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| A moth perches on daisies in front of the Education Center at the North Carolina Arboretum |
In mid-June, while motoring through the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I discovered the North Carolina Arboretum, located a short distance from my route. I spent part of my morning there ambling through the gardens.
The Arboretum charges a per vehicle fee which is waived for members. As I am not a member and was traveling alone, my admission fee was in effect $12 - several dollars more than I expected to pay.
Yet, after visiting, I'd do it again - and allow more time for exploring. The property includes 65 acres of cultivated gardens and more than 10 miles of hiking trails - far too much ground to cover in less than two hours. I did have time, however, to stop by the Heritage Garden, the Quilt Garden, the Stream Garden, the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, and the Plants of Promise Garden.
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| The Quilt Garden |
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Hydrangea maculata "Lisbelle"
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Shade loving Hosta "Allen P. McConnell"
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Spiky shapes and shadows add interest
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Plant markers identify species
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| A soothing waterfall fountain |
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| Wisteria vines wind up tree |
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Education Center porch
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| Daisies galore at the Entrance Plaza |
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Shade loving plants grow in front of the Baker Exhibit Center
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I'm a huge fan of Japanese maples
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On my way back to the Interstate, I stopped by the Eden Brothers warehouse and went a little crazy buying seeds. That's what happens when a gardener leaves paradise.
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| The North Carolina Arboretum |
