City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (704) 687-2364

Address: 9201 University City Blvd.

Description: Impressive and eclectic, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens has three parts. McMillan Greenhouse features one of the largest orchid collections of any public garden in the South, as well as carnivorous plants, pitcher plants, desert cacti, and a two-level tropical rain forest. Peak season for the unusual and delicate orchid blooms is February through April, and a large plant sale is held each spring. Native plantings including more than 3,000 hybrid rhododendrons and 1,000 trees fill seven acres in VanLandingham Glen. The Susie Harwood Garden highlights the exotic with unusual ornamental plants from around the world and an Asian atmosphere of pagodas, arched bridges, and Japanese maples, as well as gardens designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Gardens open daylight hours daily. Greenhouse open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon through Sat. Free.