Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden - Image 1
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Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

4.7
·520 reviews·Wilmington, United States

Discover the fascinating world of carnivorous plants, including the iconic Venus flytrap, in this protected Wilmington sanctuary.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Plants are most active and visible.

CrowdMedium
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Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden - Image 1

Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Plants are most active and visible.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the fascinating world of carnivorous plants, including the iconic Venus flytrap, in this protected Wilmington sanctuary. Instagram

4.7
(520 reviews)

"A fantastic place to see many Venus fly traps and other carnivorous plants up close! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Ground can be uneven and damp; closed-toe shoes are recommended. Watch for snakes!

🚫 Leave the Dogs at Home

This is a protected habitat, so furry friends are not allowed to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Venus Flytraps in Their Natural Habitat

Venus Flytraps in Their Natural Habitat

Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

Witness the iconic Venus flytrap, native only to a 100km radius around Wilmington, thriving in its natural wetland environment.

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Diverse Carnivorous Plant Collection

Diverse Carnivorous Plant Collection

Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

Explore a fascinating array of carnivorous plants, including various pitcher plants and sundews, showcasing nature's ingenuity.

Instagram+1
Educational Signage and Trails

Educational Signage and Trails

Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

Learn about the unique adaptations of these plants through informative signs along well-maintained, accessible walking paths.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Flytrap Spotting

Venus flytraps are native to the Wilmington area, but spotting them requires patience and the right timing. While the garden showcases them year-round, their bloom and visibility can vary. Consider visiting during warmer months for the best chance to see them in action. Reddit

Respect the Garden's Delicate Ecosystem

This garden is a protected habitat for unique carnivorous plants. Stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing the plants and wildlife. Dogs are not permitted to protect the sensitive environment. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Plants are most active and visible.
Crowd
Medium
When
Flytrap Frolic events
Why
Family fun & educational activities.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Venus Flytrap rescued from Walmart. #CarnivorousPlant #VenusFlytrap #plantsoftiktok #GardenTok #PlantTips #Plants
@rosannebecker
328.1K likes • 3.3M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Ground can be uneven and damp; closed-toe shoes are recommended. Watch for snakes! Reddit

🚫 Leave the Dogs at Home

This is a protected habitat, so furry friends are not allowed to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Instagram

Try a Cape #sundew for reducing the little bugs that come along with #houseplants #planttiktok #carnivorousplants #plantsoftiktok #plant
@predatoryplants
230.7K likes • 3.7M views
Just buzzing by your feed one last time to remind y'all that the 15th annual Flytrap Frolic takes off this Saturday at the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden! Swing by from 10am to 3 pm for games, crafts, face painting, and, of course, those famous flytraps. Free, family-friendly, and un-fly-gettable! We'll see you out there! @coastallandtrust
cityofwilm
548 likes • 11.1K views

📸 Capture the Details

Many plants are small; get close (but stay on the path!) to appreciate their intricate beauty. Reddit

💡 Free Admission!

Enjoy this unique natural wonder without any cost. Donations are appreciated. Reddit

The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, through the lens. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, this garden was cultivated by Stanley Rehder, who was known around the area as the “Flytrap Man”. After his passing in 2012, this spectacular garden full of different species of carnivorous plants was named after him. The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is now protected by the Coastal La...
linz_through_the_lens
50 likes • 336 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Ground can be uneven and damp; closed-toe shoes are recommended. Watch for snakes! Reddit

🚫 Leave the Dogs at Home

This is a protected habitat, so furry friends are not allowed to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

Many plants are small; get close (but stay on the path!) to appreciate their intricate beauty. Reddit

💡 Free Admission!

Enjoy this unique natural wonder without any cost. Donations are appreciated. Reddit

📅 Check for Events

The annual Flytrap Frolic offers family fun, games, and educational activities. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(520 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden for its unique collection of native carnivorous plants, especially the Venus flytrap, and its educational value. Many appreciate that it's a free, accessible space showcasing local biodiversity. Some note that the plants are smaller than expected and advise caution on uneven trails.

"This is a fantastic place to see many Venus fly traps and other carnivorous plants up close! Venus fly traps are only found within a 100km radius of Wilmington, which makes them a huge treasure of this area. There are many signs to help you learn more about the plants in this garden and how to spot them (some are very small). This park is an incredible way to showcase something uniquely beautiful about NC."

Jo Gaojian

"This is the first time I’ve ever left a review for something but this place deserves 5-stars. So cool to see native and endemic carnivorous plants all in one place and protected. It was a nice walk with Pitcher plants and Venus Flytraps all along. Most of the wild Flytraps are very small and easy to step on if you get off the trail, please be careful and watch your step if you do wander off."

John McGee

"We went for the flytrap frolic and my kids had a great time! It was very hot that day. However, there is some shade along the trail. You definitely want to try to find the different kinds of carnivorous plants that are smaller than you think. It kept my kids entertained."

Katie Wegman

What People Like

Unique native plants
Educational experience
Free admission

What People Dislike

Plants smaller than expected
Uneven trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located at 3800 Canterbury Road, Wilmington, NC, behind Alderman Elementary School. Instagram

Parking is available at the adjacent nature preserve. Reddit

Public transportation options to the general area can be researched, but direct public transit to the garden's specific entrance might be limited. Reddit

The walkways and observation areas are generally well-planned for accessibility, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy parts of the park. Reddit

The garden is open to the public year-round. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the garden is completely free for everyone. Reddit

The garden is open year-round, but specific hours might vary. It's best to check with the Coastal Land Trust for any seasonal changes. Instagram

Yes, the annual Flytrap Frolic is a popular family event with games, crafts, and educational activities. Instagram+1

No, dogs and other pets are not allowed in the garden to protect the sensitive carnivorous plants and their habitat. Instagram

While admission is free, donations are welcomed and help support the maintenance and preservation of this unique natural space. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You can see Venus flytraps, various pitcher plants, and sundews, all native to the Wilmington region. Instagram+1

Most visitors spend about 20-30 minutes exploring the garden, but you can linger longer if you wish. Reddit

While formal guided tours might not be daily, garden guides are often present during special events like the Flytrap Frolic. Instagram

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the ground can be uneven and damp. Layers are recommended as weather can change. Reddit

Restroom facilities may be limited or located at a nearby park area; it's advisable to check beforehand or use facilities before arriving. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is allowed, and it's a great place to capture unique plant life. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, ideal for plant photography. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is fine. Professional shoots might require permits; check with the Coastal Land Trust. Instagram

Use a macro lens or zoom in on your phone. Get close to the plants (while staying on the path) to capture their intricate details. Reddit

While exciting, capturing a trap closing is rare and requires patience. Focus on the plant's unique structure and habitat. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The fascinating Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants are sure to capture children's attention. The garden's accessible trails and informative signage make it an educational outing. Reddit

Look out for special events like the Flytrap Frolic, which provides a fun-filled day with games, crafts, and educational activities tailored for kids. Remember to keep little ones on the paths to protect the delicate plants and remind them not to touch. Instagram+1

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

For those passionate about botany and photography, this garden is a must-visit. It's one of the few places to see a diverse collection of native carnivorous plants, including the endemic Venus flytrap, in their natural habitat. InstagramReddit

Bring your camera and macro lens to capture the intricate details of these fascinating plants. The best light for photography is typically in the early morning or late afternoon. Remember to stay on the trails and respect the environment while you capture stunning shots. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from Wilmington

If you're looking for a quick, enriching excursion near Wilmington, the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is an ideal choice. It's easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the local natural heritage. Instagram

Spend an hour or two exploring the garden, learning about its namesake, Stanley Rehder, and the incredible carnivorous plants. It's a peaceful and educational escape that showcases something truly special about the North Carolina coast. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the 'Flytrap Man'

The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is a living tribute to Stanley Rehder, a Wilmington native who dedicated 25 years to cultivating and protecting the region's unique carnivorous flora. Known affectionately as 'the Flytrap Man,' Rehder's passion and hard work transformed this area into a sanctuary for these fascinating plants. Instagram+1

His efforts ensured that the endemic Venus flytraps, which are found only within a 100km radius of Wilmington, would have a protected space to thrive. The garden, now a City of Wilmington Park managed by the Coastal Land Trust, continues his legacy by showcasing these natural wonders to the public. InstagramReddit

Visitors can learn about Rehder's dedication through interpretive signage along the pathways, appreciating the deep connection between the local community and its extraordinary natural heritage. The garden serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the impact one individual can have. Reddit

Understanding Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants, like those found at the Stanley Rehder garden, have evolved to capture and digest insects and other small prey. This adaptation allows them to survive in nutrient-poor environments, such as the sandy, acidic soils of the Wilmington coastal plain. Instagram

The garden features several types of these remarkable plants. The most famous is the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), known for its hinged traps that snap shut when triggered by unsuspecting insects. You'll also find pitcher plants, which lure prey into a deep, fluid-filled cavity, and sundews, characterized by their sticky, tentacle-like glands that ensnare insects. Instagram+1

These plants play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations. The garden's design aims to mimic their natural wetland habitat, providing a glimpse into the intricate balance of nature. Visitors are encouraged to observe these plants closely and learn about their unique survival strategies. InstagramReddit

Visiting with Children

The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is a fantastic educational outing for families. The unique nature of carnivorous plants, especially the dramatic Venus flytrap, captures children's imaginations. The garden's relatively short walking paths and informative signs make it engaging for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Special events like the annual Flytrap Frolic are specifically designed for families, offering games, crafts, and face painting alongside educational opportunities about the plants. These events create a fun and memorable experience, making learning about nature exciting. Instagram+1

While the garden is a natural habitat, it's important to remind children to stay on the marked trails and not to touch the plants. This ensures their safety and the preservation of the delicate ecosystem. The garden's free admission also makes it an accessible and budget-friendly family activity. Reddit+1

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