North Carolina

A Gardener’s Delight: The Private & Public Landscapes of Asheville

Program No. 21968RJ
Come to Asheville to witness some of the nation’s most renowned gardens and landscapes as you explore the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina Arboretum and several private gardens.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Since Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscape for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate in the late 19th century, the people of Asheville, N.C. have prided themselves on the gardens and natural beauty of the region. Join local experts as they share their botanical knowledge and lead explorations to public spaces including the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Then, enjoy guided visits to several private gardens owned by local residents.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile over uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Spend an afternoon at the North Carolina Arboretum and admire its many gardens, including the Bonsai Pavilion — home to the largest collection of bonsais (seasonal) in the Southeast.
  • Enjoy guided visits to several private gardens in Asheville and the surrounding area, and walk the impressive grounds of the Biltmore Estate.
  • Admire the flora of the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, home to 600 species of plants native to the Southern Appalachian region and 50 rare plants including Pale Yellow Trillium (blooms in early spring).

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Opportunities are available for traveling companions to attend a different program at Montreat during the same week.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Bobbie Pell
Bobbie Pell, a trained naturalist with a degree in outdoor environmental education, shares her love of nature, conservation, and everything floral. She is completing a UNC Certificate of Merit in eco-gardening through the NC Arboretum. A professional artist for over 15 years, she blends basic artistic design elements with information gained from research, readings, and garden courses by Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation. She offers opportunities to make holistic, artistic connections with nature, sculpting home gardens into spaces of serenity and beauty.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tracy Bailey
Tracy Bailey View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Profile Image of Bobbie Pell
Bobbie Pell View biography
Bobbie Pell, a trained naturalist with a degree in outdoor environmental education, shares her love of nature, conservation, and everything floral. She is completing a UNC Certificate of Merit in eco-gardening through the NC Arboretum. A professional artist for over 15 years, she blends basic artistic design elements with information gained from research, readings, and garden courses by Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation. She offers opportunities to make holistic, artistic connections with nature, sculpting home gardens into spaces of serenity and beauty.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner