I recently toured the new three-wing complex that will house education programs at the N.C. Botanical Garden.

Make no mistake about it – the 31,200 square-feet, $12.5 million facility is a big deal. It replaces the old education center, which housed the garden's programs for about 30 or 40 years, said Laura Cotterman, a Botanical Garden spokeswoman.

The new building has sort of a cabin-y feel - with its atlantic white cedar siding - but on a large scale. The three wings are situated in a U-shape connected by a covered walkway, and are designed to wrap around yet-to-be-planted gardens. Here’s a cool feature: On the building's porch overseeing gardens, there will be rocking chairs and wireless Internet. Also, a two-story classroom I saw with giant floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden is stunning.

A recent photo of the new education center at the N.C. Botanical Garden.

A remaining $2.5 million is needed to be raised for the project, which also has several “green” features. Cotterman explained during the tour that in addition to having a geo-thermal heating and air conditioning system, the building has rain cisterns, which will irrigate the center’s gardens with collected water.

“It was really important we demonstrated if you build this building, do it in the most environmentally conscious way possible,” Cotterman said.

The education programs there will include horticulture classes for adults, children’s programs and more. Cotterman said she did not have a firm date for when the facility would open, but a private ceremony where Chancellor Holden Thorp is expected to dedicate the building is scheduled for Oct. 12.