Lizzie Borchers: the New Face of Biltmore’s Floral Team

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With the retirement of Cathy Barnhardt, Biltmore’s Floral Displays Manager for 40 years—since the first Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration—many were left wondering: Who will fill these festive shoes? Enter Lizzie Borchers. A Texas native, Lizzie studied floriculture at Texas A&M University with a dream of working at Biltmore.

Photo of Biltmore's Lizzie Borchers
Lizzie Borchers of Biltmore Floral Team

“I actually began e-mailing the company as a freshman to show my interest,” she laughs.

After working at Dr. Delphinium Designs & Events, one of the largest florist shop in Texas (and that’s saying something!), Lizzie joined Biltmore in 2014 as the Lodging & Events Floral Manager.

And when Cathy announced her retirement earlier this year, Lizzie felt confident in fulfilling the role.

Lizzie Borchers was officially promoted July 1, and then she spent two months with Cathy, trying to soak up the knowledge gained from her four decades of experience.

“Cathy had never had to train anyone for her position before,” says Lizzie Borchers, “which resulted in a lot of really long conversations.”

One thing Lizzie couldn’t be trained on, however, is coordinating our brand new must-see holiday display of shimmering lights and décor at Antler Hill Village & Winery.

As dusk falls, the village is illuminated with almost 4,000 strands of twinkling lights. Pathways are lit with 100 lanterns hanging from poles of estate-harvested bamboo. More than 65 shrubs are decorated with nearly 200 sparkling stars, snowflakes, and spheres.

“With this much illumination, the village will be viewable from space,” Lizzie says.

Inside the Winery’s Tasting Room, more than 7,000 gold and glittery globe-shaped ornaments—reminiscent of champagne bubbles—hang from the ceiling.

“I think what I’m most impressed with in my new position so far is our floral team’s ownership of their individual design areas—especially considering the large size and scope of our work,” says Lizzie Borchers. “They really do go above and beyond to deliver an experience similar to what guests of the Vanderbilts may have enjoyed more than 100 years ago.”

2017 Biltmore Rose Trials Winner: Screaming Neon Red

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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!

Farm to Feast

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As fall brings a welcome note of cooler weather to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the leaves begin changing into a blaze of glorious reds, golds, and yellows. This is the time to feast and celebrate the season of harvest and share the bounty of farm and field with friends and family.

For Biltmore, fall changes our focus from the light flavors of summer to an emphasis on heartier fare that warms the chill in the air. Inspired by the estate’s long history of hospitality and the rustic elegance of our farming community, Biltmore’s Artisan Serveware Collection and our charming Textured Ceramic Bakeware help you serve up your savory fall feasts in style!

Stock Harvest Dinner for Blog
Celebrate a bountiful harvest with friends and family.

Start with style

For a no-fuss feast, begin with appetizers served on our Acacia Galvanized Metal Tray—it has flip-down handles for easy storage and its design is sure to earn compliments anytime you use it. Simply add our wild-caught Alaskan Biltmore Smoked Salmon, prepared and smoked with all-natural ingredients, cool some Biltmore Wine in our Vanderbilt Chiller, and let the party begin!

Continue to bring barn-inspired beauty to your table with our Artisan Raw Finish Wire Tray, perfect for your favorite homemade breads and rolls. Complete the look—and the easy entertaining—with the Artisan Galvanized Metal Serving Tray and Bowl.

Heavy lifting

Ready for the next course? Prep and serve salads directly from our Artisan Acacia Bowls, or wow your guests with a one-dish wonder in our Textured Ceramic Bakeware (available in Red, White, and Gray). This Savory Butternut Squash Tart from Executive Chef Spencer Hilgeman of Village Social is a great fall or holiday dish that’s sure to please.

Sweet endings

Finish your feast on a sweet note with our delicious Granola Bread Pudding (shown in Textured Ceramic Bakeware/White) or an array of local cheeses and honey on the Artisan Acacia and Marble Oval Cheeseboard. Whatever you choose, your friends and family will appreciate how effortless you make each gathering!

Feasting at Biltmore

Whether you’re dining on the estate or attending special seasonal feasts like those offered during Taste of Biltmore each fall, we invite you to discover our field-to-table philosophy of fresh, seasonal ingredients that makes our restaurants and events so unique.

Viva Voce: Biltmore’s Oral History Program

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Have you ever wondered how exactly our Museum Services department knows so much about life on the estate during the Vanderbilts’ era? Our Oral History Program helps to fill in the gaps of our archival records with the details of the everyday.

“Many of the documents in our archives are financial or administrative in nature, such as payroll slips and receipts,” explains Winnie Titchener-Coyle, Biltmore’s Associate Archivist. “But not much of what we have sheds light on the daily lives of people who lived and worked on the estate.”

The program allows us to ask specific questions about celebrations, meals, and leisure time. 

“I think one of the most important elements of the program is how it helps to personalize the story of Biltmore,” says Winnie. “It provides social and cultural context that we may not have otherwise.”

Archival Documents stored in Biltmore's Collection
Our Oral History Program helps to fill in the gaps of our archival records.

A Love of Storytelling

Winnie first became intereseted in the practice of oral history while pursuing her master’s degree in library and information science.

“I love the idea of providing opportunity to give voice to those who may not have had the means to tell their story before,” she says.

She was hired at Biltmore in 2012 to oversee our Oral History Program—a mission of our Museum Services department that was initiated in the 1980s.

The initial goal of the program was to tell the stories of servants who worked in Biltmore House. However, as time passes and the generations become further and further removed, stories from George Vanderbilt’s era become scarce.

As a result, the program’s focus has shifted to the mid-1900s, highlighting the stories of estate farmers and dairy workers as well as Vanderbilt descendants.

“The fusion of estate history with family lore is really special,” says Winnie. “I remember one interviewee who passed away shortly after we spoke, but I was able to share our recording with his wife, who can listen to the audio of his voice now. I felt honored to be a part of that.”

Curator's pointing at documents
Many of our archival images are acquired through our Oral History Program.

Documenting Oral Histories

Winnie has conducted about 10 interviews each year since she’s been in her role—those in combination with interviews conducted before she arrived brings the total to about 375.

She and other Museum Services team members begin the interview process by gathering facts about the interviewee, their family, and other people they may have known or worked with.

“I always put together a list of questions, but it’s also helpful to enter an interview without much prior knowledge,” Winnie explains. “If the interviewee knows that you’re familiar with what they’re talking about, they’re less likely to go into detail than if you ask them to explain everything from the beginning as if you don’t know.”

A typical interview session lasts a few hours, and sometimes longer interviews are broken up into a series of sessions on multiple dates.

Most of the research actually takes place after the interview—including collaborating with the interviewee again to ensure correct spellings and identifications for any photographs they shared, and then putting the interview in context with the rest of what we have in archives.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this work is how the memories and stories are able to corroborate each other,” she says, “and getting a sense for how Biltmore was and is such a close-knit community.”

Archival records
We invite you to share your Oral History and become part of the Biltmore story.

Share Your Oral History

While Biltmore is a private, for-profit company, we are vested in local history and family connections, which are also valued parts of the story of the estate.

Winnie, along with other members of our Museum Services team, would like to encourage those with family stories and connections to the estate to share them with us.

Your family’s story could become part of the Biltmore story—a special way to pay homage to preserving this gracious time and place.

If you or one of your loved ones would like to share your stories with our Oral History Program, contact our Museum Services team at museumservices@biltmore.com.

Feature image: Winnie Titchener-Coyle, Associate Archivist

Get Hooked on Fly-Fishing at Biltmore

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With a practiced flick of his wrist, Dustin Stanberry can send a hand-tied fly spinning out above the water to strike precisely where he thinks his targets are waiting. Flying fishing can be tricky, however, and as a Biltmore Outdoor Adventure Center Instructor since 2011, Dustin knows he has to hone his skills constantly in order to help both beginners and accomplished anglers make the most of their experience.

A form of art

“Fly-fishing really is an art,” said Dustin, “and it takes time and patience to get a feel for the equipment—especially the flex or loading of the rod—and to allow it to do the work for you.”

Dustin has been an avid fisherman since childhood, receiving his first fly-fishing rod when he was about 12.  He began tying his own flies in his 20s, and realized that added a whole new element to the sport.

“Most fish can differentiate colors,” Dustin said, “and trout can tell the difference between light and dark as well as olive, yellow, and cream tones, so you have to have flies that mimic the insects that a species of fish would naturally choose to feed on at any given time of year. These are the type of things that an angler will build on and continuously improve throughout their fishing career.”

Enjoy the moment

Whether he’s providing guided fly-fishing lessons from the bank of the Lagoon or on the water in Biltmore’s classic wooden drift boat, Dustin stresses the importance of relaxing and having fun as you learn.

“It’s great to try out a new skill or improve your technique, but it should also be a time to connect with nature and enjoy your surroundings,” he said. “That’s especially important when you look at what we are trying to do with a fly rod—we’re trying to interest a fish in something that we’ve tied on a hook and then we want the fish to take it. It’s like going to a restaurant and having the chef place something in front of you that you didn’t order, but you decide you want to eat it anyway. It seems a little crazy until you actually catch your fish!”

For love of the sport

In addition to fly-fishing, Dustin is also an instructor for Biltmore’s Sporting Clays course on the west side of the estate. “It’s exciting that both our Fly-Fishing and Wingshooting Schools have earned an official Orvis endorsement,” said Dustin. “Orvis is a classic brand that fits well with Biltmore in terms of expertise and customer service.

Although he enjoys fly-fishing in a wide variety of settings—from calm lakes and rippling streams to rushing rivers and pounding waves along the seashore—Dustin is a catch-and-release advocate who hopes that others share his passion for skillfully landing a fish and letting it go.

“There’s always more to learn,” Dustin said. “Every fish is different, and you never feel like you’ve got it all covered!”

Explore the possibilities

Treat yourself to a Biltmore fly-fishing adventure with a two-hour introductory course or a half-day lesson. For more experienced anglers, we offer guided float trips on the estate or the nearby French Broad River and wading trips to well-stocked local streams and lakes.

Featured image: Dustin Stanberry with Biltmore’s drift boat
— First image: One of Dustin’s hand-tied “frog pattern” flies
— Second image: Drift boat at the Lagoon
— Third image: Guests enjoying a guided fly-fishing lesson at Biltmore

Fall Getaway: A Day and A Half at Biltmore

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Perhaps 36 hours doesn’t seem like enough time to truly experience a fall getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, right? Think again! With 8,000-acres of ever-changing autumn hues and harvest season celebrations, Biltmore guests can enjoy Western North Carolina at its best.

Of course, a visit to Biltmore House is at the very top of our list, but what should you do after spending a few hours touring America’s Largest Home®? Our autumn itinerary below offers suggestions for how to make the most of a day and a half at Biltmore.

Leaf-Peeping

Family taking in the view of the South Terrace at Biltmore

South Terrace (.5 hours)
Take your time on the four-acre terrace next to Biltmore House and enjoy a sweeping scene of the surrounding mountains that truly seem to go on forever. Fun fact: George Vanderbilt once owned all of the land he could see from this terrace—even Mt. Pisgah more than 30 miles away!

Friends taking a group photo on the Rooftop Tour at Biltmore

Rooftop Tour (1 hour)
Build your architectural knowledge of Biltmore House while taking in picture-perfect long-range fall views from its rooftop and balconies on this behind-the-scenes guided tour.

Garden Strolls

Walled Garden (1 hour)
Next, head to the Walled Garden, transformed by a carpet of vivid chrysanthemums. This year’s color show features brilliant blooms in red, purple, orange, and yellow.

Bass Pond Bridge during Fall

Bass Pond (1 hour)
Stroll the Azalea Garden trail to discover fall color radiating across Biltmore’s Bass Pond. Fun fact: The Bass Pond bridge was featured in the film Last of the Mohicans.

Antler Hill Village & Winery

Taste of Biltmore Culinary Showcases (3 hours)
Relish harvest flavors as you mingle with estate chefs, local purveyors, and artisans who share their expertise in crafting distinctive fare from fresh estate-raised and local ingredients.

Red Wine and Cheese Selection

Wine & Cheese Hour (1 hour)
End the day with a social hour hosted by our most knowledgeable wine aficionados and savor delicious pairings of Biltmore wines and a variety of artisan cheeses.

Outdoor Adventures

Couple Tandem biking at Biltmore

Biking (1.5 hours)
Wake up the next morning with a bike ride across the estate and discover our woodland trails enveloped in fall color. Bring your own bike or rent one from us!

Biltmore Vineyard Photo

West Side Segway Tour (2 hours)
Travel by Segway across the French Broad River to the estate’s west side and enjoy beautiful views of our pastures and vineyard while learning about Biltmore’s agricultural program.

So you see, a day and a half is plenty of time to experience the perfect fall getaway during our most colorful time of the year.

Fall Color Abound: Biltmore’s Gardens & Grounds

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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

Fall Walled Gardens at Biltmore

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 Garden at Biltmore during Fall

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

Azalea Garden at Biltmore during Fall

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

Bass Pond at Biltmore during Fall

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

Lagoon at Biltmore during Fall

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

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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 Center
Some 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 Pond at Biltmore during Fall

Bass Pond
Some 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 Statue and Biltmore during Fall

Diana & the Esplanade
Another 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 Douce during Fall at Biltmore

Rampe Douce
One 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.

Lagoon at Biltmore during Fall

Lagoon
Another 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.

Pergola
And 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.

View during Fall at Biltmore from South Terrace

South Terrace
The 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 Garden during Fall at Biltmore

Italian Garden
You 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!

Top Five Favorites: Holiday Fun for Overnight Guests

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Since it’s never too early to plan your holiday getaway at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, here are our Top Five Favorites for making memories and having holiday fun with your family!

2019 social photo for Gingerbread House at Biltmore during Christmas

1. Gingerbread House Tea at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Get into the spirit of the season by decorating your own gingerbread house with assistance from The Inn’s Pastry Chef. Santa even makes a special appearance while you enjoy the Holiday Tea menu and delightful Christmas décor.

2. Crafting a keepsake ornament at The Inn 
Gather the family together with local Asheville artist Andrea Kulish as she guides you through the creation of of your own traditional Ukrainian Pysanky-style eggshell ornaments–it’s a remarkable way to commemorate your holiday stay with us.

3. Storytelling Events at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate
Celebrate the joy of hearing classic holiday tales performed aloud throughout the season, including timeless stories that bring the season to life, just as they did for George Vanderbilt’s family and friends on Christmas Eve, 1895.

Christmas Cookies at Deerpark at Biltmore

4. Cookie Decorating at Village Hotel 
Enjoy the sweetest event of the holiday with our family-friendly cookie-decorating event! The hotel’s pastry team joins you to offer expert tips and take-home techniques, guaranteeing your creations are sure to be a hit at your next holiday cookie exchange.

Bonus: Your own personal chef hat and apron “sweetens the deal” as you decorate assorted sugar cookies with icing and edible decorations.

5. Wrapping Paper Weigh-in
Go ahead and give your gifts in grand style! When the wrapping comes off Christmas morning, the staff at each hotel will weigh the paper that covered your family’s gifts and award a prize for the heaviest haul.  (Weigh-in held December 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)

These are just a few ways to experience the fun of the holidays at Biltmore. Book your seasonal stay now at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate and discover your own ideas for the merriest months of the year!

Hummingbirds and Butterflies Abound at Biltmore

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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.

Hummingbird in Biltmore Gardens

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.
Butterfly in Biltmore Gardens

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.