The North Carolina Arboretum is a Treat for all the Senses

Located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the larger Pisgah National Forest, the North Carolina Arboretum and Botanic Garden was established in 1986 by act of the General Assembly of North Carolina. A facility of the University of North Carolina, it is located just southwest of Asheville near the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The arboretum is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Bent Creek stream runs through the center of the property, making it especially picturesque.

The 434-acre garden focuses on "the education, economic development, research, conservation, and garden demonstration with respect to landscape, architecture, and plant sciences.'' As part of this mission, the arboretum regularly offers classes, workshops, and educational programs for all ages in a variety of subjects dealing with gardening and horticulture.

Several gardens can currently be explored at the North Carolina Arboretum though the attraction is not yet complete so more may be added in the future. Currently, the gardens available for viewing include the Blue Ridge Quilt Garden, an area arranged in the Kaleidoscope Quilt block pattern, a nod to the rich crafting heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountain communities. The Dickinson Holly Garden features a variety of native and non-native hollies, while the Heritage Garden showcases plants used in the multi-million dollar craft industry in the area. The National Native Azalea Repository includes nearly every species of this colorful flowering plant native to the United States. Two trails loop through this garden, the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

In addition, the Plants of Promise Garden features plants that show promise for use in the gardens of Southern Appalachia. Local gardeners and home owners can visit to garner ideas for their own creations. New plants are constantly introduced. Also, the Stream Garden, one of three planned demonstration gardens, shows how indigenous and non-native plants can be used in landscape design.

The French Broad River Watershed Education and Training Center is also located on the grounds of the North Carolina Arboretum. It provides educational programming and demonstration projects on low impact development, storm water and sediment, and erosion control practices pertinent to the region. Most are open to the public.

The arboretum's Bonsai Collection features 100 display specimens and many more in various stages of development. This unique garden, located in the onsite greenhouse, is open to the public with limited hours.

The North Carolina Arboretum also has an excellent collection of art works, located in the Education Center, the main gardens, and the Bonsai garden. An ArtWalk brochure, available at the entrance to the arboretum, provides a guide to the pieces of art in the facility's permanent collection. The arboretum also sponsors temporary art exhibits from time to time.

The North Carolina Arboretum is open daily year-round except for Christmas Day. Admission fees include a self-guided tour but visitors can also purchase a Segway tour for an additional cost. Youth can enjoy spring break and summer camps at the arboretum for a reasonable cost. Camps are suitable for children in pre-school through grade 8.