For more info, call 828-665-2492. Also see Arboretum Special Exhibits
February 26 through May 30: The Photography of Tim Barnwell
Explore Western North Carolina anthropological photography by Tim Barnwell at the Education Center's second floor gallery. Free with the parking fee. Parking is always free for members.
March 27 -28: WNC Orchid Society Show and Sale
Hundreds of orchids fill the Education Center in this annual judged show that also features orchid plant and supply vendors. Educational classes offered throughout the weekend, and Orchid Society members are available to answer questions and provide orchid-growing advice.
April 10 through Early Summer: “Walk with a Naturalist”
Interpretive guides will lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflower and plant identification, natural history and tree lore, and the cultural and land use history of the Arboretum campus. Guides may include such areas as the National Native Azalea Collection as well as Bent Creek. Programs begin on April 10 and run each Tuesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. through early summer. Handouts after class may include such information as identification keys for plants, or lists of common wildflowers.
May 1-2: American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter Annual Show
This SE Chapter, American Rhododendron Society event features hundreds of blooms. Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas are favorites of the weekend. Read more about the Spring Flower Shows.
Saturday, May 8: Dahlia Tuber Sale & Mum Plant Sale
A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties are available. Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season. Read more about the Spring Flower Shows.
Tuesday, May 11: Dahlia Tuber Sale & Mum Plant Sale
A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties are available. Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season. Read more about the Spring Flower Shows.
May 29-30: Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibit
The annual Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide resources about selection, care and history of these beautiful garden plants.
June 19: WNC Daylily Club Show and Sale
Prize-winning daylilies will be on display as well as a wide variety of daylily plants will be on sale. Daylily club members will be available to answer questions.
July 10-11: American Bamboo Society SE Chapter 4th annual Bamboo Festival
The American Bamboo Society’s Southeastern Chapter hosts this extremely popular event which features bamboo nurseries offering living bamboo plants as well as artists and crafters demonstrating and selling their products. Visitors learn about the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass. The weekend includes lectures, demonstrations, crafts, and plant sales.
Read more about the Bamboo Festival
July 17: Garden Symposium
Learn Traditional Gardening Techniques for Tough Economic Times at Focus on Flowers Symposium. “My Grandmother’s Garden” is the theme of the July 17 symposium, and featuring keynote speaker Hunter Stubbs.
Read more about the Garden Symposium
August 6, 7 and 8: Asheville Quilt Guild Annual Show
The North Carolina Arboretum hosts the Asheville Quilt Guild’s popular annual show, a juried event featuring more than 250 quilts of exceptional craftsmanship from across the U.S. and worldwide. The three-day show offers live demonstrations, a merchant’s mall and more! This year’s theme is “Stars Over the Mountains.” The show runs Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Entrance to the Quilt Show requires an $8 per personal vehicle parking fee to The North Carolina Arboretum and $5 admission fee for the Quilt Show.
September 11-12: Carolinas Dahlia Society Annual Show
September 18: Fungifest! Asheville Mushroom Club of the North American Mycological Society
September 19: WNC Orchid Society Auction
September 25-26: Heritage Craft Weekend
The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates Southern Appalachian traditions during Heritage Crafts Weekend. The event, now in its fourth year, features craft demonstrations, plant sales and musical performances in the Heritage Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.
October 9-10: Carolina Bonsai Expo
This two-day horticultural extravaganza, situated in the midst of the colorful mountains, features a display of bonsai from enthusiasts in a six-state region, live demonstrations, workshops, and a popular bonsai marketplace. It’s also the perfect occasion to explore the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, which offers a world-class display that innovatively establishes bonsai in the context of the Southern Appalachians.
October 16-17: NC Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show
The rewards of spring and summer come full bloom at The North Carolina Arboretum during the North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society’s annual show. Hundreds of chrysanthemum blooms in vibrant and varied colors will be on display. This judged exhibit highlights the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers. The show is a perfect opportunity to learn more about how to grow display or show quality chrysanthemums.
The mission of The North Carolina Arboretum is to cultivate connections between people and plants.
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. to 7 p.m., November-March. The Visitor Education Center and 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. Parking Fees: $8 per personal motor vehicle, $30 commercial vehicles, $50 motorcoaches/buses. Parking is free all day on the first Tuesday of each month. No charges apply for pedestrians, bicyclists or North Carolina Arboretum Society members.
