Springtime in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a vibrant season marked by blooming gardens and a plethora of events celebrating horticulture, nature, and community. As the azaleas and dogwoods come into full bloom, the city comes alive with festivals, tours, and workshops that beckon both gardening enthusiasts and casual admirers alike. Here’s a curated list of notable gardening events happening in Wilmington from April 2025 onward:
1. Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour
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Dates & Time: April 4–6, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
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Location: Various private gardens throughout Wilmington
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Description: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Wilmington’s finest private gardens during this self-guided tour. This year’s theme, “A Canopy of Blooms,” showcases ten exquisite gardens, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s horticultural splendor. The tour also features plein air artists capturing the scenery, enhancing the cultural experience.
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Tickets: $50 for all three days; children under 12 admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased in advance at select local vendors or online.
2. Herb & Garden Fair at Poplar Grove Plantation
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Dates & Times: April 5, 2025 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and April 6, 2025 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
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Location: Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Highway 17, Wilmington, NC
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Description: Celebrate the arrival of spring at the 33rd Annual Herb & Garden Fair. This beloved event features a vast selection of locally grown plants, including herbs, perennials, annuals, shrubs, and native species. In addition to plant sales, attendees can explore garden art, crafts, and enjoy local food vendors. It’s an ideal opportunity to meet local farmers, herbalists, and master gardeners.
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Admission: $5 per day; children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the gate or online.
3. Airlie Gardens Spring Events
Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre public garden known for its picturesque landscapes and historic structures, hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout April.
• Hops & Talks: Spring Bloom
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Date: April 2, 2025
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Description: An engaging adult education series pairing local breweries with guided tours of the gardens. Explore spring blooms while enjoying craft beverages.
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Tickets: Advance purchase required.
• Nesting Birds with Cape Fear Bird Observatory
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Date: April 2, 2025
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Description: Learn about native nesting birds and how to support their habitats in your own garden.
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Tickets: Advance purchase required.
• Guided History Tours
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Dates: April 5 and April 19, 2025
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Description: Take a deeper look into the history, horticulture, and ecology of Airlie Gardens through a walking tour led by knowledgeable guides.
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Tickets: Advance purchase required.
• Bird Walks
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Dates: April 9 and April 23, 2025
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Time: 8:00 AM
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Description: Early morning birding excursions around the gardens led by local experts.
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Tickets: Advance registration required.
• Evening Birding
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Date: April 16, 2025
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Description: Discover the behaviors of birds during twilight hours with a guided evening walk.
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Tickets: Advance purchase required.
• Accessible Bird Outing
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Date: April 10, 2025
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Description: A tram-guided birding experience designed for guests with mobility challenges.
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Tickets: Advance registration required.
• Airlie Member Evening
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Date: April 10, 2025
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Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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Description: A serene, after-hours garden experience exclusively for Airlie members.
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Tickets: Free for members; reservations required.
• New Hanover County Resident Free Day
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Date: April 13, 2025
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Description: County residents can enjoy the gardens for free on this special day. Proof of residency required.
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Tickets: Must be reserved in advance.
4. Hobby Greenhouse Club Spring Plant Sale
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Dates & Times: April 4–6, 2025
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Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Location: 2318 Metts Avenue, Wilmington, NC
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Description: This annual plant sale features a wide selection of flowers, vegetables, and ornamentals grown by members of the Hobby Greenhouse Club. Proceeds benefit scholarships for local horticulture students.
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Admission: Free. Purchases accepted by cash or check only.
5. Wilmington Earth Day Festival
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Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Location: Long Leaf Park, 314 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC
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Description: Join the community in celebrating sustainability and the environment at this annual festival. Enjoy live music, food trucks, environmental education booths, and eco-friendly vendors. The Kids’ Eco-Zone offers crafts and interactive exhibits for children. Local gardening groups and native plant societies will also be present with demonstrations and giveaways.
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Admission: Free; open to all ages.
6. Wilmington Pesticide Safety School
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Dates & Times: May 13–14, 2025
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Approx. 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM each day
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Location: New Hanover County Arboretum Education Center, 6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC
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Description: A two-day course for individuals seeking certification in pesticide application. Topics include laws and regulations, safe handling, pest identification, and proper use of application equipment. The course is led by North Carolina State University Extension specialists.
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Registration: Required in advance; course fees apply. Manuals and certification exam fees are separate.
7. Hobby Greenhouse Club Monthly Meeting
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Date: May 13, 2025
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Time: 7:00 PM
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Location: To be announced (check Hobby Greenhouse Club updates)
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Description: Open to the public, this club meeting includes a guest speaker, Q&A session, and updates on upcoming garden projects. A great opportunity to connect with local plant lovers.
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Admission: Free.
8. Cape Fear Garden Club Centennial Luncheon & Fashion Show
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Date: May 14, 2025
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Location: Details to be announced
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Description: In honor of the club’s 100-year anniversary, this celebratory luncheon and fashion show will spotlight styles across the decades and highlight the impact of the club’s legacy on Wilmington’s landscape.
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Tickets: Reservations required. Check the club’s event calendar for more info.
9. Beauty Spot Awards Ceremony – National Garden Week
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Date: Week of June 1–7, 2025
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Location: To be announced
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Description: The Cape Fear Garden Club celebrates National Garden Week by recognizing outstanding residential and commercial landscapes across the area. This award ceremony honors community beautification efforts.
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Admission: Free.
10. “Birds of a Feather” Art Exhibit at Airlie Gardens
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Dates: July 11 – December 31, 2025
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Location: Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC
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Description: Enjoy a whimsical stroll through the gardens and discover 10 large bird sculptures uniquely designed by local artists. This seasonal exhibit encourages visitors to explore art in the garden and appreciate the beauty of native bird species.
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Admission: Included with regular garden admission.
Final Thoughts
From plant sales and eco-festivals to educational workshops and private garden tours, Wilmington offers something for every green thumb and flower fan this spring. Whether you’re looking to shop for your spring garden, learn new skills, or simply bask in the beauty of blooming landscapes, be sure to mark these events on your calendar and enjoy all that Wilmington has to offer.
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