Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Poinsettias at the Biltmore

Welcome to December,  the month to celebrate Christmas,  the birth of Christ.  George and I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas.  We hope you will celebrate with us ALL month...

Besides visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mount Mitchell,  our Thanksgiving trip consisted of a day at the Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville, NC.  Wow--what an incredible place!!!  I'll talk much more about the Biltmore in future blog posts,  but today I'm sharing with you some pictures we took while we were touring the indoor gardens.

I love Poinsettias---and we saw some beautiful ones while at Biltmore.  Today I will share some of them with you...  Above is a picture a lovely couple offered to take of us.   Below are more.





Pink Poinsettia






White Poinsettia





Red Poinsettia (always a favorite of mine-since I love Christmas REDS)





More Pinks





Multi-colored Poinsettias;  SO beautiful!!!!





Finally,  here is a Poinsettia tree..    All of these displays in these indoor gardens were fabulous...  More to come!!!!!

Hugs,


P.S. We have had TONS of rain here the past couple of days!!!!  Anyone got a boat we can use?????? ha ha

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Betsy for sharing these poinsettias. I love all the colors, but red is my favorite too. Great picture of you and George.

I have enough red mud to make mud pies today! If you find a boat, come on down!

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, I love the shot of you and George. The Poinsettieas are all gorgeous. I love all the colors. Looks like we are now getting that awful rain.

Big Dude said...

Beautiful shots Betsy. The Biltmore is another place I haven't been in a long time. It was back before they turned it into a money making business and admission was $5 per car and maybe an addiional $1 per person. It is truely magnificent and hard to believe someone actually built it.

ratieh said...

aahh, i love poinsettias too! esp in red, it reminds me of Christmas. i can't hardly wait for Christmas. =D

penny said...

Oh my what a terrific treat your holiday layout is, Betsy.
I love this joyous time of year and your delightful photos puts me right in a festive mood.. Thanks!

Hugs and happiness,
Pam

Sue Mac said...

Your photos are wonderful
I hope you have good week
take care Sue

Darla said...

Gorgeous post to start out December. Your header is perfect too! We didn't get all the rain that was predicted or the high winds over night, thank the Lord. We do have temps dropping into the 20's the next couple of nights though. Sorry, no boat here!

diane b said...

I like your new blog design. Thank for the Christmas wish. I couldn't get in the mood until today when I visited the shops and your blog. What a variety of Poinsettias and the two oldies are pretty neat too. Crikey I just saw your temperature on your side bar...its below freezing brrrrrr.

Valerie said...

We have had constant downpours of rain all night long - I know your feeling of wanting a boat. I am afraid to go down into the basement and see if we are okay ...

It is suppose to all turn to snow around noon today - our temps are at 40 right now - supposedly going down to lowest 30's by noon. We shall see ...

I love poinsettias as well. I have however inherited my moms crazy illness/allergies. Weird - but right after she died - I had my first really bad asthma attack, and have continued to have them every year since. The other thing is she was always allergic to DARK colored flowers - like Red roses and Red poinsettias - and in recent years they have started to set me to coughing! But I can deal with the white and pinks.

So Jakes band was selling poinsettias and I ordered 2 big white ones! I will never forget my surprise the first time I saw them growing outside at my aunts house in Florida - they were gorgeous - and they lived year round she told us. They were beautiful!

Enjoy this beautiful month of Christmas Celebrations!
God is Good ,, all the time
All the time .. God is Good.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Now that is the way to set the mood for Christmas.I lave all those beautiful Poinsettias.
I love the picture of you and George,you make a lovely couple.
Blessings,Ruth

Arkansas Patti said...

Now that picture of you and George makes a perfect Christmas card. Thanks.
I want that Poinsettia tree. Spectactular.
Still not quite in the mood yet, hope it hits soon. Your pictures help.

Catherine said...

Your blog is looking nice and Christmasy Betsy! Love it! I will send you a boat if you send me a snow blower! ;)

Happy Wednesday Betsy!
xo Catherine

Kirigalpoththa said...

Bright red leaves! :)

Kirigalpoththa said...

Bright red leaves! :)

Peggy said...

I love the Biltmore House especially at Christmas!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

You share such beautiful places. Love the poinsettia tree! I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas season.

Larry said...

Thanks for visiting my blog Betsy... I do read yours quite regularly although I don't always comment. I think it will be very important when we get ready for our next trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've always wanted to drive the entire 400 + miles, but we've run into problems with snow or fog when we've attempted to do so. One of these summers it will be a goal achieved and I will refer to your blog for ideas on what to see! I've always loved the Biltmore and have visited at Christmas... an amazing place indeed! Larry

From the Kitchen said...

Beautiful, Betsy (you and George, too). I love poinsettias as well. Your header caused me to gasp when it popped up--stunning!

Best,
Bonnie

Susie said...

Pretty! I like those pink ones. We have some at work. We also have some multi-colored that are pretty.

amelia said...

Lovely pictures Betsy and lovely of the two of you. They are such a bright, pretty flower!

Did you get my email I sent to you yesterday?

nanny said...

The tree is wonderful...I would love to see that!
I think the multi colored are are my favorite. They are so different.

MadSnapper said...

love that tree, these are all beautiful, especailly the multie. my niece got married on dec 23rd 5 years ago and did not have to decorate the church or wedding hall because they were decorated with these poinsetta trees and she could use the decorations. that was the first time I saw one.

KathyA said...

How beautiful!
I also love how you and George have 'decked out' your blogs with Christmas!

Karin said...

Love your new header and the whole layout - just delightful! What a lovely couple photo - to send with Christmas cards to everyone. It would be lovely to tour this hotel and sit close by to enjoy some refreshments! I'm becoming more and more partial to the multi-colored ones! Have a blessed day!

Out on the prairie said...

I haven't got a poinsetta yet this year, I couldn't find a good one yet, but here they are. What lovely photos Betsy.I like some of the new colors, but the red always wins.I used to get one for my mom as soon as they came out.You can borrow my 2 kayaks, its too cold to use them, even in a wet suit here.I saw on the news you are getting pounded.We were under flood alerts for 2 1/2 months in the summer.

Harriet said...

I have never been to the Biltmore House but would love to go someday. Looks like during the Christmas season would be a good time. I love poinsettias too.

Tracy said...

Ummm, wonder why my pointsettias never look that pretty! When I taught in Florida I had a huge pointsettia bush outside my classroom door and talking about lovely!
Glad you had a wonderful time visiting the Biltmore...wouldn't you love to move in? But only if I had a cleaning lady! or two!

Busy Bee Suz said...

The photo of the two of you could be your Christmas card!!
I love poinsettias too, they are just screaming: Merry Christmas.
Don't you love flowers that scream???
xxoo

Cicero Sings said...

Love your new header! I like seeing poinsettias I just don't like owning them. I can never keep them growing nicely yet have a hard time throwing a living plant out!

pam said...

I love the Biltmore at the holidays!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Fine pictures as usual! You have such a colorful and interesting blog. I look forward to reading it every day. I want to go to the Biltmore estate sometime. When I was a girl we had 7 foot tall Poinsettia plants in Hollywood at my home! They are originally Mexican/Central American/So. American, and like So. CA weather.

I Am Woody said...

I am drawn to the pink ones:) Great pic of you and George!

Sunny said...

Happy December to you too!
What a beautiful variety of Poinsettia plants, they always remind me of Christmas.
Sorry I am so far behind with comments.
☼ Sunny
P.S. I think it's so cute that you and George are always 'clothing coordinated' :)

Anonymous said...

I've never been to the Biltmore, but several years ago I stayed at the Opryland Hotel at Christmastime! WoW! Poinsettia EVERYWHERE!!! It was so beautiful

Have a wonderful month full of Christmas cheer!!!

Velvet Over Steel said...

Beautiful poinsettias & fantastic picture of you and George!!! Love that you share all your 'adventures' and trips with us through your awesome pictures, Betsy! Thank you & Happy December!!

Love & Hugs,
Coreen

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Ohhhhhhhhh, what a gorgeous place that must be, to visit!!!!!!!!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Same for us with the rain, and high winds. Flood watch since last night. Love all the poinsettas, they are selling them at our church again this year. For $5.00 you can choose one for yourself, a gift, or in memory of someone, which will be published. Then the money goes to our ladies Sunshine Club, who do a lot of good things and never have enough money. That tree, I wonder how they keep it watered? LOVE the picture of you and George!

Dorothy said...

Gorgeous poinsettias! I love all of them! The Biltmore Mansion was not decked out for Christmas when we were there, but it's quite an interesting and beautiful place! Can't wait to see your pictures!

Haddock said...

Love these seasonal flowers.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy! Oh, I just love poinsettias and these are wonderful. Great photos! Its hard to choose a favorite color, I like them all. The multi-colored ones are especially pretty, tho.

I look forward to hearing more about the Biltmore, another place I've yet to visit but hope to one day.

Merry Christmas to you and George!

Have a great day,
Cheryl

Barbara said...

Oh I love the Poinsettia, I have one in my yard, and it is not near as lovely as these are. What kind of Camera do you use for these wonderful photos Betsy? Hugs

CottonLady said...

Your header took my breath away when it opened up!!! The picture of you two is great, also. Love all the poinsettias. Red is my favorite, also. There is also a red and white one called "Jingle Bells", now. I don't have a Biltmore closeby, so will enjoy the tour.

Blessings!
CottonLady

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

The photos are beautiful, and the site is looking very festive. As often as we've been to the Smokies, we've never visited the Biltmore. I'll be looking forward to your posts about that.

Jo said...

Beautiful photo of you and George and the pointsettia blooms are stunning. I've never seen a white one! Thanks for sharing. (((Hugs))) Jo

Anonymous said...

I hope you both have a very Blessed Christmas!!!

God's Blessings to you both!!!

Lon

DeniseinVA said...

Wow, those photos are incredible and I think the one of you and George would make a darling Christmas Card picture Betsy.

We have had a lot of rain here in Virginia also. We might need to hitch a ride on that boat someone is going to give you ;)

Diane said...

Beautiful poinsettias, Betsy. They're really beautiful mixed with the ivys and other greens. Very nice shot of you and George and lovely wishes. Thank you. Diane

Connie said...

Oh my, so pretty, Betsy! All those poinsettias are sure to put you in a Christmasy mood. :)

LV said...

Several years ago I had the pleasure of visiting the Biltmore. I loved it and thought it very pretty. However, it did not come close to the beauty it shares for the holiday. Yes, my little fellow is growing. He is now 6, but acts much older. He is too smart for me.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I've seen the Biltmore on so many blogs -- it is a spectacular place! I'd love to see your photos of it, Betsy.

The multicolored poinsettia was so unusual!
That is a wonderful photo of you and George!

Anonymous said...

We visited Biltmore in 2008, I think. We spent a day there. I would love to return one day. Your poinsettia pictures are lovely. We saw lots of poinsettias at Longwood Gardens too. They are so pretty!

Beth said...

I too love poinsettas. I esp. like the multi-colored ones, because they're different and I like to mix in 'different' once in awhile.
The picture of you two is wonderful. You both look rested, healthy, and happy---a great way to begin the holidays. :)
My son and family went to the Biltmore summer before last and loved it. It's another travel ing goal of mine.

Unknown said...

We HAVE to stop at the Biltmore House the next time we go to Hilton Head. Ashville is our usual stopping place for the day. The flowers are beautiful!

Dar said...

Merry Christmas to you and George too. The pointsetta are a most gorgeous bloom, but red is still my favorite., like yours.
Nice lookin' folks in the first pic...hmmm I wonder who they could be, so in love with life.
BlessYourHearts

Mary said...

wow...these are pretty spectacular! Really beautiful!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Wow...what a wonderful display...color...color...color!!!

Jen said...

WOW! I've been there a couple of times, but it looks like Christmas might be a really good time to visit!

Love Of Quilts said...

You two make a darling couple...I love seeing all the pretty Poinsettias...I like red one too. Trish

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh wow, I love all those beautiful Poinsettias especially the tree. It must have been a wonderful treat to tour that garden.

I haven't been to the Biltmore in so many years. I'm looking forward to your future post about it.

Twilight Man said...

I love these pretty poinsettias! They make me feel happy that Christmas is near. Over here, in our hot climate, we import them all from all over the world. You guys are lucky!

Pedaling said...

Those are beautiful.
I remember when we were in mexico one thanksgiving and there were Poinsettias everywhere! It was a beautiful sight. I just wish they have a more fragrant smell.
This year I have fake (Oh, the shame) Poinsettias in my house. They actually look pretty good. I bought them at Costco.

Rose said...

They are beautiful!!! I sure do love the Poinsettia trees shown here and in the post about the restaurant.

Debbie Taillieu said...

Beautiful! I love your header too!