What to see?

Gene Deci

Gene Deci

Shohin
Messages
427
Reaction score
338
Location
Northern Michigan
It looks like I will be driving from Mobile Alabama to Baltimore Maryland in early March. I am thinking of going by way of the Smokey Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Highway since I have never seen either. What I am wondering is if there are any bonsai related places along that route that I might also visit. Note: I have seen the collection at the National Arboretum a number of times. I may go there again if I have time but I am more interested in places I have not been before.
 
Last edited:
Assuming you're headed up through Atlanta, Steve Cratty's Plant City Bonsai is a hour north in Clermont. The Monestary is about 45 min SE of Atlanta in Conyers. Warren Hill, and I think Bjorn Bjorholm live in East TN. Not sure what else is in the Atlanta area. Asheville, NC might have a presence. Birmingham club meets at the botanical center on 3/12...nice time of year to see the Japanese gardens, and we have a modest display of trees in our pavilion. Huntsville club meets on 3/7, and I believe is hosting Kathy Shaner on the weekend of 3/10-3/11.
 
The Arboretum in Asheville, NC is not far off the Blue Ridge Parkway. They have a nice collection of bonsai, and the arboretum itself is spectacular. The beginning of March might be a little early for the spring flowers, but maybe not this year with the weather we've had in the Southeast. I think autumn is the best time to visit the arboretum, but spring is probably the best time to see the bonsai. Lots of other things to do in and around Asheville as well. If you're travelling with a neglected-for-bonsai female companion, a trip to Biltmore should appease her for the entire trip.

Warren Hill's Tree Haven is in northeast Tennessee (near Greeneville). I've never been there, but others here may be able to give you more info.
 
Last edited:
The NC Arboretum is right at one of the Asheville exits from the Blue Ridge Parkway (there will be a sign on the parkway itself). In early March they may only have a few conifers on display in the main display area, but if Arthur Joura (curator of the bonsai collection) is available you might be able to get a tour of the greenhouses. The trees there are world class.
 
If you venture a bit further east in Virginia. there are a couple of great bonsai nurseries and vendors.

Juilan Adams is down in Lynchburg, which is pretty close to the Blue Ridge just near I-81 . A little further North and East off of I-95 just south of Fredericksburg in Ladysmith is Gardens Unlimited. GU is open only on Saturdays. Don't know about Julian's place though.

Both are well worth any extra time is takes to get to them. They're both probably on your way...depending on which route you take.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom