Put down those gardening shears and get inspired by a visit to one (or all) of these four magnificent gardens—all are filled with lush foliage and well-tended blooms. You’ll find plenty of ideas for your own patch of grass, get a little advice and maybe find that perfect plant.
Biltmore Estate
Designed by world-famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the majestic gardens of the Biltmore Estate offer an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors, textures and shapes. During summer, the All-American Rose Garden absolutely glows with more than 250 varieties. Native rhododendron, yarrow, sedum, lavender, marigolds, salvia, cannas and impatiens radiate with color all season long.
Don’t Miss: Biltmore Estate’s 2nd Annual Flower Carpet, August 14–30 The South Terrace of the Biltmore House transforms into a jewel-toned carpet filled with 140,000 live plants installed to create a design inspired by the architectural details found in the Biltmore House.
biltmore.com
800-411-3812
828-225-1333
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville
With ten acres of gardens and more than 600 species of plants, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville has bragging rights as the largest collection of Southern Appalachian flora in North Carolina. Open all year, located just minutes outside of downtown, the gardens are a great get-away, any time, any day. No admission charge.
Don’t Miss: The Bi-Annual Plant Sales, each May and September
About a dozen vendors gather to sell everything from native plants to wildflowers and ferns to exotic insectivorous species. A percentage of the vendors’ earnings is used to help pay for upkeep of the gardens.
ashevillebotanicalgardens.org
828-252-5190
The NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is the biggest and best in the state. At 434 acres, it is truly a natural treasure, with 65 acres of artfully cultivated gardens, ten miles of hiking and biking trails, indoor and outdoor exhibits in arts and science, one of the finest Bonsai collections in the country, and many ongoing educational programs for youth and adults.
Don’t Miss: Asheville Quilt Guild Annual Show, August 7–9
14th Annual Carolina Bonsai Expo, October 10–11
ncarboretum.org
828-665-2492
The Bullington Center
Graced with gorgeous, unusual plants, The Bullington Center in Hendersonville offers a 12-acre public garden with an amphitheatre, greenhouse and 2,000-foot nature trail. Used in part as an educational facility, the center offers a variety of gardens to explore: herb, shade, butterfly, native woodland and a children’s area. New to the center is a special therapeutic garden for those with disabilities.
Don’t Miss: The Open House & Fall Plant Sale
September 12
bullingtoncenter.org
828-698-6104
