Update Regarding Hurricane Helene
Thank you to everyone who has reached out concerning Arborcrest in the wake of this catastrophic hurricane. Sadly, the storm caused structural damage to the garden, and we regret to announce we will be unable to welcome visitors for the remainder of the year.
UPDATE 10/8/24: We lost our 250-year-old tulip poplar along with several other trees, but we’ve started clearing the areas and the pathways. We are also in the process of repairing the deer fence in several locations. ​The vegetable garden and greenhouse also sustained substantial damage, but we are actively working on the cleanup and restoration efforts. Despite the challenges, the Arborcrest team remains resilient—some experienced power outages for several days, and two of our employees faced significant damage to their home, but they have since found new places to live.
While these setbacks are difficult in their own right, the broader destruction in the High Country and Western North Carolina have devastated our community. If it is within your ability, we appreciate any donations to restore Arborcrest and please consider supporting Watauga and surrounding counties by making a donation to support our community through one of the organizations listed here or to Wine to Water who is directly helping Watauga County. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference.
Welcome to Arborcrest Gardens, a 26-acre botanical research garden nestled at the base of Howard's Knob mountain in Boone, NC, just minutes from Appalachian State University. As a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, we open our doors for guided tours on Fridays by advance reservation. Discover tour details here.
For over three decades, we've been cultivating the beauty of nature, meticulously growing and evaluating more than 15,000 species and varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and bulbs. Our state-of-the-art vegetable and fruit test garden, complete with a greenhouse, ensures year-round growth. Explore our Top 12 Vegetables to Grow.
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Founded in 1989 by Ron and Cheryl Stanley as a modest home garden, Arborcrest Gardens has since evolved into a pivotal resource for both amateur and professional gardeners. Join us as we contribute to the global botanical community with our research and expertise. Learn more about our journey and mission here.
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35 years
Experience a 1.5-hour educational tour on electric shuttles or self-guided walking tour along paved trails. Explore a large variety of unique species, seasonal blooms, and rare plants, all while picking up practical gardening tips to polish your skills.
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Planning to visit with a group? Find Group Tour details here.
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Admission is by donation, as we rely on the generosity of our visitors and grants.
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