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With the possible exception of allergy sufferers, who among us doesn�t yearn for the bright, promising days of the spring season? Bulbs and perennials making their way through the soil toward the warm sun, songbirds � like their human counterparts who winter elsewhere � back for the pleasant days that lie ahead, and the trees and grass greening up are all signs that Mother Nature is renewing herself. What better place to enjoy those uplifting days of late March, April, and May than at the North Carolina Arboretum? Without a doubt, the Arboretum is a great place to visit year-round, but springtime might just be the time of year when this 426-acre natural wonderland of gardens, trails, streams, and fountains hits its stride. There are many programs, walks, hikes, exhibitions, workshops, and simple, unfettered fun that are available at the Arboretum � the problem might be narrowing the choices down to just two or three. Daily
"Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders" ~ Insect Exhibit
"Orchids and Iris in the Garden" ~ Silk Painting Exhibit
Exhibit Greenhouse ~ Butterfly House
Asheville Amblers 10k Self-Guided Hike. Stop by the Arboretum's information desks for a map and instructions on taking a 6.2-mile tour of the Arboretum's gardens and woodland areas.
Savory Thyme Caf�. Enjoy fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and beverages during your visit to the NC Arboretum. Atrium seating provides panoramic views of the Bent Creek watershed.
The Garden Trellis Gift Shop, Education Center
Nature Activities for Kids. Families can stop by the Baker Exhibit Center and check out a Discovery Day Pack. Packs include binoculars, magnifying glasses and other items children can use to explore the Arboretum's trails and gardens.
Segway(tm) Tours Mondays through Fridays
Production Greenhouse Facility Self-Guided Tours. Visit the working complex that produces plants for seasonal landscape exhibits.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday Mondays and Tuesdays, excluding March 24 & 25
Wee Naturalist Classes. Preschoolers learn about trees, birds, bears, bugs, raindrops and much more. Each class might include a physical activity, critter visits, puppets, songs, art time, stories, and short nature walks. Tuesdays and Saturdays
Forest Trails Walk. This guided tour takes visitors through different types of forest environments in an exploration of natural history. Topics include plants, trees, flowers, birds, insects and local history. Bring water, wear walking shoes and dress in layers.
1 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays Saturdays and Sundays
Weekend Film Screenings Thursday, March 6
The Changing Mountain Environment: Honeybees. Join us for a day of presentations exploring recent dramatic changes to the honeybee's well being, and learn how this beneficial insect is so important for pollinating our food crops. Tuesday, March 11
Gardening in the Mountains: Starting a Vegetable Garden. This informative program is offered in cooperation with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension and regional Master Gardeners. Wednesday, March 12
Collections Walk: Wild Spring Perennials. This monthly walk focuses on various seasonal features of the Arboretum's cultivated and wild plant collections. Saturday, March 15
Arbor Day Celebration! Thursday, March 20
Dr. Entomo Lecture Series: IPM 101. Learn the basics behind "Integrated Pest Management," attracting beneficial insects to the garden, and filling your garden with the best plants in the best places. Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28
Spring Break Camps ~ Grades K & 1/Grades 2 & 3. Discovery and adventure abound during this week of fun and learning. Kids will experience a wide range of activities from crafts and games to hikes and live animal demonstrations. This is a great opportunity to get out and experience the mountains. Find beautiful blooming wildflowers and encounter wildlife waking or returning for the spring.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day Wednesday, March 26
In-Depth Walk: What's New in the Garden. An Arboretum horticulturist leads a walk focusing on new features in the gardens. Saturday & Sunday, March 29-30
2008 WNC Orchid Society Show, Plant Sale and Sneak Peek at Spring.
"Islands of Orchids" is the theme for this popular annual event. Activities include a display of hundreds of juried orchids, orchid care demonstrations, 15 regional orchid vendors, and presentations by expert orchid growers. The North Carolina Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 (previously Exit 2) and follow Blue Ridge Parkway signs for two miles to the entrance ramp. Arboretum grounds are open 7 days a week. Property hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., April-October and 8 a.m.-7 p.m., November-March. The Visitor Education Center and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. The Greenhouse Production Facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking Fees: $6 per personal motor vehicle, $25 commercial vans and $45 tour buses. No parking fee applies for NC Arboretum Society members. All day Tuesday, parking is free for all visitors. For more information call 828-665-2492 or visit our website at www.ncarboretum.org. The mission of The North Carolina Arboretum is to cultivate connections between people and plants. (Images provided by the NC Arboretum)
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