Wednesday, July 25, 2012

June at Biltmore Gardens

George and Betsy at Biltmore  on June 14, 2012
As most of you know,  George and I have season's passes to the Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville,  North Carolina... We try to get over there every couple of months to see what is blooming... AND--we are never disappointed when we get there...

Last June (2011),  we took our big trip out west--so we didn't get to Biltmore to check out the summer flowers... This year,  we decided to try it!!   We left the house bright and early on June 14 ---and got stuck in a long-long-long traffic jam on I-40 near the TN/NC line.... There was nowhere to go except just SIT and be patient.... An 18-wheeler had turned over and our side of the interstate was closed.....

SO---needless to say,  after losing over an hour and a half in traffic that day,  we didn't have much of our day left to spend at Biltmore...  BUT---we did make it there and enjoyed that quick trip!!!!!   Luckily,  we didn't have any trouble getting home that night ---and in fact,  we took some of the prettiest sunset/sky pictures we've taken in a long time... IF you missed seeing those pictures,  click HERE.   You do not want to miss seeing that sunset.  Seeing the flowers at Biltmore is nice,  but OH ---that beautiful sunset!!!!  The sunset made the day really worthwhile.

One reason to visit Biltmore in June is to see their huge ROSE COLLECTION.  There are over 200 varieties of heirloom and hybrid roses.... As you can imagine,  we enjoyed seeing all of their roses... BUT--there are other summer flowers blooming in June...  So--today I'll show you a little of what we saw at Biltmore on June 14.   Be sure to enlarge the photos for bigger copies.




This picture shows just a tiny portion of all of their beautiful roses... But--both George and I particularly loved this group of roses (named Milestone)...




Amazing how the Biltmore Gardeners go from season to season displaying different flowers...  This is a picture of some of the summer flowers in their big Walled Garden.   In Spring,  one will see Daffodils, Hyacinths and Tulips... In Summer,  we saw Dahlias,  Zinnias and Globe Amaranth...   THEN--when we come back in Fall,  we'll see Chrysanthemums.   Nice, huh?




We also love seeing the Italian Gardens during the summer --with their beautiful water lilies...




George took this picture of me at the Italian Gardens.  It was a HOT day when we were there ---and I was taking advantage of some SHADE (since there wasn't much in that area)....




The Italian Gardens are close to the gorgeous Biltmore Home...  Here you can see a reflection of part of the house in the water.  Isn't that a great reflection?




We always enjoy walking in the area next to the house to get some pictures of the beautiful mountains in the background.  I snapped this picture of George in that area.




Finally,  I'll stop with a picture of one of my favorite Summer flowers,  the Gladiola.   My Mom had Glads in our yard when I was growing up... I tried one year to get them to grow here ---but the area where I put them didn't have enough sun.  SO--they didn't do well.  They are gorgeous though at Biltmore.

Hope you enjoyed another installment from the beautiful Biltmore Home and Gardens....

++++++++++++++++++++++++
I just HAVE to show you this cute little picture of a 'baby' Downy Woodpecker.   Mama was at the suet feeder --and the little one didn't know exactly how to get up there...  TOO CUTE!!!!

Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Betsy

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61 comments:

  1. Ms. AJuly 25, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    I was easing right along, reading and enjoying the Biltmore and up pops that bird that looks like he's plopped smack down on his butt... I LAUGHED OUT LOUD! Good one, Betsy!

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  2. AndreaJuly 25, 2012 at 4:29 AM

    When i saw the thumbnail at the reader i thought, "why are they not in uniform shirt?", but when i opened the post, there you are, as expected! I love most the red water lilies, haven't seen those colors! And the birdling is so cute really, wobbling knees!

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  3. AnonymousJuly 25, 2012 at 5:16 AM

    I especially love the reflection photo of the Biltmore House. Glads remind me of my grandma's garden and like you, I love the water lilies. Cute little bird there at the end of the post!!! Enjoy the day, Betsy.

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  4. JaneJuly 25, 2012 at 5:19 AM

    I have always loved the gardens at Biltmore. Hope you guys are doing well,

    Jane

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  5. BethJuly 25, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    Oh my goodness, Betsy...that baby downy woodpecker is absolutely adorable! What a great shot!

    And, of course, your photos of Biltmore are lovely. I especially like the one with a reflection of the house in the water lily pond. I love the red water lilies. Someday, I really must go see Biltmore!

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  6. Linda PJuly 25, 2012 at 5:50 AM

    A lovely variety today to enjoy. Of course, I was interested in the Italian garden with the water lily pond and reflection of the house! Also the shot of the mountains gives a sense of space as viewed from that terrace.

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  7. pamJuly 25, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    I've only been to the Biltmore over Christmas, I really need to go over the summer.

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  8. UnknownJuly 25, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    What a beautiful Garden :) can understand why you keep going there.
    Have a great day!

    Hugs,
    Eva

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  9. JeevanJuly 25, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    The bird looks like skidding... cute shot! The garden is beautiful and seems to hold lot of blossom and I liked the patch of flower beds and water lilies. You got some lovely photo on both here :)

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  10. Hootin AnniJuly 25, 2012 at 6:07 AM

    That woodpecker babe is just too adorable for words!!! Oh, I hear'ya on the traffic jam....and when there is nothing you can do but sit and be patient it can work on the nerves. I've always fretted about the what if's on I-10 from Houston to Baton Rouge, LA ---there is no getting off on the frontage road there if something like that were to happen ---only swamp on both sides of the highway.

    Now, to the Garden photos....beautiful. Absolutely beautiful!!! I especially like the water lilies. So red. I don't think I've ever seen red water lilies. And the mountain backdrop....the word that comes to mind is "delicious".

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  11. ValerieJuly 25, 2012 at 6:09 AM

    Love this post - as I am here in Ashville and totally enjoying Biltmore. It is hot and humid beyond belief for this Buffalo girl. We really wilted yesterday. But so enjoyed your photos and knew exactly where they were taken. Now I know why you love it here. If we were driving distance I think we would have season passes too!

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  12. DorothyJuly 25, 2012 at 6:10 AM

    Good Morning, Betsy! I always enjoy seeing more of the Biltmore and their lovely flowers! I love the Glad, too. The baby bird has lots to learn!
    Happy Wednesday!

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  13. CatherineJuly 25, 2012 at 6:33 AM

    Haha ~ that baby bird is so cute! Hopefully he figured out how to get some of that food. Looks like a lovely garden you were in Betsy. Hope you are having a wonderful week!
    xo Catherine

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  14. Arkansas PattiJuly 25, 2012 at 6:52 AM

    I have some friends there right now. They don't take pictures like you do so it is nice to see what it looks like. Amazing gardens.
    Totally cracked up at that adorable bird picture. He hasn't quite got his legs under him yet.

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  15. BrendaJuly 25, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    All your photos are so beautiful! I especially love the ones of you and George together. You're such a happy couple and that's always good to see. I love the reflection photo and I dearly loved the Glads. Wonderful close-up!
    I hope your day if fabulous!!
    Hugs,
    Brenda

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  16. Ruth HiebertJuly 25, 2012 at 6:55 AM

    The Biltmore is on my list of places to see some day,now if only I would win that lottery,for which I never buy tickets.LOL
    The pictures are so beautiful.

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  17. MarciaJuly 25, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    I have never been to the Biltmore House and Gardens. I'll have to go one of these years. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. MadSnapperJuly 25, 2012 at 7:33 AM

    i had to laugh out loud at the baby bird. to funny. and the Reagan roses in the header are magnificent. i like that Italian garden, and the reflections shot

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  19. linda mJuly 25, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    Love the pictures of the Gardens. I really have to put that place on my list of Gardens to visit. That baby bird sure is cute.

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  20. Debbie JonesJuly 25, 2012 at 7:45 AM

    Great pictures. I would love to visit these gardens. I do love flowers -- especially roses. Looks like you had a lovely time.

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  21. joyJuly 25, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    Thank you for taking us there:) Awesome flowers and the rest of the team:)

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  22. FayeJuly 25, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    Can a baby bird have a temper tantrum? That's what it looks like here. :-) And those sunsets were your--and our--reward for sitting in traffic so long that day.

    The Biltmore was one of the first formal gardens I ever saw--still remember the visit--my sister and I "did" the south back in '80s--her first time to a beach. Still remember the walled garden and those formal flower beds with their infinite variety. Of your selections today, the glad is my fav as well--that color is just delicious.

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  23. UnknownJuly 25, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    I love it when you and Mr. George take us to the Biltmore. You are skinny!

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  24. SharonJuly 25, 2012 at 9:23 AM

    Nothing I can say about that adorable last pic that hasn't already been said........Geez!!

    We've had our passes for over 15 years now and wouldn't give them up for anything. Except at Christmas, we rarely even go into the house anymore. It's worth it for the gardens and trails.

    As we both know, the traffic tie-ups happen way too often.

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  25. Out on the prairieJuly 25, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Loved the water lilies best, many good shots to share

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  26. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJuly 25, 2012 at 9:39 AM

    So beautiful...the gardens, the view, everything. It's just hard to imagine anyone living like that. The water lilies were a special treat, with their bright red flower and the reflection of the mansion in the pond.

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  27. Busy Bee SuzJuly 25, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    The baby woodpecker looks like he/she is stretching.
    Love all the flowers and the Biltmore itself too!
    You my friend have lost weight....must be all the hiking/walking you two do.
    xoxo

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  28. Sylvia KJuly 25, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    Such a beautiful place and such gorgeous flowers! The perfect place to spend a lovely summer day! I'm so glad you included that little guy flat on his butt! Adorable and what what a great capture! And what a great way to start my day!! Hope your week is going well, Betsy! Enjoy!

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  29. TexWisGirlJuly 25, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    i like the baby woodpecker sitting on his butt. :) love those red waterlilies!

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  30. UnknownJuly 25, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    The baby wood pecker is my favorite. Great post.

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  31. Grandma BonnieJuly 25, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    I really like the water lilies. I need to get some for our pond. The fish ate all the water lilies last year and I have not replaced them. The baby woodpecker is so cute. Hope you have a great day.

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  32. HappyKJuly 25, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    What a beautiful place that is. I can see why your go back often.

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  33. AnonymousJuly 25, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    Hi Betsy, Lovely photo's. I especially like Glad flowers and had many when I lived in Southern California. Who can say, I may again plant some when I landscape the area around this house here eat the little farm. Great picture of the Downy juvenile. Have a wonderful day tomorrow!

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  34. Pat TillettJuly 25, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    Great photos! I've never been to the Biltmore, but everyone tells me it's amazingly beautiful. One of these days....

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  35. FlowerLady LorraineJuly 25, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Great photos from the Biltmore. What a nice excursion and the view of those mountains is fantastic.

    I love that last picture of the baby woodpecker. What a hoot! Bless his/her/ heart.

    FlowerLady

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  36. Chatty CroneJuly 25, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    Very beautiful indeed Betsy. I think it is one of the last remaining estates in the US. I loved all the photos but the bird in the last picture - he looked like he was doing the splits - so cute. Sandie

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  37. MaryJuly 25, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    Too bad about the traffic jam messing up the day. How nice that you go there every year. I'm sure it is very beautiful at all seasons. Love the little downy :-)

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  38. Janice KJuly 25, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    That little downy didn't look like he had his land legs yet...too cute!

    I don't think I have ever seen red water lillies...They have usually been in more pastel colors..Very beautiful.

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  39. I Am WoodyJuly 25, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    Looks like he is trying to stand on ice! Haha!

    I love the photos of the both of you. The love you share shows on your faces and makes me smile every time!

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  40. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJuly 25, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    I always enjoy your Biltmore posts! I love the lillypads.

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  41. Lady Di TnJuly 25, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    I could go on and on but I will just say Wow another great post. Sure do enjoy yawl's trips. Babies are so cute. Peace

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  42. NealJuly 25, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    Your Biltmore posts are ALWAYS enjoyable. The flowers are always gorgeous.

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  43. Coloring Outside the LinesJuly 25, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Looks like a lovely place to visit- and your little baby bird is just too cute!

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  44. LeeAnnJuly 25, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    We enjoy your blog so much, and thank you for sharing Biltmore with your readers. Happy Summer!

    LeeAnn Donnelly
    Biltmore

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  45. blueskyartistJuly 25, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    What a nice looking couple! I love the water lilies!

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  46. Dr. Kathy McCoyJuly 25, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Such a pleasure to see and hear the latest, Betsy!

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  47. Gardener on Sherlock StreetJuly 25, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    My gosh what amazing flowers. Thank you for sharing your Biltmore trips. Just gorgeous.
    Too cute with the baby woodpecker.

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  48. Serenity CoveJuly 25, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    I always love seeing pictures from the Biltmore but that baby woodpecker made my day...Too cute!!!

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  49. MTWagginJuly 25, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Love the glads and the glad people! The little feathered dude is too cute.

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  50. Cheryl @ TFDJuly 25, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Beautiful photos, Betsy! I always love seeing the Biltmore gardens. The baby woodpecker stole the show, though! He's so darn cute doing the splits!

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  51. RohrerbotJuly 25, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    Oh that baby woodpecker is too cute. Poor little guy:) "I think I can, I think I can."

    Those gardens are beautiful and well organized. I especially love the rose garden. That is gorgeous.

    I get frustrated when our interstate gets closed because of an accident. I don't like losing time. Hopefully everyone was okay.

    Wonderful garden shots....and love the pic of you in the shade. I can only imagine how hot it was outside. It's cooler here in Tucson than over in your neck of the woods. Take care! Saludos from Tucson. Chris

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  52. RoseJuly 25, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    All those flowers are gorgeous...the 'baby' is adorable...

    We actually have a good chance of rain tomorrow. It cannot come any too soon. It was just miserable out today.

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  53. Twilight ManJuly 26, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    I love roses and they smell so sweet! That waterlily is the first one I have seen in vibrant red color! We have yellow, purple, pink and mild red ones here.

    That bird knew how to pose for you!! So cute and adorable!

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  54. Miss DebbieJuly 26, 2012 at 7:18 AM

    I've been wanting to visit there for years. Maybe one day!Thanks for the mini tour!

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  55. AnonymousJuly 26, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    Those gardens are just gorgeous!

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  56. DonnaJuly 26, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    Thanks for sharing your sweet photos from Biltmore! I'd love to take a trip one there again this fall when it's cooler. And gracious, you are sure losing weight! Any secret to it?

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  57. WendyJuly 26, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    What a beautiful spot to visit! I swear you and George look younger each time I see a pic of you both! Ha - I suspect you just look happier.

    God Bless, I'm glad life is treating you well.
    Hugs

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  58. amy @ Life in Pink Hi-TopsJuly 26, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Such beautiful flowers. I'm sure glad I don't have to keep up the gardens. The baby woodpecker is adorable.

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  59. IreneJuly 26, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    I love the garden! You too really look so sweet in all your posts... =)

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  60. Small KucingJuly 27, 2012 at 2:33 AM

    its so beautiful over there.

    guess it's a very hot day . The baby birds looks like resting from the heat too

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  61. diane bJuly 27, 2012 at 5:13 AM

    Every time you take us to Biltmore Gardens there is something new to see. I love the Italian Garden water lilies.

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