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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
We left Salt Lick and had a long day's drive to Hendersonville, NC. The trip was about 290 miles, about 40 miles more than we like to travel in a day. Plus it rained much of the way. Midway, the driver's side windshield wiper started tearing apart. So we made several stops looking for a replacement. We finally found what we needed at a Camping World in Knoxville. I need to remember to replace those things about once a year. These were about 18 months old.
It continued raining while in Hendersonville, but Tuesday cleared off. So we went to the NC Arboretum which is on the south side of Asheville, about 20 miles north of the Lakewood RV Resort where we were staying. We have visited the Arboretum before, and it is now a favorite stop when in the Asheville area. What better place to go see fall leaves than an arboretum. (Although we were about a week early for peak leaf color)
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
The NC Arboretum has some pretty flowers as well.
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
They have an area they call the "quilt" garden which they arrange like a patchwork quilt. They change the plants several times during the year to reflect the current season.
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
I always stop to photograph bees of flowers when I spot them.
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
One of the highlights is the outstanding Bonsai collection.
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
You can see fall leaves and color in miniature.
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
There is a large Bonsai display near the entrance parking lot. But additional Bonsai are in the greenhouses, which are down a pretty woodland walk from the main buildings. Be sure to visit them. (You can also drive to them.)
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
The greenhouses have some other plants and flowers like this Bird of Paradise.
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
Here is a view of the mountains along the woodland path to the greenhouses:
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| From 10-09 NC Arboretum |
As we were walking back from the greenhouse, we met a nice woman who was walking a beautiful red golden retriever. We struck up a conversation with her and found out that she had just adopted Bruester from golden retriever rescue about four months ago. Bruester leaned on us and was very happy to let us pet him.
Bruester is about eight years old. We gave his new owner the bed that Clay had used, a Furminator (grooming tool that gets rid if excess fur), and a small cloth bowl we had used to give Clay water when we walked or went for a car ride. We were glad to find a sweet dog who could use these items.
Be sure to visit the Arboretum when in Asheville. Allow several hours to tour the grounds, greenhouses and buildings. There is also a very nice sandwich shop in the main building. We have enjoyed lunch there on tow occasions.
