The North Carolina Arboretum
2008 Calendar of Events

“Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders” ~ Insect Exhibit
Saturday, January 19 through Sunday, May 11, 2008
Learn about bizarre live insects from around the world. Reminiscent of a traditional circus sideshow, the exhibit will feature more than two-dozen living and mounted insects ranging from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to bird-eating tarantulas. Visitors will also witness the wonders of metamorphosis as butterflies emerge from their chrysalis in “Winged Transformers,” a corresponding butterfly house exhibit.

“Orchids and Iris in the Garden” ~ Silk Painting Exhibit
Friday, February 1 through Sunday, April 20, 2008
Jamie Kirkell’s paintings on silk represent an accurate depiction of botanical art while providing true inspiration for the viewer. With influences from around the world, Kirkell’s paintings reflect a combination of classical and contemporary styles.

Orchid Society Annual Show & Sneak Peek at Spring
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Occurring in the first week of spring, the Annual WNC Orchid Society Juried Show and Sale kicks off the Arboretum’s schedule of events for 2008. Indoor and outdoor activities will include trail walks, demonstrations, exhibits and an orchid plant sale. Experts will be available to answer questions.

“Kaleidoscope” ~ Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
Tuesday, April 1 through Friday, October 31, 2008
This outdoor exhibit featuring multiple artists will offer a transformational view of the landscape through the beautiful forms and patterns of sculpture.

Rhododendron Truss Show and Plant Sale
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The SE Chapter, American Rhododendron Society Truss Show features hundreds of blooms plus regional nurserymen selling unusual rhododendron and companion plants. Azaleas as well as spring and summer blooming rhododendrons are favorites of the weekend. Regional nurserymen and vendors will be present.

“Silent Beauty: A View of the Changing Seasons” ~ Photography of Cynthia Walker
Wednesday, April 23 through Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Experience the mystery and beauty of nature in this photography exhibit showcasing flowers and insects. Local artist Cynthia Walker exposes the hidden simplicity that exists within the complexity of nature’s patterns and light.

Carolinas Dahlia Society Tuber Sale and NC Chrysanthemum Society Plant Sale
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A wide variety of dahlia tubers, dahlia plant starts and chrysanthemums featuring cultivated varieties will be available. Learning from society members, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season.

Blue Ridge Hydrangea Society Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 17, 2008
This annual event features a wide variety of hydrangeas suitable for nearly any garden. Hydrangeas will be available for purchase, and society members will show highly prized and unusual specimens.

Rose Exhibition
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Annual Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition features award winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide resources about selection, care and history of these beautiful garden plants.

Bamboo Society Festival
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The American Bamboo Society’s Southeastern Chapter hosts its second annual Bamboo Festival. Visitors will learn about the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass. The weekend includes lectures, demonstrations, crafts and plant sales.

Asheville Quilt Show
Friday, August 1, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Asheville Quilt Guild holds this annual event that features more than 250 quilts from around the region, nation and world. The show will include demonstrations, a Merchant’s Mall, a boutique of handmade items, and the opportunity to see winning quilts from multiple categories. Admission and parking fees charged.

Annual Dahlia Society Show
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hundreds of dahlia blooms in rainbow colors and multi-bloom variety bouquets will be displayed. Enjoy trail walks, family activities, exhibits and a flower sale!

Heritage Crafts Weekend
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Arboretum’s Heritage Garden will house a weekend of demonstrations, plant sales and musical performances. Artists and crafters in attendance will include basket makers, broom makers, paper makers, natural dyers, weavers, jewelry makers and wood carvers.

Annual Carolina Bonsai Expo
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Experience autumn in miniature during the southeast’s premier annual Bonsai Expo, now in its 13th year. The Expo features the Arboretum’s world-class bonsai collection housed in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Vendors will come from around the region to sell plants and hard-to-find bonsai tools.

NC Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
This juried exhibit highlights the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers. Visitors will also enjoy the Arboretum’s fall gardens, trail walks, and flower sale.