Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
Date: Thu, Sep 3, 2026
Time: Thurs., 6:30-8pm
Venue: JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Price: Free
Category: Film
We've all heard the stories of J. C. Raulston traveling the country and giving away plants, but how did his plant introductions and ideas influence local gardeners, landscape designers and early JCRA volunteers in creating their own gardens? Suzanne Edney is uniquely qualified to answer this question: she is all of the above. A local gardener and the creator of Olderwood in Apex, North Carolina, Suzanne is an award-winning landscape designer and consultant as well as the third person to volunteer at the arboretum. In this documentary film, "Gardening in the Footsteps of J. C. Raulston – Olderwood," Suzanne takes us through the design considerations that transformed her barren-looking space into the extraordinary Piedmont woodland garden of today. Listening to Suzanne and following her through her garden, you'll learn about trees, shrubs and ground covers that thrive in Triassic basin soil, including the woody plants that J. C. encouraged her to try. As a landscape design instructor and lecturer, Suzanne shares her solutions to common gardening problems. What about that muddy area near the house? How can I make a comfortable place for people to sit in my garden? Should I incorporate art into the garden? Whether you're motivated by the desire to enhance your plant knowledge, get new ideas for your landscape, or simply want to take a beautiful stroll through this lovely private garden, please join us for the premiere of "Gardening in the Footsteps of J. C. Raulston – Olderwood.
