The Queen of Seaford: Biltmore

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Day Two or A Continuation of Pure Bliss

Part One, The Gentling Gardens

Our first stop the second day was a garden that was incredible. Many of the others who came to the fling have already posted so much about this garden. To see more of all the various gardens, click on this link. On the side bar are all the blogs and all the posts that have been written. Many talked about the design and the history of this garden. I was so taken with just the walk down the driveway that I missed the introduction and history of this grand place. I was not alone. One of the first out buildings was an art studio.

This is the home of the Gentlings, Peter and Jasmin. It is an historic home, owned at one time by William Jennings Bryan, rented by Herbert Hoover's son, and visited by Pres. Hoover. For a more complete history of the garden, check out Jim's blog posting. The Gentlings have lived here since the 1970's and put their heart and soul into this place. Peter is amazing with all the plants. He does a great deal of propagating and their gardens, truly spectacular. As I looked over my pictures I noticed most of mine were of plant material. Many bloggers had some wonderful wide views of the gardens.

I have always enjoyed Flowering Maples Abutilon, one
day I will put one in the garden.

Here is one nice shot of the vastness of the garden pathways. So peaceful and green and lush. Doesn't this just invite you to take a stroll?

At the edge of the pathway was this gorgeous variegated Ginkgo! Ginkgo biloba, there are a few different varieties of variegated species, not sure which one this is.

Everyone had a camera going, the different terraces lent themselves to great views.

Another plant that caught my eye is Zenobia pulverulenta a native shrub....yes yes, it NEEDS to be in my garden. Full sun to part shade, moist soil, and super fall color. Sounds like a winner to me!

A soft foliage plant that seems to have called out to be petted is a Weeping Larch, Larix decidua 'Pendula'

A few more blooms I just had to get a photo of.....

Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem sage

Cuphea Ignea, Mexican Cigar Plant

Spigelia marilandica, Firecracker plant

Fun spots to see and enjoy the view.

We had a lovely catered lunch here and then it was off to the Biltmore.

Part two, The Biltmore Estate

We spent the afternoon at the Biltmore Estate. This grand house is larger than life. I had seen pictures, but it is far more than I could imagine. It is truly America's castle.

We first walked the gardens around the rose garden. My fling roommate, Daricia and I were playing 'Stump the Answer Man' while in the gardens. We found a couple plants that we tried to ID. We couldn't figure them out, asked the poor guy at the answer desk. One was identified. See these large fuzzy leaves? The flower bud is in the center, interesting shape.

Turns out it is Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica. I have heard of it, but hadn't seen it before. The leaves are as large as my hands. The stems are purplish and square, the clue that it is a salvia. Hooray for the answer guy. I didn't get a good picture of the other 'unknown'. Daricia made the ID when we got home. It was another sage, Yellow Sage, Salvia koyamae.

The 'Answer Guy' had a desk set up in the grape arbor allee. It was a great spot in the shade with superb views.

A short walk toward the house from the rose garden led us past this Copper Beech, Fagus sylvatica almost a hundred years old.

The Wisteria arbors are done blooming, imagine how lovely it was in bloom!!!

Look at the age on the trunk of this Wisteria.

Once up to the house we were able to take in the grand views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a vision Mr. Olmsted had when designing this garden for George Vanderbilt. Breath-taking!

On the way back to the rose garden and the bus we passed a beautiful open gate, leading to the open meadows. Eight thousand acres of beautiful vistas.