The Guardians of Lake Wheeler Road
J&C Garden World is one of those places you may have passed several times and wondered what lies inside. Curiosity got the better of me this past weekend, so I stopped by to see the menagerie of exotic animals, pop culture icons, religious figures, and that of ancient history.
More effective than any sign would be, a trio of animals beckons you to pull over at the intersection of Lake Wheeler Road and Centennial Parkway.
Before you get inside the fence to see the selection, you are greeted by some of the most grand of statues.
Contrary to what most people think, the poured-concrete sculptures aren’t produced on site. They are created in locations all over North Carolina. The benefit of the nearby sources is a quick turnaround time from cast to delivery.
J.L. and Connie Pittman opened J&C Garden World 11 years ago in the same location, offering plants as well as garden statues. Once the Farmer’s Market relocated to its current location about a block away, the owners shifted away from plants to statues exclusively.
There isn’t a a web site and they don’t offer shipping. All business is done on site. That hasn’t stopped out of state demand, though. One customer in New York arranged for someone locally to pick up a cast Yoda (above) via Craigslist.
Most of the inventory is poured conrete statues, but you can find reflective garden globes as well.
Even if you’re not in the market for a statue, it’s well worth your time to stop by on a weekend. Not only will some of the creatures and icons bring a smile to your face, but it’s also fun to contemplate the odd juxtaposition of some of the sculptures.
Although related items are grouped together, there are plenty of odd couples.
Then you have the somewhat unexplainable. These unlikeliest of home and garden decorations have come to be some of the most lucrative for the owners. One particular item that the owners have a hard time keeping stocked is the garden zombie – consisting of three separate pieces that resemble a zombie emerging from the ground.
There is a certain tongue-in-cheek reaction to some of the statues, and there’s no doubt the artists are aware of that. You can find hidden easter eggs in some, such as the hieroglyphics above. Notice any that don’t quite belong?
Selecting which pieces to carry is certainly more art than science. Some of the most unexpected of pieces will sell several in a week or two, while others have sat for years. If there is a specific character or animal you’re looking for, they will work with you to try and locate one.
Prices range from twenty dollars for the smaller items up to several hundred for the larger and more detailed pieces. They are open during normal business hours seven days a week.
These make great gifts too. In case you’re curious, the garden zombies are at the top of my list.
J&C Garden World
1711 Lake Wheeler Road
(919) 833-0544
06/03/2010
I stopped there last year and took a few photos with my Diana.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dAO8jsXfHG0/Sse7I91S-KI/AAAAAAAACYs/QMau-xjr3w0/s1600-h/lomo+09+020.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dAO8jsXfHG0/Sse7IiKvC9I/AAAAAAAACYk/bdLgZjY22T4/s1600-h/lomo+09+021.jpg
06/03/2010
My wife and kids convinced me to stop there a couple of years ago when we were at the Farmer’s Market buying a Christmas tree. My wife ended up with an obelisk and a Yoda for Christmas (by her request). The folks there will paint the items for you, which makes them look really nice (ours are just a green patina). Really, really nice folks to deal with. Better have a heavy-duty vehicle if you buy anything very large, though!
06/03/2010
I’ll copy Danielle (minus the Diana, pretty jealous about that):
I also took a photo here earlier this year when it snowed. It was one of my favorite pictures I took that day:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alex_ford/4319824872/in/set-72157623196861265/
I lived over in this area for about 5 years, and never went inside. But this weekend I will, thanks for the post. It is really awesome that Raleigh has places like this. More of our roads need giraffes and elephants and garden zombies to look out for them.
06/03/2010
Come on!!! You mention the Zombies twice, but not picture? LOL
06/04/2010
I’ve wanted that giraffe for a LONG time. My wife just looks at me and says politely, but sternly, “No.”
06/04/2010
I thought I had somehow missed the zombies. Do you have any pictures of them, they sound awesome.
06/10/2010
Just cross-posted, great article! Also, the Pentecostal church down the street makes good use of the palm trees.
Jason
06/14/2010
Oh my god, I grew up in that church. And let me tell you, there was a faction that was very strongly against the use of the palm trees. Very, very strongly against the use of the palm trees.
06/14/2010
Chris and Ash: Unfortunately they were out of stock on zombies. I plan on returning soon to pick one up for my front yard, so I’ll update this post once I get a photo.
06/15/2010
On our Sunday trips to the Farmer’s Market, I always get the urge to visit this place but they aren’t open Sundays. I’ve always wanted to check out the Mr. Wuf statue inside the gate. Might have to pick up something from there for Father’s Day. Thanks for post!
06/22/2010
I didn’t even know this was here! Can’t wait to check it out next time I’m in the area. I’m very interested to see what the zombies look like.
07/23/2012
I’m looking for a heavy concrete pot for flowers. Do they have those at J&C Garden World?
12/09/2012
looking for pineapples–do you sell them unpainted?
12/09/2012
Charlie, that’s where I got mine!
05/31/2013
I am looking for a singing adult female angel. Please contact me if you ever have one. Thank you
07/21/2014
Do you have a statue similiar to the famous piece, “The Thinker” by Rodin?
07/07/2015
Do they sell the cement geese
for which you can buy outfits?
08/04/2015
I am looking for Canada Geese cement statues. Do you carry any canada geese? And not the Mother goose type. A real lifelike canada goose. Looking for about two -three different styles. Like one sitting maybe one preening and just one standing. I have looked high and low all over southeast WI. If you do have some I’m sure the shipping would probably break me. Thanks for your time
12/13/2016
I would like to know if you sale any statues of Sacred Heart Of Jesus? I am looking for one about 4ft tall.
07/01/2017
After 18+ years serving this area, we are closing shop for good. Everything is 20% off,wow. Thank you for your business.
01/11/2018
After 18 years we moved to 9395 hwy70 w Princeton NC 27569 phone 919-936-0045 call or come visit us at
07/21/2021
Hey, I used to pass this place ask the time and now I finally need some gargoyle statues but I see the lot is empty. Have you relocated?