Shedding New Light on Biltmore’s Butterfly Garden Posted on June 29, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Chihuly At Biltmore Was On Display From May 17 To October 7, 2018.Please Enjoy This Archived Content. Just before the Conservatory in the historic Walled Garden is Biltmore’s Butterfly Garden. With the installation of Chihuly at Biltmore—featuring “Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds” in this space—let’s take a closer look at its history and the history of the plants within it. According to Bill Alexander, our Landscape and Forest Historian, the area now known as the Butterfly Garden was actually left blank on landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s original plans for the Walled Garden (which was then referred to as the Vegetable and Flower Garden). About 30 years ago, the Walled Garden supervisor and her crew leader at the time asked Bill about the possibility of creating a garden for butterflies in the space. It was an ideal location for such a garden. The ample amount of sunlight would provide desired warmth for the cold-blooded creatures, while the surrounding walls and exterior of the Conservatory offered the fragile beings protection from wind. Bill agreed to the request with one paramount requirement: The flowers and herbs in the Butterfly Garden must draw heavily from Olmsted’s original list of plants used in the surrounding area. Luckily enough, many of those historic plants offer bright foliage and vibrant blooms that produce nectar throughout the season—which makes them perfect for attracting butterflies. This summer, guests and butterflies alike can enjoy almost a dozen plants original to the space: – Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)– Tickseed (Coreopsis)– Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)– Willowleaf Sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius)– Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)– Alpine Poppy (Papaver alpinum)– Fountaingrass (Pennisetum)– Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)– Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)– Sage (Salvia)– Goldenrod (Solidago) Peak bloom for the Butterfly Garden is mid to late summer, when most butterflies are active. Join us and discover these beautiful historic plants in our Butterfly Garden as well as Chihuly’s unique glass sculptures that so perfectly complement the special space.
Lending A Hand For A New Arm Posted on June 29, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton At one point, Alex Irvine looked like he was popping the question to one of Biltmore’s oldest residents. Earlier this week, Alex, a ceramic artist based in Asheville, didn’t have matrimony in mind. Rather, his down-on-one-knee position at the side of Flora, a 120-year-old statue on the South Terrace of Biltmore House, was more like a healing gesture. Asheville Artist Alex Irvine shows the ceramic arm he created The missing limb Alex has been working with Kara Warren, Preventive Conservation Specialist in the Museum Services department, to re-create an arm that Flora lost decades ago. The original is no longer in Biltmore’s possession. Originally repaired in 2003 using a non-ceramic material, the resulting fix was challenging to maintain and eventually weathered. For the new repair, Alex re-created the arm in his home studio using a fired ceramic material which is expected to stand the test of time. In addition to the missing arm, he has recreated a few missing fingers and a garland that the sculpture held in her hands. Irvine works with the statue of Flora on the South Terrace of Biltmore House Who is Flora? Flora is the Roman goddess of spring who signifies blooming flowers and renewal. The ceramic sculpture is copied after the French artist Antoine Coyzevox’s sculpture Flore (“Flora”). It was offered in a catalog dating back to 1886, along with three other sculptures installed on the South Terrace around 1900. In addition to the re-creation and attachment of the missing elements, an internal structure was fabricated to support the arm and garland. Stabilization of the overall surface of the sculpture will also take place. Irvine installing the new arm on the statue of Flora Preservation for future generations This is a great example of the work we do to preserve the estate for generations to come. An added plus in this case is the chance to collaborate with the local arts community. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with a talented local artist for this treatment,” Kara saud. “Alex brings a great deal of knowledge about ceramic work with him.” Work on the statue will conclude soon. See for yourself To see the newly-repaired statue of Flora and all her companions on the South Terrace, plan your Biltmore visit today.
Restoring Our Roots, One Tree at a Time Posted on April 11, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst When George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville, North Carolina, in 1888 and began envisioning his private estate, the wooded slopes of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains included vast numbers of American chestnut trees. Seeds from one of Biltmore’s hybrid chestnuts encased in a spiny, protective “burr” History of the American chestnut tree Known as an all-purpose tree, American chestnuts grew quickly to great size. The wood was strong and resistant to rotting, making it a prized material for foundations, fencing, and railroad ties while the edible nut was an important source of food for cattle, hogs, and wildlife. Around the turn of the 20th century, a blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) struck the American chestnut tree, effectively destroying the species as a source of food and lumber. The blight doesn’t kill the tree’s underground root system, but once an American chestnut sprouts from an existing stump, it succumbs to blight before it matures into a tree. Scaly, thickened bark on this branch shows evidence of chestnut blight Restoring our roots In 1997, Biltmore partnered with the American Chestnut Foundation (AFC) to provide a test site for hybrid chestnuts as part of the AFC’s work to restore this heritage tree. The AFC collected pollen and seeds from the estate and crossed the genetic material with blight-resistant Chinese chestnut trees. The seedlings were planted on a sunny slope near Deerpark Restaurant. “In a way, we’re restoring our roots,” said Jason Mull, Landscaping Supervisor for many of the outlying historic areas of the estate, including the Approach Road and the chestnut plantings. “This project has a natural tie to the importance Vanderbilt and Olmsted placed on landscaping and managed forestry. Jason Mull indicates one of the original hybrid chestnut trees planted at Biltmore in 1997 The project continues Jason has been involved with the chestnut project since the beginning and has now cared for several generations of trees. The test site includes a mix of American-Chinese hybrids plus full Chinese chestnuts that act as a control group. “There are only three hybrid chestnuts left from the original planting,” Jason said. “They’ve grown pretty well in the last 20 years. They do show effects from the blight, but it hasn’t killed them.” According to Jason, some of the more recent plantings carry a much higher percentage of American chestnut DNA than the originals because the hybrids have served their purpose in helping increase resistance to the blight. Students from a local charter school help plant new hybrid chestnuts at Biltmore in 2013 Planting a legacy “We’re continuing to work with the AFC to establish another planting site on the estate—preferably in the kind of wooded area that chestnuts tend to prefer,” Jason said. “If our trees continue to do well over time, that’s a wonderful legacy to leave for future generations.” Featured blog image: Jason Mull and a student from a local charter school plant a hybrid chestnut tree near Deerpark Restaurant in 2013
Spring is a Special Time to Honor Olmsted Posted on March 8, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Spring is a special time to honor Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore’s landscape designer. A quiet spot near the Bass Pond highlights Olmsted’s landscape design When designing Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds, Olmsted knew that spring would set the stage for all the glorious seasons to come. Today, the meticulously maintained landscape still stand as a timely tribute to Olmsted’s springtime birthday. Born April 26, 1822, Olmsted is known as “the father of American landscape architecture,” with premiere projects including Central Park in New York City and the grounds of California’s Stanford University. The Lagoon is one of Olmsted’s many landscape designs for Biltmore “There are many beautiful American parks and landscapes that reflect Olmsted’s genius,” said Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture, “but it’s the design for Biltmore that is considered Olmsted’s masterpiece.” According to Parker, Olmsted had already worked on several Vanderbilt family projects when George Vanderbilt approached him in 1888 for advice on the North Carolina property he’d already purchased. “Now I have brought you here to examine it and tell me if I have been doing anything very foolish,” Vanderbilt reportedly told Olmsted. Olmsted’s frank assessment The Approach Road to Biltmore House is lined with azaleas each spring “Olmsted was frank in his assessment, advising Vanderbilt that the soil seemed to be generally poor, with most of the good trees having been culled already,” Parker said. “He noted that the topography was unsuitable for creating the type of park scenery that characterized the English country estates that Vanderbilt admired.” Colorful spring blooms in Biltmore’s Shrub Garden Plans for both the house and landscape changed in 1889 when Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt toured France together and the scale of Biltmore House and its surrounding gardens expanded. Olmsted wrote that he was nervous, not sure how to “merge stately architectural work with natural or naturalistic landscape work,” but Olmsted biographer Witold Rybczynki says that the landscape architect achieved something completely original at Biltmore: the first combination of French and English landscape designs. White wisteria blooming in the Walled Garden “You can see Olmsted’s creativity and skill in the transitions between Biltmore’s formal and natural gardens, and his use of native plants, small trees and large shrubs, and color and texture year-round,” said Parker. Now that Biltmore welcomes 1.7 million guests each year, the historic gardens and grounds must be protected and preserved as carefully as Biltmore House and all other original parts of the estate. Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden “In addition to the impact of so many visitors, the landscape has changed and matured over the past century,” said Parker, “and the challenge for today’s landscaping team lies in determining what Olmsted intended.” Landscaping crews at work to carry on Olsted’s vision for Biltmore “The team uses archival resources such as early plans, original plant lists, letters of correspondence, weekly reports written during the construction of the estate, and information about Olmsted’s design philosophies to help them preserve the landscape style while remaining true to Olmsted’s vision,” Parker noted. Plan your visit this spring Prepare to be dazzled as the splendor of spring unfolds across Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds and thousands of blossoms create a tapestry of color across the estate. Featured blog image: A couple enjoys a visit to the estate’s historic gardens and grounds
Olmsted’s Groundbreaking Work: Gardens and Glass Posted on December 12, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Chihuly At Biltmore Was On Display From May 17 To October 7, 2018. Please Enjoy This Archived Content. Long known as the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted reached the pinnacle of his professional career with his landscape design for Biltmore–George Vanderbilt’s magnificent private estate. A vision for the future In addition to developing the extensive plans for Biltmore, Olmsted was a true visionary–looking ahead more than a century to understand how his designs would mature to create a stunning setting for America’s Largest Home® that future generations would continue to preserve. From gardens filled with glorious blooms to carefully managed forest lands, Olmsted’s genius is recognized around the world and his contributions to the art and science of landscaping continue to be celebrated. The success of Olmsted’s protégées is also directly attributable to his mentorship, from Biltmore’s first forest manager Gifford Pinchot’s who went on to serve as the first chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to Chauncey Beadle, Biltmore’s estate supervisor who managed and nurtured Olmsted’s designs for more than 50 years. Masterpieces in gardens and glass From May 17–October 7, 2018, Biltmore will host Chihuly at Biltmore, the first-ever art exhibition in our historic gardens. This exhibition features the works of globally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly set in the living backdrop of gardens that remain true to Frederick Law Olmsted’s design intent. Just as Olmsted is known as a leader in the development of landscape architecture, Chihuly is leader in the development of glass as a fine art and he is celebrated for amazing architectural installations combining brilliant colors and striking forms that have entranced viewers worldwide. Chihuly at Biltmore features awe-inspiring artworks in both Biltmore House & Gardens and Antler Hill Village. Dazzling by daytime, the exhibition sparkles during Chihuly Nights at Biltmore, when the sculptures are illuminated to showcase their spectacular colors and shapes. Plan your visit now Chihuly at Biltmore is included in your estate admission. The dramatic experience of Chihuly Nights at Biltmore requires a separate ticket purchase and is offered on select evenings by reservation only. Featured blog image: Biltmore’s Walled Garden — First image: Frederick Law Olmsted portrait by John Singer Sargent, located in Second Floor Living Hall of Biltmore House — Second image: First in Forestry plaque at Biltmore, featuring Gifford Pinchot — Third image: The Conservatory at Biltmore, which will feature several of Chihuly’s Chandeliers during the exhibition
2017 Biltmore Rose Trials Winner: Screaming Neon Red Posted on September 29, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux An attention-getting fiery red rose named Screaming Neon Red (BAIneon) swept four out of seven categories at the recent finals of the 2017 Biltmore International Rose Trials. Bred by Ping Lim in Oregon for Bailey Nurseries, Inc., in Saint Paul, Minn., Screaming Neon Red took the top award, the George and Edith Vanderbilt Award for Most Outstanding Rose of the trials. Lim’s roses have taken categories in previous competitions, including the 2016 Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea, and 2015’s Gilded Age Award for Best Climber. In addition to winning the Best in Show Award, Screaming Neon Red took home the Lord Burleigh Award for Most Disease Resistant, the Chauncey Beadle Award for Best Shrub, and the William Cecil Award for Best Growth Habit. Screaming Neon Red is part of Bailey Nurseries’ Easy Elegance Rose brand. It was among a collection of 30 roses planted for trials in 2015 in the western border of Biltmore’s historic Rose Garden. A permanent jury of rose experts judged the plantings four times a year during the trial’s two years. Since 2011, Biltmore’s Rose Garden has been home to the trials in which nearly 200 varieties from growers and breeders worldwide have been planted and cared for by Biltmore’s expert horticulturalists. Additional winners this year were: Dee-Lish, bred by Meilland (MEIclusif), winner of the Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil Award for Most Fragrant Rose Lion King (LIMking), bred by Ping Lim, winner of the Edith Wharton Award for Best Floribunda Anastasia (ADAMariat), bred by Michel Adam, winner of the Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea Roses competing for this year’s titles came from the U.S., France, Great Britain and Germany. Trials of this type are open to rose breeders around the world – from professional to beginner. Competing roses are evaluated for overall health and rigor; fragrance; disease resistance; and ability to repeat bloom. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Behind the Scenes: Fall Care for Gardens & Grounds Posted on August 14, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Kristina Smith As fall leaves begin to blanket the estate, our dedicated garden crew are working hard to ensure the grounds are ready to transition and providing essential fall care. After Labor Day, crews are busy pulling all of the tropical plants. Elephant ears in the massive terra cotta pots lining the front of Biltmore House and other areas are stored for next summer. View of Biltmore House reflecting off the Italian Garden pools in the Fall Once they’ve faded, lilies and lily pads are gathered from the Italian Garden pools to be composted. Many of our guests ask what happens to the koi in the pools, but they actually remain in the ponds and hibernate during the cooler months! Dahlia bulbs in the Walled Garden’s Victorian border are lifted out of the ground to allow the soil to dry naturally. The bulbs are placed in a cool dry place to store over winter to be replanted in the spring. Meticulous attention is devoted to preserving the pristine condition of the Italian Garden Pools. The gorgeous second-round blooms in the Rose Garden are pruned in preparation for the International Rose Trials, September 22–23. The historic garden has hosted the event since 2011, providing breeders from all over the world a place to trial and display their roses. And of course, fall care includes the seemingly never-ending task of blowing and raking leaves across the estate. There will be several leaf clean-ups throughout the season to minimize final efforts at autumn’s end. Along with some of the tropical plants, all raked leaves are composted and eventually become part of Biltmore soil. Beautiful view of the West Side of Biltmore House from the Lagoon during fall Don’t miss those autumn leaves and our fall gardens in all their glory. Book your stay at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® or The Inn on Biltmore Estate® today.
Fall Color Abound: Biltmore’s Gardens & Grounds Posted on August 14, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux When Frederick Law Olmsted designed Biltmore’s gardens, he planned their beauty to last through all four seasons, so it’s little wonder the blooms of estate gardens continue well into fall. The Walled Garden In the formal gardens, the show continues with carefully planted flowers designed to blossom through cooler temperatures. The Walled Garden hosts an array of fall mums that provide color from late September through the end of October. This year’s color show includes brilliant blooms in red, purple, orange, and yellow. The Rose Garden Rose lovers can enjoy a sneak peek of the judging of the annual International Rose Trials September 22–23. Since 2011, Biltmore’s historic Rose Garden has served as the home for the trials. More than 90 varieties from growers and breeders worldwide have been planted and cared for by Biltmore’s horticulturalists. The Azalea Garden The glory of fall blooms continues through the estate’s informal gardens. The Azalea Garden, filled with 15 acres of native azaleas, enjoys a second bloom in the fall. Other gardens are also alive with late blooming annuals, perennials, and vibrant leaves on the estate’s native and exotic trees. Estate Grounds For those looking for fall color beyond the gardens, a scenic drive through the estate provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down and savor views of forests flush with color and panoramic vistas. The road by the Reception & Ticketing Sales Center is populated by vibrant orange and red sugar maple trees, while an afternoon drive by the Bass Pond offers views of bright fall foliage reflecting in the water. The Lagoon A trip to Antler Hill Village & Winery provides the chance to drive by the Lagoon and enjoy views of the house’s western façade framed by vibrant leaves. Between the estate’s gardens and grounds, the promise of fall color begins in early September and continues until late October, making any time a perfect time to experience autumn on the estate. Plan your visit today.
Fall Photography Tips for Capturing Color Posted on August 13, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Asheville photographer Sandra Stambaugh has captured images of Biltmore’s stunning gardens and landscapes for more than 20 years. We asked her to share some of her favorite spots and fall photography tips for capturing beautiful fall colors. I don’t think of Biltmore being completely covered in a blaze of color during the fall; it’s more like a brilliant performance that pops up in one location, then moves on to dazzle in another one. This gradual movement gives estate guests the opportunity to experience varying fall color throughout the season. Reception Ticketing & Sales CenterSome of the most spectacular color arrives early in the season. Gorgeous bright red and orange sugar maple trees greet guests at Reception Ticketing & Sales Center, just beyond the estate’s entrance. Bass PondSome of what I call the “signature shots” are those that compel guests to get out of their cars and take pictures—like the maples bordering the Bass Pond, for instance. It’s beautiful there any time of the day, but in the afternoon, when the leaves are backlit by the western sun and glow against a blue sky, this area is especially gorgeous. With the vivid leaves of the trees reflecting in the water, a walk around the Bass Pond is a must-do for capturing fall color. Diana & the EsplanadeAnother signature shot is along the Esplanade, the hill across the Front Lawn of Biltmore House leading up to the statue of Diana. Every year I try to get a shot from the statue’s perspective. Here you have a full view of the house, framed on the right side by tall colorful trees. With leaves swirling around and covering the ground, it can be magical. I have even witnessed several proposals here during the fall. Rampe DouceOne of my favorite shots near Diana is of the English Ivy that covers the wall of the Rampe Douce. It drapes down over the fountain and turns a gorgeous red with sprinkles of dark gray berries. I have photographed the leaves floating in the fountain for a beautiful shot. LagoonAnother signature shot is from the Lagoon with the view of the back of Biltmore House. I’ve most often seen people taking pictures from the open center view on the Lagoon’s northern edge, but I prefer the view from the boat ramp. This location will give much more depth to your shot. Your eyes are led through the curves of the banks, and often, ducks are swimming about, making the shot even more iconic. From this spot, the surrounding trees frame the house, and if there’s no wind, the structure will be reflected in the water—creating a perfect upside-down mirror image of Biltmore House. PergolaAnd then there’s the “tree that’s on fire,” as I have heard many guests describe it. This impressive Japanese maple spreads out below the Pergola next to Biltmore House, and its lacy leaves turn a vivid red. A beautiful shot is from the south end of the Pergola looking toward the house, with this brilliant tree sitting below. South TerraceThe grasses beneath the South Terrace at Biltmore House are also lovely this time of year. This area is a beautiful place to take family photographs. Just have your loved ones sit on the ground with the grasses in the background. This is really nice in the afternoon light. Italian GardenYou might not think of the Italian Garden as a fall destination, but this area can be very picturesque. The large lotus leaves turn a golden yellow and mingle with the dry pods popping up like dark shower heads. Biltmore is a wonderful place to take pictures any time of the year, but there is something truly magical about fall at Biltmore. Brilliant colors off set the splendor of the gardens and landscapes. The fields soften and the light sharpens, intensifying the architectural details of Biltmore House. Utilize these fall photography tips and be sure to tag @biltmoreestate #biltmore when you share your memories on social!
Hummingbirds and Butterflies Abound at Biltmore Posted on July 14, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Summertime is when some of our tiniest, most delicate guests come for an estate visit. Drawn to the large colorful patches of zinnias and bee balm, hummingbirds and butterflies flutter and dart around garden beds brimming with flowers planted there months earlier just for them. The gardens in Antler Hill Village are particularly abuzz with these pretty creatures. Dusty Hafer, a crew member on Biltmore’s horticulture team, plans the planting beds for the village area, and he deliberately includes plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. We asked Dusty for some tips on what plants the home gardener can plant to attract their own tiny visitors, and what’s working well in the village’s gardens. “Variety is key to attracting butterflies and hummingbirds,” Dusty says. “Each has different preferences, so more garden variety yields more wildlife variety. Not only that, plant variety throughout the growing season is key. Layering your garden with overlapping bloom times will result in having the most options available throughout the year.” According to Dusty, here’s what’s attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to Antler Hill Village right now. Bee balm (monarda didyma) – Its red tubular flowers are a hummingbird favorite, but butterflies love it as well. After the first flush of flowers fade, cut the plant back about halfway and to get additional flowering later in the summer. Butterfly Bush – This species has a long bloom time, from spring through frost in the fall. It’s also a great choice if your gardening space is small. Hummingbirds like it just as butterflies do. Dusty warns that some species of the plant can become invasive, so select a sterile cultivar. Salvia gauranitica ‘black and blue’ – Another Hummingbird favorite that has a fairly long bloom time. Verbena bonariensis – This one doubles as a nectar plant and host plant to a few species. It self-seeds, but will take over if you don’t pull its seedlings from places where you don’t want it. Goldfinches are also drawn to the seeds. Ironweed ‘Iron Butterfly’ (vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’) – Butterflies love this newer, very attractive, cultivar of native ironweed. Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ – Another butterfly favorite with a very long bloom time. Trim spent blooms to encourage better re-blooming and a tidy look. Zinnias – A wide variety of zinnias is on the market in different sizes, colors, and flower types and most are very attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds. Put them out after danger of frost has passed and they will bloom practically non-stop until the first frost in the fall. Dusty suggested additional strategies to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Host plants – Include host plants for butterflies to lay their eggs and for their caterpillars to use as a food source. “Each species of butterfly has certain plants it will use as a host plant,” Dusty says. Monarch butterflies, for example, only use milkweeds, and they prefer certain milkweeds over others. Other good host plants for other types of butterflies are pansies, violets, fennel, hollyhock, switchgrasses, tall verbena, maypop, tulip poplar, black cherry, oaks, ash, and willows. Water sources – Though hummingbirds are too small to use the depth of water in a typical bird bath, they love moving, splashing water, so consider a bird bath with a falling water feature. Mist stations also attract hummingbirds. A small pond with a waterfall is another good option. Butterflies land on wet patches of soil where they get water and minerals. Dusty says you can place a very shallow dish in the garden and fill it with sand and pebbles to create a puddling station. Water it often enough to keep it thoroughly moist and butterflies will love it.