2013 Plant Shows and Events

WNC Orchid Society Annual Show, "The Lost World of Orchids"
Saturday, March 23 & Sunday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. both days.
Hundreds of orchids fill the Education Center in this annual judged show that also features regional orchid plant and supply vendors of international acclaim. Educational classes will be offered throughout the weekend and Orchid Society members will be available to answer questions and provide orchid-growing advice.

54th Annual Rhododendron & Azalea Flower Show, presented by the American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter 
Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5
This yearly judged event features hundreds of blooms. The North Carolina Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection, and visitors are encouraged to explore the collection, located along Bent Creek.    

Dahlia Tuber Sale and Mum Cutting Sale
Carolinas Dahlia Society and North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society
Saturday, May 11
A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties are available. Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms.

Ikebana Exhibit
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19
The Japanese art of flower design, as presented by the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International, will be on display. A trio of quilts, crafted by students of chapter member Norma Bradley's ikebana and tea ceremony residency at Black Mountain Elementary, will also be featured in the exhibition.

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition
Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26
The annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend, including a special lecture presented by Paul Zimmerman, rose expert and author of the best-selling book, "Everyday Rose", and a presentation by Biltmore Rosarian and Arboretum Board member, Lucas Jack, on the roses of Biltmore Estate. 

WNC Daylily Society Annual Flower Show--Show Cancelled for 2013
This show, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, has been cancelled at the request of the WNC Daylily Society.

American Bamboo Society SE Chapter Annual Bamboo Festival
Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14
The American Bamboo Society’s Southeastern Chapter hosts this extremely popular event celebrating the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass. Regional bamboo nurseries will offer plants for sale, and bamboo artisans will offer demonstrations. The weekend also includes educational lectures and demonstrations.

Asheville Mushroom Club Fungi Fest
Saturday, September 7

WNC Orchid Society Auction
Sunday, September 22 

Carolina Craft Day
Saturday, September 28
The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates Southern Appalachian traditions during Carolina Craft Day. The event, now in its eighth year, features craft demonstrations and juried art and craft vendors, plant sales and musical performances at the Education Center.  

Carolina Bonsai Expo
Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13
The Carolina Bonsai Expo features the juried work of bonsai enthusiasts from bonsai clubs in a six-state region of the United States. Every year the Expo includes free educational programming, workshops, a bonsai marketplace featuring plants, pots, tools and books for sale, ikebana displays and a live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items. 

North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show
Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20
The popular annual judged show showcases hundreds of chrysanthemum blooms in vibrant and varied colors. The exhibits will be judged by Accredited National Chrysanthemum judges and strict NCS standards and highlights the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers.

 

Special room rates for friends of the Arboretum are made possible by our Community Partner