The Susie Harwood Gardens (UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens)

While the gardens are a wonderful place for a stroll, pets are generally not permitted within the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, including the Susie Harwood Gardens. This policy helps protect the diverse plant collections and ensures a peaceful experience for all visitors. Service animals are, of course, welcome.

Parking is available on the UNC Charlotte campus. Visitors can typically find parking in the Visitor Parking Deck (Union Deck) or other designated visitor lots. It's advisable to check the UNC Charlotte Parking and Transportation website for the most current information on visitor parking locations, rates, and any temporary restrictions, especially during university events.

No, there is no admission fee to enter The Susie Harwood Gardens or any part of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. They are free and open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. No permits are required for general visitation.

The UNC Charlotte campus is accessible via Charlotte's public transportation system, CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System). The LYNX Blue Line light rail has a station directly on campus, the 'UNC Charlotte Main Station', which is a walkable distance from the Botanical Gardens. Several bus routes also serve the university. Check the CATS website for routes and schedules.

The gardens are very family-friendly, offering easy-to-navigate pathways suitable for strollers and young children. Kids often enjoy the flowing creeks, waterfalls, and the serene pond. The diverse plant collections, including the unique 'Dinosaur's Garden' with its Deinonychus skeleton sculpture, provide engaging educational opportunities. It's a safe and beautiful environment for families to explore nature together.

The Susie Harwood Gardens feature generally accessible terrain with paved or well-maintained gravel pathways. While most areas are designed to be accessible, some smaller, winding paths or slight inclines might present minor challenges. The main routes through the garden are typically suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, allowing most visitors to enjoy the collections.

While spring and fall are popular for general beauty, specific seasonal highlights include:

• Spring: Vibrant blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, and various wildflowers, particularly in the adjacent Van Landingham Glen.
• Summer: Lush tropical plants in the McMillan Greenhouse, and the full greenery of the outdoor gardens.
• Autumn: Stunning foliage displays from the Japanese maples and other deciduous trees, offering rich reds, oranges, and yellows.
• Winter: The McMillan Greenhouse provides a warm escape with its tropical and orchid collections, while the outdoor gardens offer a serene, stark beauty.

As the gardens are located on the UNC Charlotte campus, visitors have access to university dining options, including cafes and eateries, which are typically open during academic terms. For off-campus options, there are numerous restaurants and cafes along University City Boulevard and in the wider University City area, just a short drive away. Several hotels are also located nearby, catering to university visitors.

The Susie Harwood Garden is celebrated for its collections of dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, viburnums, and azaleas. It also features a wide array of other trees, shrubs, vines, annuals, perennials, bulbs, succulents, and water plants from around the world. This garden contrasts with the native plant focus of the Van Landingham Glen by showcasing a more ornamental and diverse global flora.

While the Susie Harwood Gardens cover 3 acres, the network of paths allows for a leisurely exploration. Most visitors find that they can comfortably enjoy the main features and diverse plant collections in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. If you wish to explore the entire UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, including the Van Landingham Glen and McMillan Greenhouse, you could easily spend 2-3 hours or more.

Yes, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens often offer guided tours and educational programs for various age groups and interests. These can include plant identification walks, workshops, and special events. It's best to check the official UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens website for their current schedule of events and to inquire about booking a guided tour.