Biltmore Estate

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

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

Biltmore Conservatory Scenes

| Flower Roberts

I am a plant enthusiast, so I tend to focus on each individual plant.

I do notice when plant groupings and arrangements are done well.

Here are some scenes from the Biltmore Conservatory that I appreciated.

This mixture of cacti and succulents in pots across the brick floor gave a lovely view of the various
plant shapes and textures.
This is a bamboo bed with pillows accentuated with tiny bromeliads.
This vintage mantle seemed to be in an abandoned manor in a jungle.
Corners were softened with trees and tall orchids had a bright window background.
There was a theme with a twist everywhere. Here the bright orchid blooms were separated with interesting foliage plants.
Putting many tiny orchids together kept them from getting lost in a crowd.
Adding other plants to this huge hanging Staghorn fern gives it a chandelier flavor.

I always delight in seeing new plants and ideas when I visit Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

FLOWER

P.S. TOMORROW IS SPRING!

Mere Mortals with Magic

| Flower Roberts

I have been fortunate to spend the past few days in the midst of magic.

I was in the presence of the work of two creative minds in the same location

on the night of a full moon.

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I am amazed that both my head and heart did not explode from the beauty and joy.

I was on the grounds of Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

This is the castle created by George Vanderbilt.

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On display throughout the grounds and inside the palace

were the dazzling glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly.

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Their magical spirits created mind-boggling beauty.

I am so grateful when mortals are given a glimmer of higher power

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to share with the rest of us,

as Prometheus shared the flame

to enlighten and inspire

a mere mortal like me.

 

FLOWER