Christophers Mountain in NC

BY SKEETER

 Garden Bloggers Spring Fling 2012 Asheville, flingers may recognize this spot. Well, those that were lucky enough to be able to hang out until Sunday afternoon before they had to get back to their gardens around the country.  

 Gardeners are the best when it comes to allowing visitors into their gardens! Even on a cool drizzle rainy day, nothing was going to stop Christopher, Outside Clyde nor his mother Bulbarella from strolling around their mountaintop with us. Jackets and umbrellas in tow and off we go...

 Plants on the mountain were a bit behind Biltmore Gardens. But to be expected as the mountain is way up there!

 Snapping photos while holding an umbrella, keeping ones balance on a soggy mountainside was a challenge. How surprised I was to see this beautiful photo when loaded!

 Bluebells were all about the mountain.

 Flingers may recall seeing this old chimney in the Wild Meadow. Little did we know about Geocaching at the time a year ago. While on our trek through the meadow with this visit, the Saint made his way to the chimney to sign the ledger and leave a little Pansy Pin as a treasure for future hunters to find.

 Near the chimney is where we learned something new. I try my best to retain information when in someone's garden but the mind "aint" what it use to be. I am happy to say that the story of this plant has been logged into the mind and shall remain for years to come! The Saint and I learned about Ramp. Ramp (allium ampeloprasum) is a sort of leek, wild onion or garlic type plant. According to Christopher, Ramp Festivals call in hundreds of people to celebrate these wild plants. He says word is, "They are running out of Wild Ramp". Difficult to believe as the meadow is full of it and it multiplies rapidly. I just assumed this was a plant known in the mountains of NC but after a little Google Search, I see Ramp Festivals in NC, VA, TN, SC and even PA. It seems to grow in Canada as well. Later that day, we saw a sign on the side of the road with Ramps "for sale" from a persons car trunk! Click HERE to learn more about this interesting plant!

 A pink beauty spotted along the stroll.

 Trillium and May-apple were flourishing all over the mountain!

 I spotted this Fungi and could not help but see a bird feeder with my imagination. Hum, or maybe a home for a gnome with moss roof...

Candytuft

 Taken more then enough time away from Christopher and Bulbarella, we said our goodbyes. Again, Thank you so much Christopher for traipsing around in the rain with us on your glorious Mountain!

 We had a few more geocaches set into our GPS a bit on up the Mountain. Christopher suggested we continue on that way and go back down into Asheville via another route instead of back tracking. We found a cache near this sign in the town of Trust.

Another Cache was found at the St. Jude's Chapel of Hope.

Built by a Cancer survivor in honor of her recovery crediting St. Jude's Hospital. This little Chapel sits along side a little stream and made for a wonderful setting.

 This little Cottage was across the driveway of the Chapel. Not sure of the story behind this place. We did not want to trespass if private. The Saint and I would love to retire in something this charming!

 The drive around the mountain showed scenes of Appalachian life and untouched Nature! Not to mention all the Rocks that were calling out to me to transport them back to my GEORGIA GARDENS. Of course the Saint would not allow that.

 

The Saint and I ended the day at The Hop (West) savoring that Salty Caramel goodness we discovered at the Fling a year ago.

 

Drizzle Rain, who cares! We had a great day starting out with CHRISTOPHERS MOUNTAIN, In the Garden...  

 

Stay tuned for a bit more from Biltmore and blogger visits.

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden