As gardens evolve through the seasons— it is lovely to experience the transition.

Jean & Lawrence Shuping invite you to relax in their three-acre refuge of peace and serenity.

Come and enjoy the pleasures of their garden in Spring!

 YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to: Open Days

Friday May 16 and Saturday May 17 2014

Today’s garden began in 1998, working around existing camellias and azaleas from Lawrence’s mother and father’s garden.

Rousing poetic and whimsical memories from visits to the great gardens of Europe, Jean began sketching out the bones of inspired garden rooms–creating the magical views from her kitchen windows; then moved to other interior rooms throughout the house to create views!

A collaboration of design and execution between Jean & Lawrence and their gardener Brandon Duncan–a trifecta of enthusiasm, research and engineering–it all began sixteen years ago.

The Shuping garden strikes a delightful balance of grandeur and simplicity.

As you enter through the front natural area, the classic Georgian manor emerges surrounded by Redbuds, Dogwoods, and stately Magnolias.

Visit the cistern in the gated courtyard and then stroll to the piazza and quatrefoil fountain on the garden’s lower level.

As you transition to the upper level, seize the opportunity to admire the cloud-pruned Boulevard Cypress flanking the steps.

Throughout the three acres, plant collections are specifically selected for color and texture, providing year-round interest.

The garden is on a rather steep grade, along with the challenges of heavy clay soil.
18 years of amending with soil conditioner or 50/50 blend, the beds have been brought up to be fertile ground, planted with rare and unusual specimens throughout. It is a garden to enjoy year round.

Areas of the garden have changed from full sun to shade. As trees matured plantings must be changed to accommodate.  Reading and studying is key to adapting to changing conditions over time.

”If I had one message: the garden is always changing – you have to ‘enjoy the process’ and must have the PATIENCE to see it through” —Brandon Duncan, Shuping Plantsman.

Raleigh, Wake Forest and Cary Open Days
Friday, May 16 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 17 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit seven private gardens in Cary, Wake Forest, and Raleigh, , NC.

The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina University in Raleigh will also be welcoming visitors.

Admission: $7 per garden
Discounted admission tickets (6 tickets for $35 general / $21 Garden Conservancy members) will be available in advance at the JC Raulston Arboretum (4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh). Admission to the Arboretum is free.

Open Days are self-guided and proceed rain or shine.
No reservations are required.