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As summer’s heat and afternoon thundershowers begin to subside, signs of the changing season begin to emerge across the estate. Acorns are starting to form—some destined to become the towering oaks of tomorrow, while most will nourish estate wildlife. A few gum trees are already showing subtle hints of color, signaling autumn’s approach. By mid- to late September and into October, cooler nights revive late summer annuals, which soon give way to the vibrant blooms of chrysanthemums.
Thoughtfully designed to deliver rich color throughout October, fall floral displays should peak mid-month. As gardeners transition the display beds with fall plantings, the first vivid foliage will appear on native dogwood and sourwood trees. These early changers maintain their color well into the season, joined later by sugar maples, red maples, hickories, and gums, offering a brilliant display by October’s end. Guests will find themselves immersed in autumn’s splendor, surrounded by the rich hues of Japanese maples, shrubs, ferns, and perennials.
The season crescendos in November, when red and white oaks and golden fall grasses in Deer Park provide a final flourish of color. Nestled at 2,000 feet and offering sweeping views of the 5,000-foot peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore is an ideal destination to experience the full palette of fall—from the first hints in September through the dazzling finale in November.
With Mother Nature's cooperation, our second wave of sunflowers should bloom early September. August 2024
In front of Biltmore’s Conservatory, the Butterfly Garden offers a lush abundance of plantings, including Asters, Amaranth, Black-eyed Susan, and Fountain grass. September 2024
Biltmore’s Walled Garden pattern beds burst with brilliantly colored Mums, deep purple Kale, and fluffy-topped Muhly grass. October 2023
A visit to the South Terrace of Biltmore House rewards guests with picturesque western views of fall’s transformative beauty. October 2023
Biltmore’s Spring Garden features colorful views of Dogwood and Sweet shrub. October 2023
Yellow-tinged Poplar trees in front of Biltmore House share their reflections in this Italian Garden pool. October 2023
A rich russet Japanese maple and snowy white clusters of Hardy mums pop amid the soothing greens of the South Lawn, while butter-yellow Poplars look on. October 2023
The autumn beauty of Maple, Sourwood, and Dogwood trees greet visitors travelling Approach Road to Biltmore House. October 2023
Ducks enjoy the Bass Pond as the yellows and ambers of Maple trees illuminate the forest beyond. October 2023
Summer’s hot days and thunder showers usually become far less frequent as the season draws to a close. By mid- to late September, the estate’s late summer garden annuals may perk up with the cooler nights, only to be replaced with colorful chrysanthemums in October. In Antler Hill Village, wave upon wave of sunflowers rise skyward and share their cheerful full-bloom faces. Depending on weather conditions, the estate’s yellow buckeyes can show early leaf coloration, and dogwoods may develop light shades of red, hints that fall will soon be upon us in Asheville. Ironweed flowers and late summer goldenrods also signal summer’s finale, as butterflies enjoy their final sips of sugary nectar. Much to the delight of squirrels and turkeys getting ready for winter, acorns and hickory nuts begin to drop to the forest floor.
The much-anticipated arrival of peak fall color is influenced by day length and temperatures, which can vary from year to year. Similar to the way chilly autumn days prompt us to grab that flannel shirt or light sweater, these cool temperatures trigger the leaf chemistry behind the brilliant color transformations we see.
Fall floral displays, carefully planned to provide good color in October, usually reach peak bloom toward the middle of the month. As our gardeners plant out fall floral designs in the display beds, the first true autumn leaf color begins to show in the native dogwood and sourwood trees that line estate roads and pastures. Their flares of red will deepen as the month progresses. Yellow poplars and sweet birches will offer up amber hues. These early trees hold color through the season and add to peak color at the end of October with sugar maples, red maples, hickory, and gum trees giving the best show. Guests walking the gardens in October enjoy some of the best fall color up close on Japanese maples, woody shrubs, ferns, and other perennials.
Be sure to visit the gardens to see and smell the Japanese Katsura tree; as this striking tree’s heart-shaped leaves turn a buttery yellow, they give off a scent like cotton candy.
At 2,000 feet in elevation with spectacular views of the nearby 5,000-foot+ elevations of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore is the perfect place to experience an abundance of fall color from October through early November.
With the arrival of November, red and white oaks and fall grasses in the Deer Park below Biltmore House represent the autumn season’s final bow. Vibrant Carolina allspice, fothergilla shrubs, and oakleaf hydrangeas shine brightly amid the evergreens. Chilly breezes send leaves adrift, covering the roads and trails and creating a protective blanket for wildlife throughout the winter. Sugar and red maples continue to impress with their fiery oranges and reds. Gold-covered hickories turn to bronze, beeches give the forests a warm glow, and Japanese maples are absolutely brilliant: their annual show never disappoints. Colorful winter berries are now exposed on many trees and shrubs for the birds that will brighten winter days.
With fall’s end, we shift gears to fine-tune our appreciation of winter’s pristine beauty, the approach of the holiday season, and the magic of Christmas at Biltmore.