Learn about bizarre live insects from around the world. Reminiscent of a circus sideshow, the exhibit features more than two-dozen living and mounted insects ranging from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to bird-eating tarantulas. Visitors will witness the wonder of metamorphosis as butterflies emerge from their chrysalides in “Winged Transformers,” a corresponding butterfly house exhibit. Gigantic bug sculptures designed by Jeff Gundlach will also be creeping along the Arboretum grounds.

Jamie Kirkell’s large silk floral paintings bring a freshness and lightness to the exploration of both the orchid and the iris. Kirkell draws on his education and experiences in Indonesia, the Philippines and Southeast Asia in the creation of these contemporary botanical paintings.

Experience how the addition of sculpture to landscape can change the view and perspective of your surroundings. “Kaleidoscope” creates an opportunity to see objects of beautiful form, pattern and change in a natural setting. A selection of 13 sculptures from regional artists will be presented as an enhancement to the Arboretum’s garden exhibits.

Fine art photographer Cynthia Walker hosts an exhibition of her favorite works inspired by our regional mountain landscapes. The exhibit exposes hidden simplicity within the complexity of nature’s patterns and light.

During all four seasons, the exhibit greenhouse hosts changing living displays linked to subjects and themes featured inside the Baker Exhibit Center. For the month of April, a butterfly house exhibit called “Winged Transformers” is featured in conjunction with “Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders.”

Asheville Amblers 10k Self-Guided Hike. Stop by the Arboretum’s information desks for a map and instructions on taking a 6.2-mile tour of the Arboretum’s gardens and woodland areas.

Savory Thyme Café. Enjoy fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and beverages during your visit to the NC Arboretum. Atrium seating provides panoramic views of the Bent Creek watershed.

If you're looking for a creative gift, don't miss the Garden Trellis Gift Shop in the NC Arboretum’s Education Center. Also visit our newly opened Connections Gallery in the Baker Exhibit Center. Our selection of merchandise relating to gardening and nature will appeal to both practical and whimsical shoppers. Items include paintings and handcrafts from local artists, bonsai tools, gardening and natural history books, garden tools, garden ornaments, stationery, household decorative items, jewelry, and special gifts for children.

Nature Activities for Kids. Families can stop by the Baker Exhibit Center and check out a Discovery Day Pack. Packs include binoculars, magnifying glasses and other items children can use to explore the Arboretum's trails and gardens.

“A Glide Through Nature” Segway™ tour lasts three hours and includes an instruction session followed by a tour of the Arboretum. Enjoy an environmentally friendly, smooth ride along Arboretum trails. $45 weekdays; $55 weekends. Call the Arboretum at 828-665-2492 to schedule a tour.

Production Greenhouse Facility Self-Guided Tours. Visit the working complex that produces plants for seasonal landscape exhibits.

Wee Naturalist Classes. Preschoolers learn about trees, birds, bears, bugs, raindrops and much more. Each class might include a physical activity, critter visits, puppets, songs, art time, stories, and short nature walks.

Forest Trails Walk. This guided tour takes visitors through different types of forest environments in an exploration of natural history. Topics include plants, trees, flowers, birds, insects and local history. Bring water, wear walking shoes and dress in layers.

Gardening in the Mountains: Butterfly Gardening. This informative program is offered in cooperation with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension and regional Master Gardeners.

Collections Walk: Wild Spring Perennials. This monthly walk focuses on various seasonal features of the Arboretum’s cultivated and wild plant collections. Wear sturdy footwear for walking on trails.

The Changing Mountain Environment: Understanding Honeybees. This day of presentations explores the social and ecological life of honeybees, uncovers common myths and misinformation, and outlines how gardeners and non-beekeepers can help this beneficial insect thrive.

Guided Garden Tours. Join this informative, guided tour of the Arboretum’s garden areas featuring spring highlights.

Dr. Entomo Lecture Series: IPM 101. “Integrated Pest Management” is a complex term for a simple idea. Learn which insects are and are not beneficial, how you can attract the ones you want, and why your garden should be filled with the best plants in the best places.

Nature Discovery Days. Join Arboretum naturalists for a day of educational adventure that integrates activities of science, art, ecology, and heritage. Every hour will feature a new theme of discovery, a different activity or educational game, rain or shine.

American Rhododendron Society (SE Chapter) Annual Truss Show and Plant Sale. Hundreds of blooms highlight this annual show, along with expert advice and a chance to purchase rhododendrons and companion plants from local gardeners.

In-Depth Walk: What’s New in the Garden. An Arboretum staff horticulturist leads a walk focusing on new features in the gardens.