Ambling through the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville

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.

The Quilt Garden  

Hydrangea maculata "Lisbelle"

Shade loving Hosta "Allen P. McConnell"

Spiky shapes and shadows add interest

Plant markers identify species

A soothing waterfall fountain

Wisteria vines wind up tree

Education Center porch

Daisies galore at the Entrance Plaza

Shade loving plants grow in front of the Baker Exhibit Center

I'm a huge fan of Japanese maples

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. 

The North Carolina Arboretum

For more information, visit the North Carolina Arboretum's website: http://www.ncarboretum.org.

A Homeplace Garden

A glimpse of the grounds

Stopping by Virginia's Chesapeake Arboretum with my ninety-two-year-old mother, I feel like I'm visiting my grandparents on the farm. Remember when people grew their own food? In the American South fig trees and pecan trees thrived in backyards. Veggies grew in garden rows. And cannas, hydrangeas, and azaleas provided flowers to be cut for indoor enjoyment. That's what this place is like. 

The Caleb Williamson Farmhouse and its grounds are part of the Chesapeake Arboretum

Canna

Nature's Classroom

Hungry caterpillars

Hydrangea

Japanese cedar

Sprawling fig tree

My mother sits on a bench shaded by the sprawling fig tree as I wander around the old homeplace. Bluejays call to one another from nearby trees. Occasionally one swoops in and devours some of the abundant ripe fruit. A gardener comes over and says we should help ourselves to some figs. I pick one for my mother and she finds it delicious. 

Lovely trio

Places like this one inspire me and reinforce my long ago decision to turn my suburban lot into a homeplace garden.

For more information about the Chesapeake Arboretum, visit their website: http://www.chesarbor.org.

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