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April 3 –May 16, 2010
More than 100,000 tulips will herald the start of Biltmore’s 25th Annual Festival of Flowers on April 3. Through May 16, the stunning floral displays across the estate celebrate the majesty of Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy. Floral décor will focus on iris, fleur de lis and silver, all symbolic of the 25th anniversary. Enjoy live music daily in the Winter Garden in Biltmore House and the Conservatory, and daily seminars at A Gardener’s Place. Biltmore’s restaurants will feature special silver anniversary menu items, drinks and desserts, with the Winery offering a commemorative Festival of Flowers wine, wine programs and children’s activities on Saturdays and Sundays.
Each spring Biltmore's Festival of Flowers celebrates the beauty of George W. Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre property and its original design by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture. During this time, the estate’s seasonal glory is showcased with a stunning display of thousands of tulips in the Walled Garden, vibrant colors in the 20-acre azalea garden and cascades of native and exotic blooms in the natural gardens and walking trails. Biltmore's gardens, Olmsted's final and most grand project, are in their 119th year, continuing to mature and therefore becoming more beautiful every year. Festivities across the estate include music, tips from Biltmore gardeners, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, children's activities and craft demonstrations.
Special Activities & Events
Biltmore's Winery celebrates with live music, wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and children's activities. Special events are planned for adults and kids at River Bend Farm and outdoor activities can be booked through the adjacent Outdoor Center. Whether strolling the gardens, touring Biltmore House, or embarking on estate activities, the celebration of spring is in the air. (See event list below.)
2009 Biltmore Festival of Flowers Events
In the Winter Garden
Classical music in 30-minute sets on the hour
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Walled Garden
Classical music under the arbor, 30-minute sets beginning on the half hour; rain location in the Conservatory.
11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
"Ask a Biltmore Gardener" located beneath the arbor. Our gardeners answer your horticultural questions; rain location in the Conservatory.
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Conservatory
Look for an unusual display of container gardens and Wardian cases.
A Gardener's Place Seminars
Bulbs for summer blooms, 11:00 a.m.
Spring baskets, 1:00 p.m.
Five-minute centerpieces, 2:00 p.m.
Wreaths, 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at River Bend Farm
Farm life demonstrations at the Farmyard
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Live music at River Bend Barn, 30-minute sets beginning on the hour
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Dance demonstrations at River Bend Barn, 15-minute performances beginning on the half hour
1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Deerpark Restaurant
Art show featuring the Blue Ridge Watermedia Society
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily (opens 10:00 a.m. on Sundays)
Get Free How-to Tips at the Winery
Please register in the Winery Welcome Center; activities offered daily.
Red Wine & Chocolate, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. Experience the incredible combination of red wine and chocolate as we sample several different combinations.
Essentials of Aromatic Wine, 3:00 p.m.
Behind-the-Scenes Winery Tour, 5:00 p.m. Discover how our award-winning wines are made with this free Winery Tour.
Enjoy Creative Menus with Estate Dining
Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and dine at Deerpark Restaurant in a lovely open courtyard setting—don’t miss the sumptuous lunch buffet and Sunday brunch, and remember that children nine and under dine free. Enjoy al fresco dining at the Arbor Grill at the Winery, featuring live music on the weekends. End your day with a romantic dinner at the Bistro.
For more information & to purchase discounted tickets online, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.
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