North Carolina Arboretum Worth a Visit

At entrance to the North Carolina Arboretum Education Center

What a treat it was to visit the North Carolina Arboretum! In mid-May the Rhododendrons were finished (At least they were this year.), but still there was much to see at this colorful Asheville location.

I loved the use of water, cement and pots at the entrance to the Education Center. Lots of intriguing combinations, all fastidiously labeled.

It's tough to beat a backdrop like the Smokey Mountains provide. We enjoyed spotting vistas like this one at every turn.

A Bonsai dwarf forsythia

Although small, the arboretum's Bonsai collection was healthy and arranged beautifully in its own section.

No Carolina arboretum--North or South-- would be complete without a dozen or so Magnolias. Here's (sweet bay) Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson'. 

Sarracenia

Calycanthus floridus

Two more stunning standouts were Sarracenia leucophylla 'Tamok', a carnivorous pitcher plant that was in bloom while we were there. Another plant that rewarded our visit with a floral display was Calycanthus floridus. This particular plant had the sweet scent of vanilla crossed with peach.