Asheville Water Gardens

Botanical Gardens of Asheville

• The Botanical Gardens of Asheville, formerly known as the University of North Carolina Botanical Gardens, spans over 10 acres. It is home to over 600 species of plants that are native to the Southern Appalachians. Among the 600 species, 50 of them are considered rare, endangered or uncommon on either a state or federal level. Some of the rare species found here include the Swamp Pink, the Pale Yellow Trillium and the Broad-leaved Coreopsis. There are two peak blooming seasons at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. The first blooming season occurs in the spring from April to May. The second blooming season takes place from mid-summer into the early fall. A half-mile loop walking trail takes visitors through streams and meadows and into a wildflower cove. Along the way, picnic benches provide visitors a place to sit and enjoy the scenery or have a tranquil picnic. To preserve the serenity of the gardens, they ask that you not bring pets, sports equipment or radios while visiting.

The Biltmore Estate

• The Biltmore Estate is a unique French chateau. Inside, it is a 250-room home. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour that features the life and history of the Vanderbilt family. Outside, the attraction features 75 acres of gardens and woodlands that were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, a renowned landscape architect.

Richmond Hill Inn

• The Richmond Hill Inn features Croquet Cottages that overlook the attractive Parterre Gardens. These gardens are Victorian landscaped and contain various water features, monuments, natural gardens and manicured gardens. The Parterre Gardens are similar to the parterres of the Victorian age, geometric in shape and simple in nature. They include paths that run between garden beds and a waterfall with an elevated terrace just above.

1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage

• The 1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage features the only water garden to win two awards in its category, the 2002 and 2007 Best Water Garden and the 2003 Best Landscape Garden Men's Garden Club and Quality Annual Contest. These award-winning gardens also were featured in the annual Quality Forward Father's Day Garden Tour in 2002 and 2007. They also were featured on the National Garden Conservancy Tour in 2005.

  The 1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage is home to a large variety of unusual plants, including 300 different perennials, roses, hostas and herbs, as well as 18 varities of Japanese maples. The greenhouse contains 1,500 different orchids and tropical flowers. Waterfalls, sitting areas and paths are located throughout the garden, providing a tranquil setting for all who visit.