April 4 –May 17, 2009
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 118th 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.
The 2008 theme, "A Garden Party," portrayed in Biltmore House, America's largest home, was inspired by an elaborate 25th birthday celebration held for George and Edith Vanderbilt's only daughter, Cornelia. Details about the party's décor came from an archival newspaper article written in 1925, which describes an extravagant Oriental design. Plantings of bamboo, rhododendron, evergreens and blooming shrubs will flank the front door. In the Entry Hall, pale cherry blossoms will spill from ledges, and willow and cherry trees, under planted with ferns and orchids, will be placed throughout the area. The Winter Garden trees will be hung with Japanese lanterns, and the floor filled with lilies, ferns and palms. The Banquet Hall table will hold multiple fresh flower centerpieces composed of roses, lilies, carnations, delphinium, and ferns and the room will contain groupings of tall ferns, palms, willows, and orchids. Cascades of cherry blossoms and willow will also be hung from the Banquet Hall's grand chandeliers. Inside Biltmore House, each room will be full of fragrant blooms.
 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.
For more information & to purchase discounted tickets online, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.
2008 Activities—In the Gardens
(2009 details to be announced in early 2009)
Walled Garden
Listen to music under the arbor at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., daily
Get answers to your gardening questions from Biltmore gardeners under the arbor from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., daily
Conservatory, daily
Jumpstart your creativity with a display of innovative container gardens created by Biltmore gardeners.
Activities—At the Winery
Cooking Demonstrations, 3:00 p.m., daily
Learn how to prepare dishes and recipes from Biltmore's cookbook, Our Table To Yours.
Production and Barrel Tasting, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., daily
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the production of award-winning wines.
 Red Wine and Chocolate, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., daily
Learn how these divine treats complement each other.
Wine Bar, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., daily
Featuring music at 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a glass or bottle of your favorite Biltmore wine on the patio while listening to music. Add a cheese plate for an afternoon snack.
Grape Stomp and Children's Activities, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
Children of all ages who stomp grapes can take home their grape juice hand and footprints as a keepsake.
Activities—Across the Estate
Deerpark Restaurant, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., daily (opens 10:00 a.m. on Sundays)
Art show, featuring the Blue Ridge Water Media Society.
River Bend Farm, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
Celebrate spring with old-time music, dancing, and craft demonstrations.
A Gardener's Place, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., daily
Let Biltmore gardeners reveal helpful hints for decorating your home with fresh flowers, tips for crafting a stunning wreath, methods for planting and maintaining a lush container garden through the summer, and more.
For more information & to purchase discounted tickets online, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.
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