8 of the Triangle's best gardens to visit this spring

These gardens are the most popular in the area due to their diversity and beauty. You could go to the garden several times in a season and still find something new. These 55 acres of gardens in the heart of Durham are free to the public and open from 8 a.m. to dusk every day of the year.

Parking cost $2 per hour, and lots can get busy during the spring on the weekends, so it's best to get there early in the morning.

Guests can bring their dogs before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. each day. Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash that is 6 feet long or shorter.

While this garden near North Carolina State University's campus is much smaller than Duke Gardens, it is just as impressive. Named after famous N.C. State horticulturalist J. C. Raulston, the gardens aim to diversify North Carolina wildlife.

The arboretum is a great place to have a picnic or host an event. Visitors can also request custom tours or field trips to learn more about North Carolina plant life.

These gardens in southern Wake County, while privately owned, are open to the public for free. There are eight scheduled open garden weekends throughout the year, or guests can visit by-appointment on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

This 22-acre garden is known for its rare species of plants, many that are only found many only at the Juniper Level Botanical Gardens.

This venue makes a profit through its plant nursery, where staff members help advise home gardeners on what best native North Carolina plants would be well-suited in your garden.

The unique gardens have beautiful miniature waterfalls and caves, along with several spots for a picnic.

These gardens offer a beautiful landscape and nature trails to explore.

You can visit the Coker Arboretum, with 5-acres of wildflowers, right on UNC's campus. The North Carolina Botanical Garden also has three miles of hiking through 88 acres of forest in Chapel Hill.

This is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about North Carolina's native plants. The botanical garden is free and open every day except Monday.

These 61-acre gardens is truly a gem in Orange County. The gardens are on the historic property of Gov. William Alexander Graham and his wife.

There are several 19th century buildings to see with gardens and unusual trees.

The gardens only offer tours by appointment from September through May, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m. Tours cost $20 a person.

The Montrose Gardens are known for being spectacular through the winter, so make sure to check them out once spring is over.

This garden, which is in peak bloom in May, is a perfect place to spend Mother's Day.

The small garden in the heart of downtown Raleigh offers a variety of roses that stay in bloom from May until fall’s first frost in October or November.

Plan your trip to also watch a live, outdoor performance by the Raleigh Little Theatre.

While small, this garden is a great place to host a picnic or event.

The space honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy in civil rights. The garden features a life-size statue of MLK, along with a water monument with the names of dozens local civil rights leaders.

In the heart of downtown Raleigh are the beautiful WRAL Azalea Gardens. Here you'll be able to find peace and tranquility no matter the time of the year, but the gardens are in peak bloom in mid-April.

The bright colors of the garden are guaranteed to lighten your day.

The gardens offer many paved roads and is wheelchair friendly. They are open every day from dawn to dusk.