25th Anniversary Festival of Flowers
April 3–May 16, 2010
Herald spring at Biltmore with acres of blooms to boost your spirits and more Biltmore to enjoy than ever with our new Antler Hill Village.
Join us for the silver anniversary of our celebration of Biltmore’s gardens. It was 25 years ago when Biltmore’s owner, William A. V. Cecil, decided that the gardens of Darwin Hybrid tulips were too beautiful not to share. Biltmore’s first Festival of Flowers in 1985 included those showy tulips throughout the estate and stylized in a carpet of fresh flowers flanking the front door.
This year, look for tulips in French-style arrangements, a recreation of the fresh flower carpet from 1985, and notice the fleur de lis pattern—a symbol of the iris, the 25th anniversary flower—in urns, containers, and pattern beds.
During our celebration, enjoy live music daily in the Winter Garden and in the Conservatory. On weekends, our horticulture professionals are in the Walled Garden to answer your gardening questions. Savor special menus in our restaurants, and the 2010 Festival of Flowers wines at the Winery.
Biltmore House and Gardens Activities:
Enjoy live music daily. Music begins on the hour at the Biltmore House Winter Garden from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and at the Conservatory from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Daily concierge service will be offered in front of Biltmore House from 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. to give you information on all of the events.
- Visit with a Biltmore gardener at our “Ask a Gardener” station in the Walled Garden on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Look in the Conservatory for a container garden exhibit that represents wine selections in honor of the Winery’s 25th Anniversary.
- Get inspired at our free seminars offered daily at A Gardener’s Place:
- 1:00 p.m.: Creating five–minute centerpieces: fast and easy arranging.
- 2:00 p.m.: How to "wreath" your door into spring.
- 3:00 p.m.: Learn the basics of growing roses.
Antler Hill Village Activities:
Explore our new Antler Hill Village that connects the estate’s present and past, providing a relaxing place for dining, shopping, historical exhibits, a revitalized Winery tour, and new ways to experience Biltmore’s hospitality.
Winery
Delight in free wine tastings and a self–guided tour to see how we make award-winning wines. Additional tastings are available.
The Biltmore Legacy
Learn more about how the Vanderbilts lived with exhibits featuring photos and objects from the Biltmore House collection. Discover how their descendants continue to preserve the estate with an 8–minute film, and enjoy presentations on decorating and entertaining by designers combining estate-inspired products with the legacy of Vanderbilt hospitality.
Village Green
Relax with music and storytellers daily, 2:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
Farm
Glimpse farm life in the early 1900s with knowledgeable interpreters and exhibits. Meet friendly animals in the Farmyard and explore the Kitchen Garden.