Garden Inspirations

George Vanderbilt retained the best artisans and architects of his time to create Biltmore. For his landscape designs, he looked to America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted’s vision for Biltmore included a small pleasure ground and garden, a major arboretum and nursery, and a systematically managed forest. From the formal beauty of the Italian Garden to America’s first managed forests, Biltmore’s lush landscape is a living tribute to Olmsted’s genius. Our experts continually work to preserve the original vision for the gardens and grounds. Learn more about Olmsted

Now, you may choose from three new downloadable landscape plans designed for your home, inspired by Biltmore Gardens. See Landscape Plans

Or, perhaps you’re interested in creating your own designs. If so, take note of the following recommendations from Biltmore For Your Home experts.

Garden Inspiration For You

Bright colors show up better from a distance, while white and pastel blooms can be soothing up close and in the evenings. That’s why Biltmore’s experts use intensely vivid colors for impact throughout the estate.

Highlights

Olmsted picked the best views and used landscaping to direct the eye to them—such as rows of trees leading to Biltmore House. No natural features in your yard? Create one with a specimen tree or shrub and build a garden around it.

Outdoor Living

Olmsted created outdoor “rooms” with pergolas, trellises, and arbors to define the spaces so people would feel comfortable outdoors—a concept that survived the test of time!

Variety

Instead of acres of lawn, Olmsted preferred the year-round interest of mixed shrubs and trees so that each season offered something interesting.

Location

Formal gardens are close to Biltmore House, while the landscape becomes more natural further away. This tip can also reduce your maintenance time; create more naturalized planting beds with hardy shrubs and mulch instead of growing (and mowing) grass.

Get the look you want with Biltmore For Your Home plants found at independent garden centers.