What are the greenhouse and gardens here for?
We exist to promote the knowledge and appreciation of plants for educational, environmental, and aesthetic purposes – for the campus and greater Charlotte community.  The gardens were begun in the mid 1960s by a Biology professor with financial support from members of the Charlotte community to serve as a living classroom for field-based Biology courses, and also as a horticultural resource and inspiration for the general public.  The Botanical Gardens are a unit of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

When are you open to the public?
The outdoor gardens are always open and available for visitors.  The greenhouse is officially open Monday-Saturday, 10am- 3pm and Sundays 1-4pm.  During the week, when school is in session, the greenhouse is often open earlier and later than our posted hours, and visitors are welcome to come in if the doors are open.

How do I get to you and where do I park?
We are located on the east side of the campus of UNC Charlotte. Visitors may park in designated spaces just across the road from the greenhouse.  Click here for directions and parking information.

What does it cost to visit?
Admission is free.  Donations are always appreciated, and there is a donation box located under the visitor sign-in at the greenhouse entrance.

What’s here to see?
The greenhouse and 10 acres of outdoor gardens.  The McMillan Greenhouse contains exotic plants year-round.  Plants include orchids, desert plants, carnivorous plants, spice and fruit plants, and a kaleidoscope of tropical ferns, vines, flowers, and shrubs.  The Susie Harwood Garden has year-round interest, as well – camellias, winter-blooming plants, spring bulbs and flowering trees and shrubs, azaleas, water plants, Japanese maples, late-blooming perennials, a mosaic patio, and an Asian garden.  The Van Landingham Glen is especially lovely in early to mid-spring when wildflowers and rhododendrons are blooming.  However, the Glen’s woodland atmosphere and extensive collection of native plants can be appreciated in any season.

Do students run the greenhouse/gardens?
No, the Botanical Gardens are run and maintained by a professional staff (See staff contacts).  However, we do hire students to assist the staff.  As there is no degree program for Horticulture or Botany offered at UNC Charlotte, our student workers come from a wide variety of different majors.  What they have in common is an interest in working outdoors and learning about plants/ gardening.

Do you rent the garden for weddings and receptions?
The short answer is no, we do not have adequate facilities for large gatherings of people.  We occasionally allow very small ceremonies to be held in the outdoor gardens (gathering of less than 20 people).  Contact the Assistant Director for more information regarding very small ceremonies.

May I take photographs?
Absolutely!  Just be respectful by remaining on the paths in the outdoor gardens and by not moving plants in the greenhouse. 

Do you have a map to the Botanical Gardens?
We do not have one map that covers all three areas of the Botanical Gardens, but there are seasonal brochures at the entrances to both outdoor gardens that contain a trail map of the respective garden.

The woodland garden looks big - can I get lost out there?
The Van Landingham Glen may look big , but it is only 7 acres and so you cannot get lost.  If you feel “turned-around”,  head for the edges and follow the paths to an exit; or follow the creek downstream to the cabin and exit out the side entrance just up the hill.

Do you give tours?
Guided tours can often be arranged (in advance) for adult and school groups of relatively small size.  Click here for all the details on guided tours.

Are your plants for sale?
Plants from our permanent collections are not for sale.  However,  we do hold three plant sales a year, and often have a small selection of plants for sale throughout the year.  Our plant sales are the week of Valentine’s Day (orchids and houseplants), the third Friday and Saturday in April (our biggest sale), and a fall sale in October (hardy trees, shrubs, perennials) .

Are the greenhouse and gardens handicapped-accessible?
The greenhouse is wheelchair-accessible.  The outdoor gardens cover varying terrain with gravel and mulch paths and, therefore, are not accessible to those with limited mobility.

Do you have restrooms, water fountains, and benches in the gardens?
There are no restrooms or water fountains in the outdoor gardens.  There are wooden benches and a few stone benches scattered throughout both gardens. Restrooms and a water fountain are located in the greenhouse building. 

Are dogs allowed in the gardens?
UNC Charlotte campus policy prohibits dogs, unless they are service animals.

Do you have an ATM / vending machine / gift shop?
At this time we do not have a gift shop, vending machines, or an ATM.  However, there are vending machines in adjacent buildings and ATMs outside of the bookstore, located just a short walk from the greenhouse.

Is there somewhere on campus to eat?
During the week when classes are in session there are several cafeterias, fast food-type restaurants, and two coffee shops open on campus.  On the weekends, however, these are closed.  There are many places to eat in the surrounding area – on Harris Blvd., University City Blvd., Tryon St, and Mallard Creek Church Rd.

Is Bella still alive?
She is!  Currently, Bella is in leaf-form, after resting as an underground tuber for nearly a year.   “Bella” is the nickname we gave the Titan Arum plant that bloomed here in July of 2007.  Read more about our Titan Arum here.

Why don’t all your plants have labels?
It is our goal to have the majority of our plants labeled in the greenhouse, and to have labels on a significant portion of the plants in the outdoor gardens.  Plants go out with labels, but they do tend to disappear (intentionally or unintentionally) and it is a daunting task to continually replace them.  Please do not hesitate to ask a staff person about the identity of a plant without a label – we will do our best to ID it for you.

How many people do you have working to maintain the gardens?
The 10 acres of outdoor gardens have 2 permanent (30hr/wk each) gardeners.  They are assisted by temporary, student and volunteer help that, together, is equivalent to an additional 10-25 hours a week per garden. The greenhouse is maintained by two permanent horticulturists (30hr/wk each) and between 5-10 hours per week of student help.

Where did you get all these plants?
We get plants in many ways – from other botanical gardens, from commercial greenhouses and nurseries, and from cuttings and starts from other plant professionals.  Of course, it has taken many years to amass the collections we maintain today.

What is the best time of year to visit?
That depends on what you are hoping to see and experience.  There truly is year-round interest in the greenhouse and Harwood Garden.  To see a listing of yearly highlights, click here.

Can I take classes here?
The Botanical Gardens offers several workshops throughout the year aimed at a general gardening audience.  As far as university (for academic credit) courses go, there are generally three plant-related courses taught (through the Biology Department) every year here.  There is no degree program in horticulture at UNC Charlotte.  Central Piedmont Community College (Cato campus) offers a two-year degree in horticulture, and would be the closest resource for horticulture courses.

Do you have volunteers?
We do.  Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities.