Nature Speaks
One’s nose is a mighty powerful tool. It senses old and musty, fresh and new, sweet and sour or sugar and spice. One good whiff of nature can soothe your soul. Let it speak to you.
You know the song. “Everything’s coming up roses…..” Can you smell them already? Today’s first stop is at The Fayetteville Rose Garden. In winter, you see beautifully pruned canes resting, preparing for a gentle blanket of springtime warmth. In spring, summer and fall, the beautiful roses open their delicate petals to share their gifts for the senses.
Sit or stroll, but breathe deeply. Reds. Pinks. Yellows. Whites. Oranges. Lavenders. So many flowers – so many to smell. Go ahead. Put your nose in one, or two – or three. Deep velvet reds. Shimmering oranges. Neon hot pinks. Golden yellows. Or all mixed together.
Rich color. Rich aroma. Your guide is a horticulturist specializing in roses. Find out how to grow showstopper roses – and how to trick them into blooming. What is the difference between a floribunda, a climber, a tea rose? Why are roses sold with bare roots? What is a cabbage rose? And, how do you get rid of black spot?
You could spend the day looking at nearly 1,000 bushes showcasing 35 different varieties and asking questions, but it’s time to eat. How ‘bout a picnic? What better place to do so than at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden? Let us show you our hometown hospitality.
As you get off the coach, your guide will show you an old-fashioned working garden, complete with backbreaking hand tilling; no modern power here! If you want to get in the dirt and play, you can. Or you can just let local master gardeners and others enjoy the rich, black soil under their fingernails. Besides, lunch is waiting.
You can take the entire three-mile walk or a part of it. Check out the bog garden – and the artwork in it. Where is the “secret garden?” Be sure to ask. And does a river run through the garden? Listen for the different bird songs. What you hear to the left may not be what you hear on your right. Take time for an afternoon stroll.
Most plants are identified, but you may want to ask about their growth cycles, when they bloom or how old they are.
As you wander about, you’ll see a lot of dogwoods. That’s fitting, as Fayetteville celebrates floral life the fourth weekend in April with the Annual Dogwood Festival.
Back on the coach, you’re going to rest your feet and ponder - how can one flower have so many colors? Think about that as you pass through the Dogwood Trail.
Price: $16-20 per person
If you would like to create your own tour, please visit our CustomizeIT! site.
For our 10 themed Cultural Heritage Driving Trails, click here.
