Winter & Spring 2012 Events
at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Spring Plant Sale is April 20-21st.  Browse the calendar below for other UNCC Gardens events, or click to see a compiled calendar of Charlotte AREA garden-related events.

TOUR & PLANT SALE
26 February, Sunday, 1 pm & 2 pm    meet at McMillan Greenhouse

Winter Walk and Plant Sale

Join staff of the Botanical Gardens for an informative stroll through the delights of the Susie Harwood Garden.  Yes, there is much to appreciate in a southern garden in winter – berries, bark, structure, and even flowers.  Come enjoy this overlooked season, learn about some plants to add to your own winter garden, and choose from a prime selection of winter plants for sale.  Free and open to the public. The tour will begin with a short program in the classroom – at 1pm and another session at 2pm. Plant Sale hours are 12:30 - 4:00 pm Call or email Paula Gross at 704-687-0719 for more information.

CLUB MEETING
6 March, Sunday, 1 pm     McMillan Greenhouse

NC Piedmont Orchid Society Meeting

Meetings are held at the McMillan Greenhouse on the first Sunday of most months.  A potluck begins at noon and the meeting and program at 1 pm.  For more information, visit their website here.

WORKSHOP
10 March, Saturday  9-noon  OR  1-4 pm   McMillan Greenhouse

Making Trellises from Natural Branches

Create your own trellis from beautiful and sturdy rhododendron wood branches!  Meredith Hebden will
demonstrate the techniques, show examples of different styles and sizes, and help participants in constructing their own unique, natural-form trellises/vine supports.  All materials will be provided - just wear comfortable clothing.  Cost: $45,  pre-registration required. There are two sessions to choose from - a 3-hr session starting at 9 am or a 3-hr session starting at 1 pm.  To register, please email Paula at or call 704-687-0719.

SHORT COURSE  (Certificate in Native Plant Studies)
16 -17 March, Fri. 6-9pm, Sat. 9-4        McMillan Greenhouse

Soils of the Piedmont

Supporting our natural environments, yet how much do we really know about our soils?  In this CNPS elective course, you’ll learn about Piedmont soil types, their properties, structures, and how they relate to plant growth and habitat development.  Enthusiastically taught by Dr. Greg Pillar of Queens University.  Pre-requisite: Basic Botany  Cost: $81.00 (9-hrs).  To register or for more information, please contact Esther at

CLUB MEETING
20 March, Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 pm    McMillan Greenhouse

University City Garden Club Meeting

Newcomers always welcome!  March Meeting: Stepping Stones Workshop. Get your artistic juices flowing with this hands-on program.   For more information about the University City Garden Club, email Lorrain Shannon at or visit http://www.ucgardenclub.com/

SHORT COURSE
23 –24 March   Fri. 6-9 pm ; Sat. 8-3      McMillan Greenhouse

Birds: Spring Behavior

Birds are some of our favorite garden and backyard visitors (except when we want to keep our berries to ourselves).  As dispersers of seed they are intimately connected with plants.  Join Dr. Jeff Thomas of Queens University to learn more about plant/bird interactions and specifically about the spring activities of our feathered friends.  Cost: $81    To register, contact Esther at

SHORT COURSE
29, 30, 31 March   Thurs & Fri. 6-9 pm ; Sat. 9-noon      McMillan Greenhouse

Creating a Certified Backyard Habitat

Want your landscape to come ALIVE?  Learn how to plant and plan to turn your little piece of paradise into an oasis for native insects and birds. Mary Stauble has been gardening with native plants and utilizing many sustainable practices in her own garden and teaching others about how to do the same for years in the Charlotte area. This will be a treat for humans and wildlife, alike!  Cost: $81    To register, contact Esther at

CLUB MEETING
1 April, Sunday, 1 pm     McMillan Greenhouse

NC Piedmont Orchid Society Meeting

Meetings are held at the McMillan Greenhouse on the first Sunday of most months, and are free and open to the public.  A potluck begins at noon and the meeting and program at 1 pm.  For more information, visit their website here.

Member’s Event
19 April, Thursday, 3-6 pm

Member’s Preview Afternoon at the Spring Plant Sale

One of the perks for becoming a “Friend of the Gardens” is an invitation to this pre-sale of special plants – just for members.  If you would like to become a member, download a form here – or you may join “at the door”.  For existing members, join us to shop for  rare and unique plants as well as standard favorites.  For questions, please contact Paula at 704-687-0719,

PLANT SALE

20-21 April, Friday & Saturday, 8 am – 3 pm

Spring Plant Sale

Plant lovers can expect a wide selection of native plants and exotic botanicals --wildflowers, trees and shrubs, perennials, carnivorous plants, orchids, tropicals, and indoor plants, at our largest sale of the year.  If you are looking for native plants, take advantage of our unparalled selection. This is a great opportunity to ask lots of questions of our knowledgable staff, too!  This popular sale is our major fundraising event and all proceeds support the greenhouse and gardens operations. Cash and checks accepted.  Thanks for your continued support and planting!   704-687-0721