Little Much before the Rain

| Flower Roberts

I arrived home on Friday evening just as it started to rain. A quick scan of the gardens showed that my one and only ‘Little Much’ bearded iris was blooming.

I rushed to capture its portrait before the rain drops weighed down the blossoms.

Some iris hybrids are very prolific while others must be kept separate and babied. Little Much is an example of the latter.

I love its delicate ruffles and contrasting colors.

It is a favorite of mine. ‘Little Much’ is a treasure.

I love ‘Little Much’ a whole lot.

FLOWER

My Heart is Still in Winter

| Flower Roberts

My heart is still in winter, tho my flowers say it’s spring.

I am surrounded by cold realities that I cannot change.

I do not have the power to thaw my frozen, fearful heart.

Life is precious. The fragile need protection.

I am hunkered down for a bit.

Holding my budded heart closely.

Waiting for a safe time to open.

I have faith in spring, even now.

We will endure. We will bloom again. We will grow.

This I know.

FLOW

The Koi at the Castle

| Flower Roberts

We never make a trip to Biltmore Estate without visiting the Koi ponds. Lately we have only visited the gardens, not the castle, so we start at the Conservatory. The koi ponds are up a hill near the house. Seeing the Koi is worth the climb.

There are fish of all sizes and colors. Some are habituated to being hand-fed and come to the edge if one stands still. I love this because it gives an opportunity to see them close up.

The biggest fish are over a foot long. There are many smaller members of the schools.

My favorite Koi are golden yellow. I was thrilled to spot one.

My family has koi in much smaller ponds, so we spend time here visiting these fish each visit.

FLOW and fish

The Biltmore Legacy Museum

| Flower Roberts

Several of my favorite Biltmore artifacts have been moved to Antler Hill Village over the years. I appreciate this move because it allows a closer look at these treasures. Two of my favorites are the Napoleon chess set and the many place settings of china, crystal and silver used during formal banquets.

The chess set was originally owned by Napoleon Bonaparte. I was not at liberty to use the flash, but you can see how ornate each piece is.

Each piece is a masterpiece.

My daughter and I discussed the many pieces of silver, china, and crystal necessary for each guest. Good thing there were many servants to cook, serve and clean up. Many local folks were employed by the Biltmore Estate.

I have used my formal china , crystal and silver only a handful of times during my 37 years marriage. I guess I need to quit protecting it and use it.

There are many more fascinating artifacts in the Legacy Museum. Make sure you stop by there before you leave the grounds.

FLOW

Queen at Eighteen

| Flower Roberts

What better place for a queen to have portraits done than at America’s castle, Biltmore Estate?

This lovely young woman is turning eighteen and making her debut. Her beautiful sage green gown has stunningly gorgeous gold lace applique.

I would love to have gotten some close-ups, but did not dare distract a professional at work. I did ask permission to take photos and gave them my card for this blog.

The crown and appliques glistened magically in the afternoon sun.

I think this celebration at eighteen could have a more positive impact than those at 15 or sweet 16. It celebrates the young woman at a critical time in her life. It is like being a bride with no groom. All the attention is focused on her from all the people she loves most.

I am sure this Queen’s celebration will be as lovely as she is.

FLOW

Crazy Gorgeous Orchids

| Flower Roberts

Every trip to the Biltmore Conservatory is a dream come true for me. One of the many highlights is the orchid collection. The variety of colors and shapes is a marvel. I have always found orchids fascinating.

You can click on the photos to enlarge them.

One of my favorite books is Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean. If you are an orchid fan you will love it also.

FLOW the flower fan.

A Tiny Biltmore

| Flower Roberts

Any trip to the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina is a treat, but this trip had many highlights. The best surprise was a replica of the Biltmore Manor, Conservatory and gate house. It is made out of all natural materials found on the grounds of the estate. I have paired the photographs so that you can see how amazingly accurate these models are. You may want to click on each photo to see the details.

Here are shots of the front of the Biltmore House. The entrance is flanked by giant sculptures of lions.

The left side of the house has an arboretum covered with wisteria with benches to sit on and view the mountains.

There is a magnificent spiral staircase to the left of the main entrance.

These next photos are close-ups to show the materials used in this miraculous replica.

Stay tuned. I have several more surprises to share.

FLOW