5 local gardens to see flowers in Charlotte

The weather is right and the flowers are in bloom. Here are five local gardens to visit right now.

Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary

Details: This historic garden is nearly three acres of meandering paths, fountains, and foliage. Since the garden’s inception in 1927, more than 150 bird species have been documented. Guests will find common plant varieties such as roses and amaryllis bulbs, as well as a few rarities like Chinese witch hazel and the ‘White Empress’, one of the prized historic plants in the garden.

Cost: $10 for non-members, $5 on Wellness Wednesdays.

Location/hours: 248 Ridgewood Ave. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to noon and from 1-3pm.

The Mary DBT Semans Gardens

Details: If you visit the Duke Mansion, you can’t leave without walking through the gardens. It’s a 4.5-acre enclave filled with historic trees and year-round blooms. Guests can also go on complimentary guided tours of The Duke Mansion and property’s grounds.

Cost: Free

Picnic Package: For $85, you can enjoy a chef-prepared picnic for two, complete with a bottle of the featured house wine or champagne on a cozy blanket. Find more info here.

Location/hours: 400 Hermitage Rd. Open during daylight hours.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Details: The sprawling 10-acre botanical garden is comprised of three main sections including The Susie Harwood Garden, The Van Landingham Glen, and The Polly Rogers Sensory Garden. The gardens are home to Carolina-native plants and even the rare Titan Arum — a huge and bizarre plant that only blooms every seven to 10 years.

Cost: Free.

Virtual tour: If you can’t make it to the gardens in person, you can explore them virtually through a 360-degree tour on YouTube.

Location/hours: 9090 Craver Rd. Open daily from dawn until dusk.

McGill Rose Garden

Details: The quaint, old-fashioned feel of this garden makes it a popular setting for weddings and events. Visitors can wander along the paths, sit on the benches, enjoy the fresh greenery, or smell roses.

Cost: Free.

Drinks: After strolling through the gardens enjoy a drink from Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden located on-site.

Location/hours: 940 N. Davidson St. Open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Details: No matter the season, The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden offers a stunning selection of annual and perennial flowers, tranquil walking trails and soothing fountains.

Cost: $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for seniors (60+), and $7.95 for children ages 2-12.

Location/hours: 6500 S. New Hope Road. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm.