Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
Starting at
1,099
North Carolina
A Gardener’s Delight: The Private & Public Landscapes of Asheville
Program No. 2196860MEADV-1116-60
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.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
Starting at
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
5
Art in Response to Nature; Biltmore Estate Gardens
Montreat, NC
6
Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(4 books)
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.
A Gardener’s Delight: The Private & Public Landscapes of Asheville
Program Number: 21968
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
A must for any gardener, this resource reviews the natural archetypes which can be mirrored in gardens by using aesthetically pleasing design principles. Using natural habitats, this book reviews plant choices and how to manage a plant community, even in your own backyard!
Art and Nature: An Illustrated Anthology of Nature Poetry
A magical journey to the heart through the pairing of words and imagery by classical writer and artists. This book is a visual feast for the reader as page after page reveals Master paintings collected by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the various hues and tones of color, deepening the experience with the selected poems.
Landscaping with Wildflowers: An Environmental Approach to Gardening
To give your garden that sense of natural growth within planned parameters, this book focuses on the natural world as whole, allowing the flowers to attract pollinators and provide shelter during the seasons for wildlife. Gardening for specific habitats such as wetlands, grass lands, meadows, and prairies are highlighted. The second half of the book is encyclopedic in nature with plant soil preferences, color, height, and growing seasons to aid the gardener in making the best choices for their home gardens.
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials.
This source is arranged in three parts: Designing the Perennial Garden (principles and combinations), Growing Perennials (crucial tips), and the Encyclopedia, arranged alphabetically by genus with specific information for variants within the species. This book is an invaluable tool when planning a garden by providing tips on preparing the site, blooming seasons, height, and bloom variations.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Montreat, NC
Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15
| 5B |
5L |
5D |
Activity Level
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.)
Best of all, you'll...
- 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
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 the program
Tracy Bailey
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.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile over uneven terrain.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(4 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 5B | 5L | 5D |
7 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Inn check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Note: You will share the week at the Inn with two other Road Scholar programs (pickleball, 23769 and Broadway, 22396). Assembly Inn check-in 3:00-5:30 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close to the Inn or by the lake and check in. Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Feel free to relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.
Dinner:
5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Galax Dining Room, or if you prefer, outside in the Tea Garden or on Wharton Porch (weather permitting).
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also meet the instructor. We will have opportunities for early morning stretch sessions led by a member of our staff. On some evenings, there will be entertainment such as a concert, dance, or storyteller followed by opportunities for fellowship in the lobby of the Inn. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll finish up around 8:00 p.m. with some “get to know you” activities and then have refreshments and fellowship in the lobby. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
World of Flowers, Botany, Designing A Garden; NC Arboretum
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Coffee out at 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. early morning stretch session. Getting in/out of vans; driving about 100 miles round-trip, approximately 2 hours total.
Breakfast:
In the Galax Dining Room.
Morning:
Welcome to the World of Flowers with naturalist, Bobbie Pell! Today we begin our gardening adventure by creating a foundational layer for the week. First, we will consider our approach to nature: Scientific (plant ID), Aesthetic (Artistic, Beauty), Physical (Gardening labor, walks), and Philosophical (Spiritual, Folklore). Throughout the week we will be visiting many gardens, so it is good to be familiar with different types of flowers (terminology), the differences between perennials and annuals, the advantages of using native species, and learning the basic principles of planning a garden space. After our morning break, we move into Designing Your Garden: Landscape Archetypes, Design Elements, Garden Art. We will look at effective design principles that allow for personal expression through plants. You can create a variety of garden spaces, each with its own personality, through additions to your plant choices through structures (arbor, trellis, bower, glider, seat/bench), artwork (wind spinners, chimes, whimsical ceramics, glass and metal works), water features, bird feeders, and borders (shape/form). Primary design elements will be covered, applicable to any size garden. This will lead into the history and background of the North Carolina Arboretum, our afternoon field trip, which sits in the middle of a 434-acre public forest and garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, surrounded by lush folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains. Be sure to check out their website!
Lunch:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board the vans for a visit to the North Carolina Arboretum. It displays the largest collection of Japanese bonsai trees (and a few plants) in the Southeast's grandest collection of such botanical wonders in a beautiful, specially designed pavilion that salutes their classic beauty. We will then visit the beautiful Quilt Garden that is re-designed twice a year, once for spring and once for fall displays. We'll end our adventures for the day with a visit to our first private garden.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Evening:
An evening program with a local storyteller or musician/band will entertain us as we relax after a busy day. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, with opportunities for fellowship in the lobby of the Inn.
Day
3
3 Bs for Wildlife; Black Mountain Garden Visits, Olmstead
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Coffee out at 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. early morning stretch session. Getting in/out of vans; driving about 10 miles round-trip, approximately 1/2 hour total. Walking up to one mile at a time over uneven and steep terrain at gardens.
Breakfast:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Morning:
We with gather with our instructor for a class "Seasonal 3 Bs" for Wildlife: Birds, Bees, and Butterflies. As we travel through the seasons, we will examine blooming seasons, challenges, and protective foliage for wildlife. Specific bloom shapes and colors attract pollinators to keep your garden vibrant. National Aubudon Society shares a Native Plant Database where you can choose plants that will attract specific birds to your garden. Follow this link: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants. Shrubs add shelter, protection, texture, and color throughout the year. The National Wildlife Foundation offers a new certification program which encourages gardeners to "plant with a purpose" to aid endangered species while assisting gardeners in making their plant choices. For more information, follow this link: https://gardenforwildlife.com/. After a brief refreshment and fellowship break, we'll go into nearby Black Mountain to explore the Black Mountain Community Garden founded in 1997 by Dr. John Wilson. This garden moved to its current site on town property in 2004. About 75% of the garden plots are available for individual rentals while the other 25% are used to grow crops solely for donation. With the help of many volunteers, 3,000 pounds of food are grown annually for donation within the community to a local food pantry and a weekly meal site. The garden also includes over one hundred fruit or nut bearing trees, bushes and vines. A greenway trail encircles the garden and connects with the greater greenway system of Black Mountain. Along one border of the garden and paralleling the greenway is a three hundred foot long native plant and medicinal at-risk species trail. The trail is on the United Plant Savers national registry of Botanical Sanctuaries. We will return to the Inn after our field trip.
Lunch:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Afternoon:
Before visiting two more private gardens in Black Mountain, our classroom time will be discussing landscape archetypes and architecture. Classical landscape archetype spaces are grasslands / meadows, woodlands / shrubs, forests, and edges. Each contain a hierarchy of layers to produce dynamic garden spaces regardless of size. The impact of the ground-breaking work by Frederick Law Olmstead, the "Father of American Landscape Architecture," is still followed by avid gardeners through the application of solid, gardening practices and principles. Olmstead is also the namesake of the North Carolina Arboretum who first envisioned such an institution near Asheville as part of his legacy of the Biltmore Estate.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Evening:
Another fun evening program (concert, storyteller) will end our day.
Day
4
Garden Inspirations and Meditation Spaces, Free Time, Movie
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Coffee out at 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. early morning stretch session. Getting in/out of vans; driving about 50 miles round-trip, approximately 1 hour total. Walking up to one mile at a time over uneven and steep terrain at gardens.
Breakfast:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Morning:
To orient us for the day, we begin with a brief class on plants for both sunny and shady areas. As with each class, students are encouraged to highlight plant suggestions from the Powerpoint presentations which may later be used in their personal gardens. We'll have a brief overview of the gardens/places we will visit and then leave for our field trips.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a bag lunch at Weaverville's outdoor sanctuary, Lake Louise, then return to Montreat around 1:30.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon is free. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room, we’ll have a farm-to-table meal featuring locally-produced and locally-sourced foods.
Evening:
At leisure. We will have an opportunity to view a movie, with a garden theme of course!
Day
5
Art in Response to Nature; Biltmore Estate Gardens
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Coffee out at 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. early morning stretch session. Getting in/out of vans; driving about 40 miles round-trip, approximately 1.5 hours total. Walking up to one mile at a time over uneven and steep terrain at gardens.
Breakfast:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Morning:
Having chosen some favorite flowers to incorporate in your gardens, we look today at classical artistic responses to nature. For centuries, nature has inspired artists in all venues by the varieties of form, color, and beauty. GARDEN ART: You can create a variety of garden spaces, each with its own personality, through additions to your plant choices through structures (arbor, trellis, bower, glider, seat/bench), artwork (wind spinners, chimes, whimsical ceramics, glass and metal works), water features, bird feeders, and borders (shape/form). Over the years, meanings have been attributed to certain flowers, deepening our relationship with these plants. We will examine the use of unique flowers by viewing slides of artistic renderings from master paintings housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art followed by the Language of Flowers, a litany of emotional depths paired with flowers created by the British Victorians. We conclude this class with an overview of the garden planning and designs of the Biltmore Estate. After a short refreshment break, we'll embark on our time travel excursion to the luxurious historic Biltmore Estate where you can venture into the Conservatory and Gardens (House not included today). Once you are sated on the beautiful orchids in Conservatory, hybrid tea varieties in the Rose Garden, seasonal blooms in the Pattern Gardens, and water treasures in the 3 pools of the Italian Gardens, we will travel across the estate to Antler Hill village whose layout of garden water features and container gardens resembles a quaint English village square.
Lunch:
On the Biltmore Estate grounds, we’ll have box lunches.
Afternoon:
Following our lunch, we will take in another historic Asheville landmark, Grovewood Gallery Sculpture Garden. Unique garden art and sculptures compliment the beautiful, natural setting that surrounds Grovewood Village. Stroll the meandering ivy-bordered pathways and admire the panoramic views across the valley to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. An impressive collection of wind sculptures Utah sculptor, Lyman Whitaker who focused his artistic ability on gracefully capturing the spirit of the wind through his kinetic art.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Evening:
We’ll gather for a last evening together as a group (probably a concert), followed by an opportunity for games/cards/TV in lobby for fellowship. Prepare for check-out and departure after lunch tomorrow (and be sure to request a box lunch if you cannot stay through lunch on Friday).
Day
6
Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Program Concludes
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Coffee out at 6:30 a.m.. Getting in/out of vans; driving about 90 miles round-trip, approximately 2 hours total. Inn check-out 11:00 a.m. Walking up to one mile at a time over uneven and steep terrain at botanical garden.
Breakfast:
In the Assembly Inn dining room.
Morning:
Our instructor will start with an orientation to the Botanical Gardens of Asheville by sharing its community-based beginnings, flowers of interest, and programs. Their mission is the preservation and promotion of the native plant species and habitats of these mountains. They hope to increase public awareness of this region's unique botanical diversity by maintaining gardens for the enjoyment of the public and by providing educational programs and research resources for the community. This six-acre sanctuary, located next door to the University of North Carolina at Asheville, sports hundreds of native plants grown in a garden of peaceful walkways. Visit their website: http://www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org. Please plan to check out of the Inn before we leave for our field trip. We will return in time for lunch together, or box lunches are available for those who choose to leave from the Botanical Gardens (please pick up from the kitchen before you leave Montreat).
Lunch:
In the Assembly Inn dining room. This concludes our program.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 41 Reviews
Sort By:
I went on the Gardening trip to Montreat for the second time with a different instructor than I had several years earlier. While both trips were enjoyable, Bobbie Pell did an especially good job of helping participants enjoy the gardens on several levels. She knows a lot about the science of gardening and also how gardens affect us spiritually. Bobbie made us feel welcome and readily answered questions about gardens, the local towns, etc. We repeated some of the fascinating gardens visited prior but they had also added new ones. Montreat has entertainment for all groups in the evenings after the buffet meals. As usual, it was fun to talk to participants in other programs over dinner. Am so glad that I made the trip prior to the storm that hit the area shortly afterwards. I have also been on Bobbie's separate Mystery program at Montreat and enjoyed her depth of knowledge on that trip, also.
— Review left October 21, 2024
A really great program and outstanding staff
— Review left October 6, 2024
Terrific program that includes learning about gardening, art, poetry featuring a wide variety of gardens.
— Review left October 1, 2024
This program was wonderful. Not only is Bobbie Pell an amazing instructor, she is an inspiration! Her knowledge about plants and gardens not only in North Carolina, but all the country is phenomenal. I have also had the pleasure to attend a "Nature Bathing" experience with her and it was wonderful. There were field trips every day to beautiful gardens around the Asheville and Black Mountain area. My favorites were the private gardens! I highly recommend this retreat. I'll be back to Montreat for anther retreat in the future!
— Review left September 28, 2024
Bobbie Pell brought this gardening program to excellence!
— Review left September 14, 2024
I had a wonderful time on this trip. Our stay in Montreat was great. We were definitely well fed (more food than I normally eat and delicious) and a well balanced diet. Our instructor Bobbi is a great person and so fun, interesting and very knowledgeable. Only complaints I have is my bed was way to soft for my old person back. Also, I was kind of disappointed that more different kinds of drinks weren't available with the meals. I am not a Ice tea, orange juice or apple juice drinker, so my only choice was coffee or water. But I would definitely recommend this trip. I have already
implemented my wealth of knowledge I learned into my flower beds!!
— Review left September 11, 2024
Had a lovely time! learned a lot, really liked the retreat version. New friends, great food.
— Review left September 1, 2024
Totally LOVED this trip! Montreat is a beautiful setting...being able to see so many different types of private gardens and the community garden was really mind opening..
I appreciate the knowledge and how they arranged everything...was really happy to meet the owners of these lovely private gardens and hear their stories. So happy to wander at my own pace and just BE..
Accommodations were awesome..I was on the third floor in the main Montreat bldg overlooking lake Susan...like being in a tree house...so much history in the buildings and grounds...even saw a white deer! Very magical place..REALLY appreciated the Staff, their kindness and patience...A truly WONDERFUL experience. THANK YOU!!!!!
— Review left August 20, 2024
Although I am not a gardener, I found the lectures interesting and informative. I was thrilled by the flowers and foliage at Biltmore and the personal gardens that we visited. Definitely a worthwhile trip in an idyllic part of the world.
— Review left June 1, 2024
The scenery, at Montreat, the place we stayed was so beautiful, a true place of peace and rest. The field trips were also incredible and our instructor Bobby Pell was delightful. Bobby was totally dedicated to teaching us about gardening and did a great job.
— Review left May 27, 2024
This program is a real delight!
— Review left May 6, 2024
I highly recommend attending a Road Scholar program. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I met new lifelong friends and can't wait to pick my next Road Scholar trip!
— Review left May 4, 2024
Informative, carefully planned course. Quite a bit of driving to get to and from field trip sites. Just spending a week with instructor Bobbie Pell was inspiring!
— Review left April 22, 2024
This program provided unique opportunities to visit beautiful private gardens
— Review left September 22, 2023
This was my 1st Road Scholar program. I was so impressed with everything. The Montreat Center is a wonderful facility. The Director, Tracy, kept everything running smoothly the week I was there. 3 Road Scholar programs were in session. It was fun to meet other people and learn about their programs.
The instructor, Steve, is incredibly knowledgable and has many connections in the Asheville area. We were able to visit many private gardens as well as the public gardens.
Asheville's terrain is very steep and some of the gardens had uneven paths. Steve made it a point to include everyone and had modifications for people who weren't comfortable on uneven terrain so they wouldn't miss anything.
I also enjoyed the optional evening programming. One night Montreat had transportation available to take us to the nearby town of Black Mountain (wonderful) where we enjoyed a community "open mic" night of local talent.
Wonderful program for any season. While in the area considering taking the Road Scholar program "Signature City - Asheville". We really focused on the gardens but downtown Asheville looks so interesting.
— Review left August 14, 2023
An exceptional light introduction to the Asheville NC plantings. I was astonished by the thoughtfulness, creativity and hard work of the gardeners I met in this program. They each had wonderful approaches to improving the land they lived in.
— Review left August 11, 2023
A peaceful, quiet retreat. Gardens tours daily, such a wide variety. Community, private, public and the Biltmore Estate Gardens. Our teacher, Steve, was very informative and patient to answer questions. No technology problems seen. The classroom was comfortable. We were provided plentiful and nutritious food, but not a huge buffet. There were at least two hot vegetables plus a salad bar each lunch and evening. The line moved quickly, no waiting for service. The Montreat property was very well maintained. I forgot to compliment the bluegrass musicians who performed one evening, when I completed the evaluation. They were very talented and friendly. I would repeat this program in springtime, to see different flowers!
— Review left August 11, 2023
The trip was well set up. The gardens were great. The accommodation was great!
— Review left June 28, 2023
Wonderful Asheville Garden Tour. Fabulous gardens!
— Review left June 6, 2023
For those who have been on open garden walks, one of the big pluses for this course was that each of the private garden owners was able to utilize the provided listening devices to walk the group through their gardens describing the who, what and why of their landscapes.
— Review left June 3, 2023
Excellent program. The private garden visits were wonderful - the gardeners were welcoming, all of them had a different focus for their gardens, and I picked up a number of ideas for my garden. Montreat is a great place to stay.
— Review left May 29, 2023
This is my first Road Scholar event and I was plesantly surprised. You are never too old to learn lots of new stuff!
— Review left May 26, 2023
Very much enjoyed this program! The mix of public and private gardens was really nice, the trip leaders were great, and the other participates were delightful. I also enjoyed getting to interact with the folks in the other Road Scholar programs that were going on at the same time - it was fun to hear about what was happening in their classes. I took this program in spring; I'd like to do it again in the fall.
— Review left May 17, 2023
This trip was a wonderful combination of learning and fun. We saw larger gardens with the “wow” factor as well as smaller gardens which were every bit as lovely and provided lots of useful tips and ideas that we could take back with us to our own gardens. The other participants were very friendly and welcoming, and the tour guides (Steve and Valorie) could not have been better. They made it so very enjoyable!
— Review left May 5, 2023
This is one of the best programs I’ve experienced with Road Scholar. Bobby Pell, the leader, added her knowledge and interest to every aspect. Private gardens owners were eager to share the fruits of their labor. The activities were very well-planned. I would recommend doing the program both in spring and fall. Montreat is the perfect setting.
— Review left October 4, 2022
Our knowledgeable instructor motivated us to examine how we wanted to use our gardens and natural space, feel in our space, and even what specific birds and butterflies we wanted to attract. The private gardens were absolutely beautiful -- each having its own identity yet inspiring us to think about how we could incorporate even a small feature into our own areas. What a treat to be invited into these intimate, private places! Montreat is a bit worn, but beautiful and accommodating. The meals were cafeteria-ish, but satisfied with vegetarian and hearty options. The trip organizer was always friendly & helpful. My fellow "classmates" from all around the USA were a joy to meet. The main hiccup was the transportation that Road Scholar recommended--He was poorly organized, didn't arrive at the time he put on my receipt, charged fellow guests varying prices, and charged my credit card three times with different rates. This aside, all-in-all it was a great trip!
— Review left October 3, 2022
A wonderful program! It was fun and I learned new things that made me excited to go home and use what I learned to improve my gardens. I'd even consider attending this program again because it was so good and so enjoyable!
— Review left August 21, 2022
Outstanding instruction and help in planning my own garden with other valuable information on plants and design.The visits to private gardens was amazing and provided ideas and inspiration for my garden as well.
— Review left August 13, 2022
This program was fabulous. We saw 2 to 3 different gardens every day. The gardens were each very different and each had a different focus which made them very interesting. The food and rooms were great. There were many benches in the gardens.
— Review left May 30, 2022
This was an easy going program at the Assembly Inn on Montreat Resort. We have beautiful views of the mountains and the gardens on the tour were spectacular.
— Review left May 23, 2022
Montreat Retreat, GEM in the heart of Black Mountain/Asheville. Beautiful mountains, gardens in full bloom, gracious, attentive hospitality, caring staff, excellent lectures and guides, good food. Lucky me for finding this Gardens in Bloom, Asheville Road Scholar program! Small group made meeting others so easy, too.
— Review left May 23, 2022
I loved seeing all of the gardens, but especially the private ones. Our instructor was very knowledgeable as well as entertaining. I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting a number of fellow garden lovers.
— Review left May 20, 2022
Montreat is a relaxing retreat; beautiful surroundings, good food and lodging plus beautiful and varied gardens. I hope to return for a different program.
— Review left May 16, 2022
This proves to be a worthwhile program even for non-gardeners and if you're blessed with decent weather, your money and time are well spent.
— Review left September 27, 2021
This was a great program. The location was beautiful and the food was very good and plentiful. The Road Scholar staff was great. I learned a lot and feel that I received at least equal value for the cost.
— Review left September 26, 2021
Typical entertaining and thoroughly well prepared program
— Review left August 28, 2021
Gardeners Delight in Montreat, NC is an interesting tour of many types of area gardens, including Biltmore. The classes are taught by Steve Frowine--an experienced and approachable horticulture expert and author. Terrain can be uneven and hilly in some gardens so participants should be sure-footed. Located in a beautiful retreat setting with meals onsite. Other programs were going on at the same time and it was interesting to learn about other subjects and share their instructors knowledge in the evening talks.
— Review left September 14, 2019
If you are a beginning or experienced gardener this program will improve your knowledge of plants, techniques and design principles. Everyone will learn something!
— Review left August 25, 2019
It was an interesting program in a beautiful location.
— Review left June 16, 2019
A+
— Review left June 2, 2019
If you are interested in gardening or just exploring gardens and spending time in beautiful outdoor places this program is definitely for you!
— Review left June 2, 2019
