Spring Bloom

Experience Airlie in Peak Bloom

When warmer temperatures approach, Airlie Gardens’ springtime blooms are a sight to see! Blooming typically between mid-March through mid-April, we have over 75,000 azaleas on property, and have planted over 60,000, spring bulbs. Peak bloom is weather dependent, so bloom times may vary.  

The Azaleas typically bloom between mid-March thru mid-April; peak bloom falls somewhere in between. The best time to see our blossoms are times mentioned earlier, but this is weather dependent, if temperatures are a sustained 80 degree days and 60 degree nights they may open sooner and finish earlier as well.

 

We operate under normal hours during Spring Bloom:

Open Daily | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gift Shop Hours | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Last admission: 4:30 p.m. & all guests must exit by 5:00 p.m.

Advance tickets are required and must be purchased online

Advance tickets are required and must be purchased online.

Admission includes parking, access to the grounds during regular garden hours and seasonal exhibits (Art Exhibit, Native Wildlife Exhibit, and Butterfly House). Tickets are valid one year from purchase date and cannot be used for entry into special events.

General Admission | $9
New Hanover Resident (ID Required) | $5
Military (ID Required) | $5
Children (Age 4-12) | $3
Airlie Members (Membership Card Required) | Free

AHS Members & Museums for All

Regular Garden admission includes access to the grounds all day.  Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.  We ask all guests exit the gardens by 5pm.

Purchase Tickets!

 

Airlie Gardens is a beautiful place for taking photos. The Gardens are a great backdrop for bridal portraits, engagement photos, family portraits, and spectacular wildlife. We are also a popular site for Plein Air artists.

We do have a photography policy and associated fees that apply to photographers (professional and amateur), and artists for portrait style photography:

“Portrait ‘Style’ photography” as used herein includes, but is not limited to: bridal, family, engagement, or individual portrait photos; as well as, the use of photography props, formal or event-specific attire, a change of clothing, subjects or models (professional or amateur), a pre-arranged photographer (professional or amateur), or other similar situations, as determined by staff.

For more information or to book your photography session please contact Nicki.

 

What’s in Bloom?

All Southern Gardens transition from blankets of color during Spring Bloom to pops of color and thousands of shades of green during the heat of summer. To quote Minnie Evans, legendary artist and former gatekeeper at Airlie, “I have the blooms, and when the blooms are gone, I love to watch the green”. Check back Spring 2022 to see photos of the gardens in Peak Bloom.

Purchase Garden Tickets