“Kaleidoscope” ~ Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit. Ten regional artists exhibit their work in the Arboretum’s third major juried sculpture show. “Kaleidoscope” embraces the opportunity to see objects of beautiful form, pattern and change in a natural setting. A selection of 13 sculptures is featured as an enhancement to the Arboretum’s gardens.

Internationally known artist Luke Allsbrook paints landscapes that reflect the beauty of Western North Carolina farmland and scenes from around the state. The exhibit brings awareness to the value of land resources, loss of farmland, and conservation in our region.

“Silent Beauty: A View of the Changing Seasons” ~ Photography Exhibit. Fine art photographer Cynthia Walker hosts an exhibition of her favorite images of insects and flowers, inspired by the mountain region. The exhibit conveys hidden simplicity within the complexity of nature’s patterns and light.

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 appeals 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 (x317) to schedule a tour.

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

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

Forest Trails Walk. This guided tour of the Arboretum’s trails explores the natural environment. Topics may include plants, trees, flowers, birds, insects and local history. Bring water, wear walking shoes, dress in layers and bring rain protection.

Bonsai Volunteers in the Garden. Volunteers stationed in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden will answer questions about both the collection and the garden.

Camp Hidey Hoe ~ Summer Camp. Kids will dig, compost, plant, water and care for their very own garden. Hands-on experiences in the children’s garden will provide the skills needed to take care of everything green from flowers to herbs and veggies. There’s still time to register for this and other Arboretum camps. See www.ncarboretum.org for more offerings.

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Annual Exhibition. Roses of every color and size will be on display, and experts will provide hourly programs about the selection, care and history of these magnificent garden plants. Rose plants will be available for purchase.

Gardening in the Mountains: 3 to 4 Seasons of Flowers. This informative program is offered in cooperation with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension and regional Master Gardeners.

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

Twilight Tuesday. Join us for an evening with Biltmore Brass, a five-piece brass ensemble, in the lobby of the Baker Exhibit Center. Enjoy the splendors of the early summer landscape during a self-guided twilight stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and talk with a volunteer in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Light refreshments will be available.

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

Western North Carolina Daylily Club Annual Flower Show. Hundreds of choice and rare daylilies will be on display. Daylily plants will be for sale, and club members will provide information on care and cultivation of daylilies.