Each year, Biltmore Estate comes alive in the spring with a floral display that is unlike any other in the Asheville area. Not even the North Carolina Arboretum nor the Botanical Gardens are able to compare with this phenomenal display of blooms and colors. The NC Arboretum and UNCA’s Botanical Gardens have their charms, and are well worth a visit, too. Yet, the sheer volume of flowers in bloom at Biltmore Estate trumps them all.

The Annual Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate

This year, Biltmore’s Annual Festival of Flowers is from April 7-May 20, 2012. The 8,000 acres that comprise Biltmore Estate are some of the most meticulously maintained forests, fields and formal gardens in the United States. The well-known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted originally designed the grounds of Biltmore Estate. His influences are still felt in the overall structure of the gardens and forested areas.

Before or after touring Biltmore House, visitors may take a leisurely stroll though the Italian and Walled Gardens and Shrub and Azalea Gardens. Here guests will find spring in its full glory throughout the month of April and for most of May.

Thousands of Tulips on Display

How many tulips can one formal garden contain? The estimated number of tulips planted on Biltmore Estate is 100,000! Sink your eyes into rows and rows of red, yellow, pink, purple and multicolored tulips in Biltmore Estate’s Walled Gardens, and across the grounds. As visitors walk through the orderly Walled Gardens, they will experience a marvelous sea of tulips, planted in rows of related or contrasting colors designed to capture the eye’s attention by offering a rich, visual display of gorgeous blooms.

During the festival of flowers, tulips may take center stage but visitors to Biltmore Estate will also see other blossoms, too. Visitors will see blooming azaleas, dogwood trees, and an assortment of wildflowers, shrubs, ground cover and other species of flowering trees, bushes and plants displaying their colorful blossoms.

Meet the Horticulture Experts

A staff of horticultural specialists is continually improving upon the natural displays at Biltmore Estate that make an extraordinary scene for the visitor. On weekends during the Festival of Flowers guests will actually have the opportunity to meet the horticulturists that tend the Estate grounds. To add to the ambience flowers create, there will also be live music daily in the Biltmore House.

Seminars for Gardeners

Serious gardeners, flower enthusiasts and budding horticulturalists can also take complimentary seminars at the Gardener’s Place in the Conservatory. Topics include: "Culinary Herbs and Edible Flowers", "A Pot for Every Plant" and "Celebrate Spring with Wreaths". Most seminars last for an hour. Check the Biltmore Estate web page for exact times.

The artist who created the Festival of Flowers wine label is also going to be available to meet the public Wednesdays through Sundays, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Visitors may observe her while painting and ask her to sign the bottle that commemorates this year’s Festival of Flowers.

If you are planning a visit to Asheville with family or friends, make sure to include a visit to Biltmore Estate on the itinerary. The Festival of Flowers is as grand as the largest house in America and should not be missed.

To reserve a cabin rental near Biltmore Estate, view Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds and search availability for specific dates.