Rare plants in Boone, North Carolina

Arborcrest Gardens is a 26-acre botanical research garden located in Boone, North Carolina, at the foot of Howard's Knob mountain near Appalachian State University. Established in 1989 by Ron and Cheryl Stanley, this non-profit private garden is dedicated to nurturing the wonders of nature. With over three decades of experience, the team at Arborcrest Gardens has grown and evaluated over 15,000 different species and cultivars of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and bulbs. Visitors can explore the gardens on Fridays by advance reservation, with riding tours beginning on Good Friday, March 29th. The one-hour educational tour, conducted via electric shuttles on paved trails, offers insight into the diverse plant species, gardening tips, and rare plants in bloom. Groups of garden lovers are also welcome to visit Arborcrest Gardens.

Goldenrod Gardens, located at 920 Odes Wilson Road in Zionville, North Carolina, is a charming florist and store specializing in exquisite dahlias. Owner and horticulturist Lee Carlton carefully selects each dahlia for its vibrant color, organizing them by shade in the store for easy browsing. With a designer's eye for detail, Lee offers thoughtfully curated collections of rare dahlia varieties for weddings, demonstrations, and personal collections. For over a decade, Goldenrod Gardens has been a go-to source for fresh, high-quality flowers in the mountainous northwest corner of North Carolina. Lee has supplied florists, created stunning wedding arrangements, and crafted thousands of bouquets at the bustling Watauga County Farmers Market in Boone, NC. Additionally, she has designed and shipped countless seasonal wreaths using materials grown or gathered on the farm.