its variations are all over the country, with ongoing efforts by environmental organizations to remove them.

Hurricane Helene turned color to catastrophe, wiping out Flowering Bridge, Rainbow Bridge

The before and after from Lake Lure shows how landmarks ended up destroyed during Hurricane Helene. Not one but two beloved bridges were swept away by the storm.

Scott Mason, WRAL reporter

Tar Heel Traveler: Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh

This spectacular garden in the southern part of Raleigh features many rare plants and is open to the public only eight weekends a year, this weekend being one of them.

Summer's stars: Top long-blooming perennials for vibrant gardens

Forget about garden envy. This summer, make your garden stand out with long-blooming perennials. Here are the ones that will bloom throughout summer.

Durham unveils memorial garden honoring gun violence victims

The memorial garden at Asbury United Methodist Church was dedicated Saturday morning to honor victims of gun violence.

Eric Miller, WRAL anchor/reporter

Use your dishwasher: 6 super easy ways to help the planet on Earth Day

Ways to help the planet: Earth Day is April 22. Here are six simple changes you can make at home to make a difference.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatforn producer

Try these tips and tricks to keep your plants alive

What does it take to keep a plant alive? WRAL contributor Crissy Fishbane talks to a local expert about the tips and tricks you need to know first.

March gardening guide: What plants and vegetables can you plant this month?

Gardening is a great hobby that also has many health benefits, but it's important to be mindful of what plants are in season when you're gardening.

Delaney Eyermann, WRAL multiplatform producer

Downtown Mebane is home to tropical plant boutique

Metanoia has a plant lab, a do-it-yourself plant potting and a terrarium crafting activity station.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Plants, produce and pests emerge early with warm weather in central North Carolina

Central North Carolina's unseasonable warmth can harm plants and bring out some pesky pests.

Unseasonably warm weather can cause harm to plants, attract pests

Central North Carolina's unseasonable warmth can harm plants in your garden and bring out some pesky pests.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Juniper Level Botanic Garden to open two weekends this summer

The 28-acre educational, research and display garden will be open July 15-17 and July 22-24 for self-guided tours plant purchases and free gardening walks with experts. The garden is home to more than 27,000 different kinds of plants.

What can you do about climate change? Start a natural garden.

Since he was five years old, Wake County native Tony Avent has been growing plants. Avent was seven years old when he started a greenhouse business, selling houseplants to his neighbors. Now, he owns a 28-acre botanical garden with more than 27,000 different plant species funded by an unparalleled plant nursery.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

8 of the Triangle's best gardens to visit this spring

Central North Carolina has a wide variety of gardens open to the public to enjoy. Whether you're planning a date, looking to take the kids or wanting inspiration for your personal garden -- there's something for everyone.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

Spring guide: 8 best gardens to visit in the Triangle

Whether your looking for a garden to take photos, go on a picnic or learn about wildlife, there's something for you in the Triangle. Take a look at the best 8 gardens you need to visit this spring.

Talking Tech: Gardening apps for everyone

Brian Shrader talks about gardening apps that can help gardeners of all levels.

How to improve your soil for gardening in central North Carolina

Gardening can be frustrating if you don't have the rich soil your plants need. Here is how to enrich poor soil.

Winter garden in NC: Here's what to plant this season

A winter garden can provide a place of respite, joy and reward. Though the last of the summer tomatoes might be long gone, there's plenty to grow and enjoy.

Couple finds giant 17-pound potato in garden

Colin and Donna Craig-Brown were weeding their garden in New Zealand when Colin's hoe struck something huge just beneath the soil's surface.

Out of this world! Astronauts enjoy chili peppers grown in space

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station recently enjoyed a taco dinner made with chile peppers grown in space!

Urban gardeners push for growth through community gardens

Other than the curbside sign "Well Fed Community Garden" on Raleigh's Athens Drive, you might not know there's a small urban farm behind all the thick foliage and gates.

Urban garden movement gaining ground as barriers for women, minorities come down

Other than the curbside sign "Well Fed Community Garden" on Raleigh's Athens Drive, you might not know there's a small urban farm behind all the thick foliage and gates.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Gardening tips: What to plant this summer

Are you new to gardening? Here are some tips if you're just starting out from the NC State Cooperative Extension.

Gardening basics: What you should plant in your garden this summer

It's National Garden week, and if you are thinking about upping your garden game this summer, you're not alone.

Maggie Brown, WRAL Multiplatform producer