How to Support or Stay Updated with the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Updated

The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens (gardens.charlotte.edu) offers three main ways to get involved beyond visiting: become a member, donate, or sign up for news and announcements. All three are accessible from the homepage. Admission to the Gardens is always free, and they are open dawn to dusk every day, so support is optional rather than required for entry.

Ways to Support the Gardens

Become a Member

Membership is framed as a way to support the gardens "for yourself and future visitors." According to the site, members receive:

  • Special plants
  • Discounted educational programs
  • Early access to annual plant sales

The site states membership costs "less than $50 a year." A "LEARN MORE" link on the homepage leads to the membership page with full details and sign-up.

Donate

Donations go toward keeping the Greenhouse and Gardens maintained and supporting educational programming. The site lists specific programs that donations can help fund:

  • The Certificate in Native Plant Studies
  • "At Home in the Garden" workshops
  • Adult and children's arts programming

A "LEARN MORE" link on the homepage leads to the donation page.

Membership vs. Donation: Which to Choose

Membership Donation
What you get Special plants, program discounts, early plant sale access No stated benefits; supports programming
Stated cost Less than $50/year Not specified
Best for Regular visitors who want perks and ongoing involvement Anyone who wants to contribute without a recurring commitment

If you visit often and want tangible benefits, membership is the clearer fit. If you simply want to support the gardens financially, a one-time or additional donation works.

Staying Updated

Sign Up for News & Announcements

The homepage includes a "SIGN UP FOR NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS" section where you can subscribe to updates. This is the direct way to receive news about the gardens.

Check "What's Happening?"

The homepage features a "What's Happening?" events section. Examples of listed events include:

  • Edible Landscaping — Monday, September 21st
  • Native Shrubs — September 22nd & 23rd
  • Composting — Monday, October 19th

A "SEE ALL EVENTS" link leads to the full events calendar.

Practical Notes Before You Go

  • Events and photography require registration and payment. This is separate from free admission.
  • Groups of eight or more require registration. If you're planning a group visit, register in advance via the "Register HERE" link on the homepage.
  • Hours vary by area:
    • McMillan Greenhouse: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
    • Susie Harwood Garden: Open daily, dawn till dusk
    • Van Landingham Glen: Open daily, dawn till dusk

The greenhouse has limited weekday hours, while the outdoor gardens are accessible every day from dawn to dusk. Plan around the greenhouse schedule if that's your main destination.