Treasure Trove of Trees

A whole day to look at the Biltmore Gardens and forests turned into an orgy of tree-spotting and naming for David and Jim. Carol and I got to go in all the gift shops because the guys simply didn't notice, being too intent on identifying pin oak or scarlet oak (depends on the bark). We stopped in front of the house to take photos - that's Jim and Carol below.

The gardens at Biltmore supply the house with flowers; lots of Singapore orchids in the hothouses ready to be sent to the house, luscious ferns and tropical plants with classical music playing quietly to get them growing. There wasn't a lot outside except the ubiquitous 'mums', chrysanthemums to us. When I first saw them I liked their tight fat heavily floriferous form but now I'm tired of them and would like to see a floppy one with long stalks. They're everywhere not just at Biltmore. The perennial border was very good and there still are a few roses flowering - such a lovely day for looking at gardens, warm and sunny with a blue sky.

Tiffany lamps were on display at Antler Hill Village, part of the estate. Such gorgeous colours and shapes, absolutely beautiful and demonstrations of how they are formed by copper foiling. We had a wine tasting - not a patch on Australian wines - and checked out yet another gift shop. Somehow this took all day with three drives around the estate tree-looking, then back to the b&b for cheese and wine before dinner.