North Carolina
A Gardener’s Delight: The Private & Public Landscapes of Asheville
Program No. 21968RJ
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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Participant Reviews
Based on 44 Reviews
SHOWING
The week was great. We had classes on all different kinds of plants, and color theory, and shapes, focal points, "incidents," repetition and patterns, vertical and horizontal planes, grids, shapes. All this was new to me, made a lot of sense, and after I learned about it I saw it everywhere in all the gardens we visited! We were given handouts and addresses of websites to help us identify plants we might use. It was a small group and our leader was really smart. In the mornings she used a lot of different teaching techniques-- PowerPoint slides, lecture, answering a LOT of questions, telling stories, singing songs, listening to recorded birdsong, having us use highlighters and colored pencils and a LOT of discussion. Then after classes she took us to gardens and drew our attention to what we had learned in class. The gardeners were generous and hospitable. We learned from them and being in their gardens was a real blessing. The gardens and gardeners were all very different but all beautiful. Bobbie helped us appreciate and enjoy being in those spaces. Our days were full , but free time possibilities included going into Black Mountain, walking around gorgeous Montreat, having great conversations with each other, working on our garden plans with the colored pencils and graph paper Bobbie provided, and relaxing. The evening programs were fun too.
It's a gorgeous place. Bobbie is a terrific teacher. I learned so much andcame back with my body tired but my soul and mind invigorated.
— Review left May 17, 2025
Daily garden tours, a friendly expert teacher/leader, and quality evening performances made this program outstanding!
— Review left May 16, 2025
This program was designed for the able-bodied participant with the ability to enjoy light activity. However, in my wheelchair and all the flexibility extended by the leadership, I was able to fully participate and thoroughly enjoy the beautiful Gardening program. Thank you to all who made this experience happen for me.
— Review left May 12, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
A+
— Review left June 2, 2019
