The Azaleas in the Gardens at Biltmore
One of the greatest pleasures of living near Asheville is having access to the incredible Biltmore Estate with its house and gardens. Today I went to see the azaleas that have been in bloom for two weeks, and anything else concerning the gardens that might prove especially interesting. Driving the two miles to the mansion from the entrance where the security guard checked my pass was worth the entire trip. Wild azaleas were blooming in the forest all along the road. Century old trees of every make and model were in their full glory on an overcast afternoon. Driving past the house, I went directly to the parking area behind the Gardens’ store and hot houses. Being a weekday, there were people but no crowds. It was almost like I had the entire Gardens to myself. Walking into the formal garden from the conservatory, this is the view that greeted me.
The wisteria was in full bloom, and set off the reds and yellows in the beds. There were many varieties of iris. Here are just a few…
Scattered among the iris beds were plantings of the most interesting pansies I’ve ever seen.
Walking into the Frederick Law Olmstead designed azalea garden, the colors were in all directions. I slowly walked amongst these glorious bushes, in awe of their displays. For those folks who believe that they might see Heaven in their afterlife, they don’t need to wait. Just being in this place is as much Heaven as you might ever have imagined. You can’t believe the beauty…
Moving on to the Boathouse on Bass Lake, I found the largest Mountain Laurel tree I’ve ever seen. It, too, must have been over a hundred years old.
Walking back toward the garden entrance, I was greeted by a Robin Redbreast, looking for that illusive worm. Also, a small stream fed into the lake, but not before keeping a steady flow of nourishing water to the forest around it.
Driving out, the house beckoned me to return. That’s one request that will be easy to fulfill.
Living in The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina- A Blog 
Biltmore is just fantastic. We spent four years just outside Asheville. We enjoyed our time there in WNC.
Thanks so much Andy… There’s just no place on earth like Biltmore. Vann
Old George took his influence & Money to Direct and create Workes of ART he was only able to enjoy a short time in his life but to share for the enjoyment by generations to come. Your Photos are Beautiful—-The Old Laurel is as the surfers say ” Gnarly ” ! Imagine if Peter Sellers Character “Cheslie ” A Gardner ” actually spent his life caring for the This grea Estate.
Thanks Bill. George sure did know how to build a house. I always think of Peter Sellers when I’m there.
Looks like you picked the perfect time of the year for your visit to the Biltmore. The colors are so vivid and complex, your pictures transported me into the gardens. Hope to return there with you again to enjoy this treasure shared with us by the Vanderbilt’s and Olmstead.
It wasn’t the same without you guys there with me! You MUST come back again soon. Thanks you again for my annual pass…. Vann
Someday i sure hope to see this magnificent place in person, maybe with you as my guide. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful pictures! Yes it does look like heaven.
I love the Biltmore. One of my favorite place to hang out. Just throw me in that briar patch. ;-))