Biltmore Estates Hosts the Cottage Living Gardener’s Getaway

March 2005—From May 1-3, Biltmore Estates in Asheville, N.C., welcomes the Cottage Living Gardener’s Getaway. Visitors are invited to try their hand at becoming an experienced green thumb at this two-day retreat featuring presentations by Cottage Living Contributing Editor P. Allen Smith and Garden Editor Kate Karam.

In Smith’s talk, “Transforming Any Home Into a Garden Home,” participants will take an armchair tour of the majestic, colossal and sublime gardens such as those found at the Biltmore to learn how these larger- than- life models can offer ideas to beautify gardens of any size. According to Smith, “There can be no better place to talk about cottage gardening than at America’s largest and finest cottage!”

“This getaway is a terrific opportunity to develop as a gardener,” said Karam. “By retreating to the beautiful setting, participants will have a chance to gather insight and gardening tips from top experts, as well as each other.”

Packages, available from www.biltmore.com or 800.624.1575 and starting at $428.00 per person, include:

* Two nights’ accommodations
* Valet parking
* Welcome reception wine tasting
* Breakfast daily in The Dining Room
* An informative panel discussion with Allen, Karam and two Biltmore gardening experts
* Daytime estate admission for the length of your stay
* Estate transportation

About Biltmore Estates
Completed in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, Biltmore House is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, the largest private residence in the country and a National Historic Landmark. The estate receives nearly one million guests annually from all over the world visiting the home and its 75 acres of gardens. On view in Biltmore House is Vanderbilt’s original collection of more than 70,000 priceless antiques and art objects, including works by Pierre Auguste Renoir, John Singer Sargent and Albrecht Durer. The estate also features America’s most visited winery, and the 213-room, Four Star, Four Diamond Inn on Biltmore Estate. Guests can also explore the property through the many outdoor activities offered, including horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking and on the rugged trails with the Land Rover Experience Driving School. The newest venue, the restored Historic Horsebarn in the Farm Village, transports visitors to a working farm with informative exhibits; antique farm equipment; baby animals at the Farmyard; farm-life demonstrations; and vegetables, herbs, honeybee hives and composting systems at the Kitchen Garden. For general information about Biltmore Estate, phone 877.324.5866 or visit the website at www.biltmore.com.

SOURCE Biltmore Estates