Monday, August 15, 2011

Italian Water Garden at Biltmore

A picture from the side of Biltmore House.. Isn't that porch wonderful?
One of the places George took me during my Birthday Trip was to one of our all-time favorite places,  the Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville,  NC.  Each time we go,  we try to see something new and different... As you know by now,  if you have followed my blog for awhile,  there are many different gardens to visit there plus many other things (most of which we haven't been to).

All of the gardens were designed by Frederick Olmstead---who worked with the client,  George Washington Vanderbilt.  The Esplanade in front of the house is a rectangular court with double rows of trees.  North of the Esplanade is a rectangular Italian garden and farther to the north is a Walled Garden, a Rose Garden and a 200 acre Azalea Garden.

There is also a Conservatory--which shelters Biltmore Garden's collection of Palms,  tropical plants and orchids --as well as the bedding plants for the outside gardens. And---there is also a Spring Garden --which is a nice little hike  on the 'other' side of the conservatory --away from the Azalea Gardens.  Like I've said,  you need to spend many days here --and come during all seasons.

These formal elements are set in a picturesque park,  making Biltmore a classic example of the Repton-influenced Mixed Style.  Olmstead was also interested in the layout of the vast wood estate (125,000 acres) in which the garden is set. Biltmore is the grandest estate ever built in America. 

Today,  I will show you the ITALIAN GARDEN.  Close to the house,  the elegant garden features geometric pools and fountains within a courtyard filled with classic statuary and symmetrical plantings.  As you will see,  there is a good view of the Biltmore House from here.

Here's a funny story I read.  Olmstead envisioned this space as an outdoor room for Vanderbilt and his guests.  With the garden's three symmetrical pools,  this garden is the perfect setting for QUIET reflection.  Well---apparently Vanderbilt and his guests had other ideas ----as they engaged in a lively tennis game nearby on the grassy area near the house!!!!

Sit back and enjoy seeing my photos from the beautiful Water Gardens.
You can see how close these gardens are to the Biltmore House.


As I said above, there are three pools like this one. And the area is manicured all around.


I love this one since you can see the reflection of the Biltmore House in the water.


In this picture,  you can see more of the lily pads --and some of the gorgeous sculptures around.


For some reason,  this picture captured my attention..  Maybe it's because you can see down into the water.


I don't know the name of this water plant --but I thought it was beautiful.


Hope you enjoyed seeing some of the water gardens at Biltmore.  I have lots more photos --which I will share at other time...

Hope you had a wonderful weekend.  I certainly am enjoying Facebook --and have already caught up with so many old friends.  AWESOME.   Join me---won't you?

Hugs,
Betsy
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63 comments:

  1. Ms. AAugust 15, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    The is spectacular! I had no idea Biltmore had 125,000 acres!

    I LOVE the photo where you can see into the water!

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  2. Arkansas PattiAugust 15, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    Whar a plum job that designer had. Money is no object. Love your reflection shots.
    If I ever get that way, it is now on my must see list. Thanks.

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  3. eileeninmdAugust 15, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Betsy, what a beautiful place to visit. I can see why you love it so. The water garden are lovely. And your photos are wonderful. Have a great week!

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  4. pamAugust 15, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    I have only been to the Biltmore at Christmas time, I need to go again!

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  5. Mr. BillAugust 15, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    What a beautiful treasure we have so close to visit! Thanks for sharing those interesting pictures.

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  6. Hidden Haven HomesteadAugust 15, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    There is so much I have yet to see at the Biltmore House. Thanks for sharing the beautiful Italian Garden. Good to see you on facebook! Have a blessed day.

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  7. mamahasspokenAugust 15, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Looks wonderful and peaceful there.

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  8. Ruth HiebertAugust 15, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    These gardens are spectacular.This would be a photographers paradise.

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  9. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmAugust 15, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    I love those water gardens - just gorgeous!

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  10. diane bAugust 15, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    This sounds such a magic place. I have enjoyed all your visits there. The water gardens are fabulous and so are the photos. I love the reflection of the house.

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  11. BirdmanAugust 15, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    How artistically rendered your lilly pad shots. Frogs?

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  12. ConnieAugust 15, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    How beautiful! I love the lily pads. So peaceful looking.

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  13. Carol MurdockAugust 15, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    Beautiful Betsy! Your pics are always so awesome! XO

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  14. TexWisGirlAugust 15, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    these are gorgeous, betsy! i, too, loved that shot of the water lily. it was like a soul - radiating leaves out into the world while still centering its most beautiful core in the middle. :)

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  15. Linda at To Behold The BeautyAugust 15, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Thanks for yet another tour of this beautiful estate. I, too, liked the water lily photo where you could see down into the water. It looks like a painting. (Isn't it funny how we compliment a photo by saying it looks like a painting, and we compliment a painting by saying it looks like a photograph? We're a strange people.)

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  16. MadSnapperAugust 15, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    gorgeous gardens, a trip back in time to see how the rich folks lived back then, just like our Ringling here. they had so many gardens they had to name them. i like those lily pads

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  17. AnonymousAugust 15, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Ohh I haven't been to the Biltmore in ages-but your photos make me want to go again SOON : )

    Tipper

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  18. DeniseinVAAugust 15, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    I have never been to Biltmore but love these photos. Thanks for the tour Betsy, it looks magnificent. I had a great weekend thank you, and I'm glad you did too.

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  19. LynnAugust 15, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    We have never been to the Biltmore, although we love NC. These water garden are stunning. What is there about lily pods that just are so peaceful to look at and photograph. I too love the photo where you can see down into the water. Great shots. Hey I have been on FB a long time, started when my son was in Japan a few years back. I will send you a frend request. You two lovebirds have a wonderful day.

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  20. Kim@stuffcould....August 15, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    I love seeing the Biltmore pics! It is nice to discover gardens etc every time you go!

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  21. Busy Bee SuzAugust 15, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    I LOVE the water gardens...they look so peaceful!!!! It looks like those lilly pads were placed in there in a lovely pattern!!!

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  22. KellyAugust 15, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    ...beautiful, Betsy! I love the gardens at the Biltmore. (I'm on Facebook but avoid it. There's just too much information coming in constantly. I can barely keep up with my blog and everyday life! :-)

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  23. ElettraAugust 15, 2011 at 8:52 AM

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  24. ElettraAugust 15, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. ElettraAugust 15, 2011 at 8:52 AM

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  26. ElettraAugust 15, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    you have been a nice place to visit !!!!!!!!

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  27. Janice KAugust 15, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    I agree with you...I really like the picture with the house reflected in the pool.

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  28. AnonymousAugust 15, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Hi Betsy, I learned a new thing today. I had not been aware that Frederick Olmstead designed the gardens at the Biltmore. I learned about Frederick Olmstead when I was in college - he was a pre-eminent designer of major municipal parks. Have a really nice day!

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  29. NealAugust 15, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Those are beautiful Betsy. I've been there a couple times but I sure don't remember the water gardens. Getting old I guess. :)

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  30. KarinAugust 15, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    That was a lovely visit - love those ponds and everything that grows there! It's so different from things I've seen around here! Thanks for the tour!

    Off to grocery shop and then later off to work - no slowing down around here!

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  31. ruthinianAugust 15, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    this is awesome. i want to visit this place someday. i can spend whole day just in the garden or near the pond looking at those beautiful lotus.

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  32. HappyKAugust 15, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Wow, what a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy such beauty.
    Your photos are spectacular!

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  33. DianeAugust 15, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    What an elegant, peaceful and beautiful spot. Diane

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  34. Sally WesselyAugust 15, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I am just going to have to go to Biltmore sometime. It truly is an amazing and beautiful spot. You really took some nice photos of the ponds and the water plants.

    Do you have any books to recommend for reading more about the Biltmore and the Vanderbilts? I read some about them, but am interested in reading more.

    I am amazed that the foundation that own the estate is able to maintain it so well.

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  35. Cheryl @ TFDAugust 15, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Hi Betsy, I can see why you love to go to see the Biltmore estate. It's so beautiful. Can you imagine ever living there?

    As for Facebook, I don't do Facebook. For me personally, I spend too much time on the computer as it is and I don't want to add something else to keep me sitting too long. That's just me, tho. I know others who love Facebook!

    Have a wonderful week!

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  36. LVAugust 15, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    This is one place, you can see something different every time you go. Lovely place.

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  37. Twilight ManAugust 15, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Wow! I have just seen the grandest estate in America! You certainly made me happier today and lifted up my lousy mood. Thank you dear.
    I do feel closer to you with facebook connections.

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  38. Adrienne ZwartAugust 15, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Betsy, these photos are absolutely stunning! I have never been to this place, and after seeing your photos of this garden, I am putting it on my list of places I NEED to visit. :)

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  39. JoAugust 15, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Omw, Betsy, this garden is heart-stoppingly beautiful. I love the reflection of the house in the pond, like you I also love that you can see down into the water in another photo and I simply love the flat lacy water plant. Oh, sigh, that was a beautiful post. Bless you dearest Betsy. (((Hugs))) Jo

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  40. nannyAugust 15, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    The one that captured your attention, also captured mine! I love that shot.
    I have always wanted to visit the Biltmore.....I will someday!!!
    Your header is breathtaking....

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  41. imacAugust 15, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Looks a great place to visit Betsy, you also have some great reflections too.

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  42. GlendaAugust 15, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Incredible photos, Betsy! The reflections are amazing! Maybe I'll get to visit there one day!

    We enjoyed a week with our grands, so I'm behind reading blogs . . . I'll try to get "back on track"!

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  43. Ginny HartzlerAugust 15, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    It worked!! I'm reading it on Facebook!!! And amazing pictures!! My favorite picture is the fourth. I'm afraid you would never have gotten me outta there!

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  44. Chatty CroneAugust 15, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Now I have been there - years ago. I loved it. I didn't get to see the ponds - I wish I had - they look very interesting! Lovely.

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  45. CarlettaAugust 15, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Beautiful images Betsy!
    I'd love sitting on that porch and looking out over it all. Sitting here dreaming it was mine. Ha,LOL!

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  46. RoseAugust 15, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Oh, Betsy, have a feeling this would be my favorite spot there. It is just so beautiful...and looks like the perfect place to just sit and relax.

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  47. mudderbearAugust 15, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    This looks like the best place in the world...so romantic. The next to last picture looks like that pink lily is lit up from the inside. It is so beautiful. I love this place..and I will probably never get to NC. So thank you for sharing the photos.

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  48. Pat TillettAugust 15, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    thanks for the fantastic photo and word tour! These photos are amazing! I'd really like to go there sometime...

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  49. I Am WoodyAugust 15, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    I love those giant lily pads!

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  50. carolina nanaAugust 15, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Those are beautiful photos,that's a garden I haven't seen before,maybe it's not open in winter when I have been .
    Hope you had a wonderful birthday trip.
    Blessings
    Marilyn

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  51. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiAugust 15, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    The Biltmore is so incredibly large! Imagime trying to build this type of structure and gardens today? I love water gardens and your phoros are wonderful! I especially love the reflection shot.

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  52. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsAugust 15, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    I love water lillies! Very funny story!

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  53. AnnAugust 15, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    That place is huge and beautiful. I love that last picture.

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  54. camp and cottage livingAugust 15, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Betsy
    I agee, that dainty water plant is my favorite too. I can't begin to take in all the splendor of this estate. I'm so glad it's open to the public to see and appreciate too!

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  55. LeontienAugust 15, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Hi Betsy,

    Yes your picstures are really pretty! I always liked water lilies! they remind me of my childhood and fairytales.

    Thanks! and i can order you one of thosee brushes if you want! ;-)

    Leontien

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  56. Cicero SingsAugust 15, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Looks like an amazing place/gardens. Those plants in the "pond" are very interesting.

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  57. SquirrelQueenAugust 15, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    The water plants are beautiful, they make interesting designs in the water. I love the reflection of Biltmore House on the water.

    That's funny, I'll bet Olmstead was not happy about those noisy tennis games.

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  58. ShugAugust 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Good Morning Betsy..

    This was refreshing to see pictures of the water gardens...
    You want find anything like that here in Texas right now...Even a lot of the fountains have been turned off.
    I thought of you while on vacation. There was a beautiful water fall at the resort where we stayed.

    have a blessed day

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  59. DarlaAugust 16, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    These water gardens are fantastic!! Everyone of these photos would make a great puzzle!

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  60. MaryAugust 16, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Wow...what a fantastic place! These are beautiful photos.

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  61. WendyAugust 16, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    What a beautiful spot! You do seem to find great places to visit. Love your photos, especially that pink lily.

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  62. LyndaAugust 16, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Excellent pics of the water gardens. They remind me of some we saw in Barbados. I love the reflection one of the Biltmore. It looks a bit like one of George's computer drawings.

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  63. LorenAugust 22, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Goodness sakes alive Betsy....LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Can you even imagine having the mind and creativity to take this from a vision to what it is today!! What a gift to have as well as to be able to make it happen for someone!

    So glad you get to go often....and that we get to see it through your eyes!! ♥

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