The North Carolina Arboretum invites visitors to discover blooms in abundance at this spring’s plant shows.
The events celebrate the beauty of the season and offer inspiration for garden enthusiasts. Educational programming, including classes and question-and-answer sessions, will provide useful information for all skill levels.
Events for May include:
55th Annual Rhododendron and Azalea Flower Show presented by the American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter
Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4
Presented by the American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter, this yearly judged event features hundreds of blooms. Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas are favorites of the weekend. The North Carolina Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection, and visitors are encouraged to explore the collection, located along Bent Creek, representing nearly every species native to the United States.
National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 9
Now in its sixth year, National Public Gardens Day is a national day of awareness in which communities nationwide are invited to visit and learn about the important role their public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education.
As a participating public garden, The North Carolina Arboretum will waive the parking fee for those visitors who present the Arboretum’s National Public Gardens Day coupon, which may be downloaded from www.nationalpublicgardensday.org. The coupon is only valid for May 9, 2014. Coupons must be presented to receive free parking, and must be surrendered upon entry.
Dahlia Tuber Sale & Mum Plant Sale
Saturday, May 10
A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties will be available for purchase. Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties will include traditional favorites as well as the latest cultivars to start the growing season.
Mother’s Day Buffet at The Savory Thyme Café
Sunday, May 11
The Savory Thyme Café of The North Carolina Arboretum is pleased to offer a special buffet for Mother’s Day. Service will be from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The lunch menu includes spicy peach chicken, aubergine and tomato gratin, lemon rice pilaf, spring vegetable sauté, buttermilk biscuits, and watermelon cake. The cost is $21.95 per adult/$9.95 per child. Reservations are strongly recommended, and may be made by calling (828) 665-2492.
Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Annual Show
Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25
The annual Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.
Each year more than 332,000 visitors experience the Arboretum’s gardens, trails, exhibits, shows and expos, educational programs, demonstrations and lectures. The Arboretum’s ability to meet its mission and enrich the visitor experience is made possible by a community of supporters—from members, volunteers and staff to state and local funds, tribute gifts, grants, and community partners.
Shows and events are free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee ($12 per personal motor vehicle). Visitors are also encouraged to explore the Arboretum’s 65 acres of cultivated gardens, ten miles of hiking and biking trails, and engaging exhibits. For more information, please call (828) 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. The central mission of The North Carolina Arboretum, an affiliate institution of the 17-campus University of North Carolina system, is to cultivate connections between people and plants.