It's that time once again when the JCRA team pulls out all the stops and raids our own nursery collection plants to share in the Winter Auction. As always, we have some exceptionally cool plants. 

No matter how jaded a plant lover you might be, there is sure to be something on the list to get your blood pumping and your temperature rising—the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

The Rare Plant Auction is open to any plant lovers. 

You do not have to be registered for the Winter Symposium to participate.

Auction Details:

• Auction Opens 3 PM ET, Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and closes at 12:30 PM ET, Saturday, February 21, 2026. 
• Winners will be contacted.
• Times will be scheduled for auction winners to pick up plants at the JCRA on February 25 and 26.
• Shipping is available for smaller plants to the lower 48 states only for a $15 fee per plant.
  • Note that some plants may be shipped bareroot.
• "No Shipping" is noted in plant descriptions. Not all plants can be shipped.

How to bid:

• The site is closed until 3 PM on February 18. At that time, please register or sign in with your cell phone number or email address. Clickbid will text or email you a one-time passcode to log in.
• If you have trouble logging in, clear the cache on your browser, or try a different browser. If all fails, please email us at jcra-events@ncsu.edu for assistance.
• A credit card must be registered in the active Clickbid account to place bids. Your credit card will not be charged unless you have the winning bid. 
• You may place a one-time bid, or enter a maximum bid and will auto-bid up to that amount.
• How To Bid Video

Important things to know:

• Know what size plant you are bidding on.
• Pot size is noted in the description and a "pot" shot is included showing a similar size of the plant.
• Note: "Glamour" shots are included to show what a more mature plant will look like. 

All proceeds from the plant auction benefit the daily operations of the JC Raulston Arboretum. All funds raised from the plant auction are collected and managed by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit (tax ID 56-6049304).

Infuse Your Passion Into the Garden and Let it Grow

Winter may quiet the garden, but it doesn’t have to quiet your passion. Gardening with Gusto, the JC Raulston Arboretum’s Winter Symposium, is designed to stoke the fires of curiosity, creativity, and love for plants during the cold months, so you can head into spring inspired and energized.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Space is limited, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to transform your garden into a functional, beautiful, and sustainable space. Attend the Winter Symposium in person at the JC Raulston Arboretum or join us online via Zoom from anywhere. Plus, all participants will receive recordings of the presentations to watch at your convenience. Register now to secure your spot! 

Presentations & Speakers

"Maximizing Joy & Awe in Your Garden"
Anne Spafford, MLA, Professor and Head, Landscape Architecture & Environmental Design, Mississippi State University

Research shows that experiences of joy and awe play an important role in our health and well-being, and gardens offer a powerful place to cultivate both. In this session, landscape designer Anne Spafford explores how thoughtful garden design — from layout and planting combinations to small, unexpected moments — can deepen our connection to nature and create lasting emotional impact. Blending research-based insights with practical examples, she’ll share strategies for designing gardens that offer seasonal interest, invite curiosity, and remain rewarding to care for without becoming overwhelming. Whether you’re shaping a new space or reimagining an existing one, you’ll come away inspired to garden with gusto for years to come!

"Making Your Garden Your Own"
Dan Benarcik, Courtyard Gardens Horticulturist, Chanticleer

Gardens can be more than collections of plants — they can be personal, expressive spaces that tell a story. In this session, Dan Benarcik explores how artistic elements and thoughtfully chosen found objects can bring individuality and character into the garden. From garden furniture used as a design feature to ornamental containers and bold floral combinations, he’ll show how these elements can reflect your personality and enhance the overall experience of a space. Drawing on years of creative practice at Chanticleer Garden, Dan offers ideas and inspiration for gardeners who want to move beyond the expected and design with confidence, imagination, and a true sense of joy.