For seven nights in November, the magical lighting exhibition “Moonlight in the Garden” returns to showcase JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University (it’s the only opportunity each year to access the arboretum after dark).

“Nature brings joy to life and illumination at night reveals new dimensions of nature,” said Garner. “’Moonlight in the Garden’ is a huge lighting exhibition, using miles of cable powered by dozens of transformers to showcase the Arboretum with the latest and best lighting technologies.”

“Moonlight in the Garden is a chance for us to light up the garden and share what a magical place the Arboretum can be at night,” said Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum. “The lighting displays and the artistic uses of light show how different a garden looks and what can be done to make it an enchanting space into the night.”

Exhibition dates include a special Preview Night (with edibles and beverages) from 7 to 9 p.m. November 5, 2019, plus presentations November 7, 8, and 9, 2019, and November 14, 15, and 16, 2019. There are two showings each evening: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 PM.

“Together with the colorful and festive lighting exhibition, ‘Moonlight in the Garden’ is a time to bundle up, welcome the fall season, dine at the best food trucks, enjoy the live music, have some hot cider, and roast marshmallows over the fire pits,” said Weathington.

New to the Moonlight exhibition this year is the Arboretum’s Air Bee & Bee, a “five-star urban habitat” for pollinators completed in August.

Advance tickets are $20 for non-members, and $5 for children under 12. Road Trips Gardeners planning to go should buy their tickets now as tickets have always sold out in advance.

“Moonlight in the Garden” is a custom design installed by Southern Lights of Raleigh and sponsored by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation.

Proceeds from “Moonlight in the Garden” will benefit daily operations of JC Raulston Arboretum, featuring a constantly changing collection of more than 7,000 different types of plants. The arboretum’s mission includes plant collection, research, distribution, and education.

JC Raulston Arboretum is on Beryl Road in Raleigh, North Carolina, between Meredith College and the NC State Fairgrounds.

(Photos by Frank Clemmensen courtesy of North Carolina State University)