7. The North Carolina Arboretum

Western North Carolina's beauty and Appalachian culture take the stage at this public garden, located near the Blue Ridge Parkway. More than 60 acres of the arboretum are expertly cultivated gardens that showcase a variety of flora, including one of the most extensive bonsai collections in the US. Also on display are an ericaceous (acid soil-loving) plant collection with more than 16 species of native and hybrid azaleas and the Heritage Garden, which highlights plants pivotal to the region's craft industry. Ten miles of trails allow visitors to fully explore the unique landscape. Each season, the center hosts educational programs, workshops, and demonstrations.   (© 10Best)

In 1992, The North Carolina Arboretum, on the outskirts of Asheville, received a small donation of bonsai plants. Since then, bonsai curator Arthur Joura has increased the collection to more than 200 specimens, one of the finest public displays of bonsai plants in the country. What makes this one unique, though, is that Arthur works mainly with plants and landscapes commonly found in the southern Appalachian Mountains. (from Southern Living)

Hours:

Education Center  Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm Greenhouse  Mon-Fri 8am-2pm Property Hours  Daily 8am-7pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Admission:

Parking $6

Payment Methods:

Website: Visit the The North Carolina Arboretum website »

Type: Gardens

	"10Best Guest" more than a month ago
Lots to see as one wanders around this attraction, the bonsai collection is most informative. The Arboretum has grown tremendously over the last few years in what it offers. As of this writing (12/1/2008) the Arboretum is free on Tuesdays.
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