About
With ties to England's King George II, and featuring extraordinary blooms and a renowned oyster roast, Airlie Gardens offers a unique experience. With Southern elegance and coastal landscapes, this facility offers landscapes you won't find anywhere else.
The history of his non-profit begins in 1735 when King George II granted 640 acres of land to Jonathon Ogden and his brother. Part of this acreage became Airlie Gardens.
We fast-forward through various owners to get to Pembroke and Sarah Jones, who purchased the land in 1884. Over time, Sarah developed the land into a wondrous garden. In 1907, Sarah hired famed German landscaper Rudolf Topel, who carefully planned every pathway and planting. As the on-site gardener for 31 years, Topel worked with the natural scenery to add European garden traditions.
While others were paramount in its development, we jump to 1999, when Hanover County purchased 67 acres that would become today's Airlie Gardens. The focus here has always been on highlighting native flowers and grand old trees. Camellias, azaleas, and magnolias put on a show each season, while mossy live oaks add timeless shade to winding garden trails.
Currently, the Airlie Gardens Foundation maintains the acreage and spearheads educational programs, conservation efforts, and special events. One such celebration is the Oyster Roast that first started in 1998. Today, this annual fall event raises money for the gardens while guests savor oysters.
Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or budding gardener, visiting Airlie Gardens will enhance your Wilmington getaway.
Airlie Gardens: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The garden's premier landmark is the Airlie Oak. This massive tree is estimated to be almost 500 years old and has guarded the premises as the decades and owners rolled by. Today, draped in Spanish Moss, it has become a natural gathering point for families and photographers.
The Minnie Evans Sculpture Garden is another dazzling feature. Minnie Evans, who was hired in 1948 to be the garden's gatekeeper, became a celebrated folk artist. Her work consisted of scenes inspired by dreams, visions, and the Airlie Gardens. The sculpture garden displays bottle trees, mosaics, and a large mosaic portrait that stops visitors in their tracks.
The Pergola Garden, developed by Sarah Jones in 1904, showcases classical elements such as the statue of Pan. Interestingly, many of the columns are originals, while the steps down to the lake allowed visitors to board boats. The natural grassy aisle way, developed under the Corbetts in the 1940s, is known as the "Bridal Walk". Such amenities make the Pergola Garden a popular spot for wedding ceremonies.
If visiting in June through September, be sure to visit the Butterfly House. This 2,700-square-foot facility is home to North Carolina butterflies like the Monarch, Gulf Fritillary, Common Buckeye, and Black Swallowtail, to name a few. Watching these colorful insects flit about in this open-air structure is mesmerizing.
Another perk is that the gardens are near other Cape Fear wonders and landmarks. If you're curious about other natural plants, visit the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve. With Wrightsville Beach a short drive away, you're minutes from the ocean and popular restaurants like Poe's Tavern. The options are limitless!
With its rich history, unique events, and stunning landscapes and gardens, adding Airlie Gardens to your Wilmington itinerary is a no-brainer.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions to Airlie Gardens from Wilmington:
- Head east on Market Street (US-17 BUS N/US-76 E).
- Continue as it becomes US-76 E.
- Turn left onto Military Cutoff Road (US-17 BUS N).
- Continue for 2.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Airlie Road.
- The entrance will be on your left.
- Address: 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
Cost
Below are the costs of visiting Airlie Gardens:
- Adults (13+): $10
- New Hanover County Residents (with ID): $5
- Children (4-12): $3
- Children (Under 4): Free
- Airlie Members: Free
- Active Military (with ID): Free
Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Book a guided tour at least two weeks in advance.
- Reserve the gardens for your wedding or private event.
- Hop on the free tram service to navigate the large garden.
- Check the garden's event calendar for special exhibits, concerts, or seasonal light displays.
