Lath House
Originally
the "Rare Plants House," where young and tender plants were sheltered
and closely observed, the Lath House is now packed with over 700 different kinds
of choice plants that perform best in the shade. The Lath House provides a sensational
display, especially in the warmer months when it seems almost jungle-like.
Plants in the Lath House are
being grown in specially prepared raised beds composed of a pine bark mixture,
which provides excellent soil drainage and aeration. Fences constructed within
the Lath House create a series of "rooms" designed to heighten the
exploration and discovery experience as one wanders along the path. Many of
the plants considered marginally hardy in Raleigh, NC have performed well in
the microclimate provided in this area of the JCRA.
.
Explore the Lath House and discover the fine collections of Arisaema
(Jack-in-the-pulpit), Heuchera (coral bells), ferns, Hosta, Hydrangea,
Iris, Hedera, Japanese maple, Mahonia, Kalmia (mountain
laurel), Pieris, Rhododendron, and Taxus (yew).
Some of the fine specimens located in this garden include:
- common soapwort - Gentiana saponaria
- leopard plant - Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'
- red Japanese andromeda - Pieris japonica 'Shojo'
- wheel tree - Trochodendron aralioides
- French hydrangea - Hydrangea macrophylla 'Pia'
- bear's breeches - Acanthus spinosus
- variegated giant dogwood - Cornus controversa 'Variegata'