Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre botanical garden in Wilmington featuring thousands of azaleas, camellias, magnolias, palms, and wisteria. The plantings spread across wetlands, distinct garden rooms, and wooded areas.

Sarah Green Jones founded the property in 1886 as a private estate, naming it after her family's ancestral home in Scotland. Over time it transformed into the botanical garden that exists today.

The artist Minnie Evans created paintings while working at the gate, and her works now hang in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her presence here shaped how people understand the garden's role in the community.

The garden is maintained daily and open during set hours for visitors. It is best to wear comfortable shoes since there is considerable walking and the terrain varies depending on the season.

A large live oak tree on the grounds has been registered with the Live Oak Society since 1967 and is considered one of the most notable specimens in the region. This tree has witnessed generations of visitors.

Location: North Carolina

GPS coordinates: 34.21510,-77.82790

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56