Discover Biltmore’s Distinctive Shrub Garden Posted on July 25, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Summer at Biltmore is a glorious season–and the perfect time to discover Biltmore’s distinctive Shrub Garden. Discover Biltmore’s distinctive Shrub Garden Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed many of the areas closest to Biltmore House as a series of outdoor rooms that beckoned guests to step outside and enjoy their surroundings. Enjoy an outdoor picnic in the Shrub Garden Biltmore’s Shrub Garden, located between the Italian Garden and the Walled Garden, invites guests to lose themselves among the winding paths and lush plantings. Stone steps beckon you to discover new delights in the Shrub Garden Caring for this distinctive space For Brooke Doty, a member of the estate’s landscaping team since 2017, Biltmore’s Shrub Garden offers a subtle beauty in striking contrast with other portions of Olmsted’s design. “It’s not as obvious as the Walled Garden with all its bright, blooming flowers, but the Shrub Garden is a place of deep shade and clean structure. The shapes of the mature trees and the open, airy feel of the pathways make it the perfect place for wandering,” said Brooke. Uncovering a native jack-in-the-pulpit plant In caring for Biltmore’s Shrub Garden during the past several years, Brooke has come to appreciate more than just the overall plan of the area. “I constantly see things I never saw before,” Brooke said. “Things that you don’t notice immediately. There are plantings that are tucked back away from the paths, and specimens that you won’t find in most gardens.” Notable specimens Brooke examines the decorative fruits of the Japanese Snowbell tree Styrax japonicus or Japanese Snowbell is one such horticultural gem; the tree is known for producing cascades of flowers in the spring, interesting fruits in summer, modest fall color, and shapely limbs for winter interest. The Shrub Garden is also the home of two state champion trees. One is the golden rain tree (Koelreutaria paniculata) with clusters of small yellow seed pods that hang from its nearly weeping branches in early summer. State champion river birch with cables to support its branches The other is a massive river birch (Betula nigra) with distinctive, cinnamon-colored curling bark. In addition to its champion status, the river birch is one of the original plantings in the garden. “From champion trees to the ‘bones’ of Olmsted’s design, Biltmore’s Shrub Garden offers something interesting for every season,” said Brooke. “I’m always encouraging guests to spend more time here exploring the paths, enjoying the quiet beauty, and discovering the little surprises that await you around each turn.” Colorful summer blooms against the brick tunnel bridge in the Shrub Garden Plan your summer visit today Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden Featured blog image: Brooke Doty at work in the Shrub Garden