Wral Azalea Gardens

Lovely gardens! The grounds are always kept well manicured and little to no trash lying around. When the garden is in bloom, it’s stunning. With all the azalea’s, tulips, the fountain, and miscellaneous perennials, there is no lack of aesthetic appeal. Whether looking for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature, doing/​having a photo shoot, or looking for a place to take the family and kids, WRAL Azalea gardens is a nice little hideaway in the middle of Raleigh.

Gardens open to the public since 1959
Visit: October 9
I love discovering new places particularly close to home. On Sunday, I found the WRAL-​TV Gardens. Ya know, the WRAL TV station located on Western Blvd between NCSU Main Campus and Centennial Campus. You can’t see the garden from Western Blvd. You need to turn on Nazareth St and enter the television studio parking lot and you will see signs for the garden. The garden is located behind the station. It’s lovely, free, and open year round to the public from dawn until dusk. I have ridden my bicycle by it many times on my way to the State Farmer’s Market and never noticed it since it is set back from the street. I only became aware of it last week because my photography class had a ‘workshop’ at the gardens. So I have my instructor to thank for introducing me to a new garden. The garden is planted with mostly azaleas and the majority of them bloom in the spring. I will definitely visit again in the spring to shoot the glorious profusion of azaleas. There is a section of flowering azaleas since they are the variety that blooms multiple times throughout the season. Other featured plants are dogwoods, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and camellias. There were a few fall camellias already in bloom. Even though the garden covers less than an acre, it is packed full of pretty sites. There are trails winding throughout leading you to secret spots. There are many bird feeders scattered about that attract lots of birds. There is a majestic water fountain, which I imagine would be a perfect background for a bridal portrait. BTW, the garden brochure recommends that you make a reservation to have professional portraits taken so that you will avoid conflicts with other events. My photography teacher made a reservation for our class. There is no cost for the reservations. The garden is very peaceful and it would make a wonderful spot for a picnic. The brochure mentioned that food and drink are allowable but alcohol and grilling are prohibited. There are a few benches and a table on a brick patio close to the studio. This is a beautiful garden… come see for your self.