Located in Ashville, North Carolina, Biltmore was built in 1888 by American Art Collector, George Biltmore. He was a member of the famous Biltmore family who amassed a fortune through steamboats, railroads, and other business ventures. The 250-room mansion is the largest privately owned home in the United States. Biltmore hired famous landscape designer, Frederick Law Olmsted to design the 8000-acre garden that surrounds the mansion.
You can begin your garden tour at the library terrace where 100-year-old wisteria and trumpet creeper flowers add a splash of color to the surroundings. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the estate's vast acreage.
Moving on to the Italian garden, exotic water lilies, tropical plants, and koi fish provide an elegant and symmetrical example of aquatic gardening.
Winding paths lead to the 15-acre azalea garden which in the spring pops with vibrant pink and red colors.
The walled garden is the most well-known, with geometric designs of changing colors and textures, reflecting the flora of each of the four seasons. Other gardens include the rose garden, butterfly garden, and conservatory.
Admission, while a pricey $99 per person, includes entry into both the home and gardens. Hours are daily from 9-5. If you can do it, this is a place to see at least once in your lifetime.
Gardening tip: Use Epsom Salt to take care of house plants. Use 2 tablespoons per gallon of water and feed plants monthly. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It helps seeds germinate, plants grow fuller, produce more flowers, and keeps slugs away.