See the area's tiniest leaf color show with their large Bonsai collection - both at the Bonsai exhibit and in the Greenhouses.

October 13-14, 2012: Carolina Bonsai Expo
The city of Asheville transforms into the bonsai capital of the Southeast as The North Carolina Arboretum hosts the Carolina Bonsai Expo. Visitors to the show will find an abundance of miniature trees and landscapes, creatively displayed at the Arboretum’s Education Center. This two-day horticultural extravaganza, situated in the midst of the colorful mountains during fall foliage season, features a juried display of bonsai by clubs from across the southeast, a renowned bonsai marketplace, workshops, free demonstrations, and a popular Ikebana exhibit. The expo is also a perfect occasion to explore the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, which celebrates its fifth anniversary as a world-class display that innovatively establishes bonsai in the context of the Southern Appalachians. The two-day event features juried exhibits by bonsai enthusiasts from throughout the southeast. In addition, workshops are available for those interested in learning bonsai and ikebana techniques from master artists. It is open from 9 AM until 5 PM Saturday, and 9 AM until 4 PM Sunday. There is no charge for visitors to attend the Carolina Bonsai Expo although usual parking fees apply.

Walter Pall, of the leading western bonsai artists in the world today that lives in Germany, will present the feature program, “Naturalistic Bonsai Style,” on Saturday October 8, 1-5 PM. Using photographic images of bonsai from his own collection and others he has seen in his travels around the world, Pall will first present a slide show to illustrate his ideas about naturalistic design. He will then move on to a live demonstration of his technique and naturalistic design concept, working with an old, untrained Scots Pine. The result of his work will be the newest addition to the Arboretum’s bonsai collection. The cost of this special program is $20 for Arboretum members/$23 for non-members, and seating is limited

October 20-21, 2012: North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society’s Annual Show
Hundreds of chrysanthemum blooms will fill the Arboretum Education Center in a kaleidoscope of vivid colors. This annual show is judged by expert Accredited National Chrysanthemum judges from across the country according to strict National Chrysanthemum Society standards and 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. Enjoy the shows and flower sales as well as trail walks, family activities, and exhibits. Hours for Saturday are 1 to 5 PM, and hours on Sunday are 1 to 4 PM.