From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. every Thursday evening, allowing visitors to enjoy twilight, cooler temperatures, and sunsets at the Garden. This opportunity was identified by our diversity, equity, and inclusion committee as a way to become more accessible to visitors and reach new members of our community. We are looking forward to strolling with you at dusk this summer!
Hours and Admission
Our display gardens will be open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays from June 3 through September 2, 2021. There’s no fee or ticket for visiting, but we welcome donations to support the Garden. Make a donation here.
Getting Here
You’ll be able to park in our main parking lot until 8 p.m., when we’ll lock the gates. Additional parking is available on Laurel Hill Road, behind the Garden. (Note: Besides the back entrance at Laurel Hill Road, all pedestrian gates between the display gardens and nature trails will be locked at 5 p.m.)
What to See
Explore our display gardens, from our Habitat Gardens to our Children’s Wonder Garden to our Carnivorous Plant Collection! Our exhibit hall will also be open, so you can check out our Garden Shop and DeBerry Gallery.
Picnic
Picnics are welcome. There are tables and chairs available in the designated Picnic Area and by the Plant Sale patio, as well as benches and chairs throughout the Garden. You are also welcome to bring a blanket and use it in a lawn area.
Please stay out of plant beds, and make sure you pick up any trash or food items from your picnic area.
Alcohol policy
No alcohol is allowed, as open containers of alcohol are prohibited on UNC’s campus.
Pets
With the exception of service animals, no pets are allowed within the Display Gardens. Leashed pets are allowed on the Piedmont Nature Trails, which are open until dusk.
Safety
Masks are required indoors, including to use the restroom. Outdoors, masks are not required, but they’re recommended if you’re unable to maintain six feet of distance with others. For your safety, please stay on designated paths while visiting the Garden. Read more about our COVID-19 safety policies.
Weather
Twilight Thursdays are rain or shine. We will only close the Garden if there are strong storms, and any closure information will be posted to our website.