Native Azalea Day
April 27, 2024
Visit the gardens this spring for Native Azalea Day, an invitation to celebrate and experience azaleas through the eyes of plant enthusiasts, botanists, and artists. In partnership with the Mountain Science Exposition, Native Azalea Day plans to bring even more excitement in its second year! For one day only, visitors can observe as plein air artists capture the scene in paint and pen, learn about the garden and its collection on a walking tour, and participate in hands-on activities for children and adults.
A shuttle to the Collection will be available between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., departing to and from the Baker Visitor Center throughout the event. Visitors are also welcome to walk to the Native Azalea Collection from the Gatehouse Parking Lot using Old Mill Road to Bent Creek Road, or can park at the Baker Visitor Center and walk down Running Cedar Road to Bent Creek Road. Walkers should be prepared to travel one mile over unpaved roads and paths.
All activities, unless otherwise noted, are included with general admission fees.
| Time | Event / Activity | Notes |
| 10:00 AM | Event begins | |
| 10:00 AM | Shuttle service begins | |
| 10:30 AM | Walking tour with Carson Ellis, Curator of the National Native Azalea Collection | Pre-registration required; limited to 12 participants |
| 12:00 AM | Cyanotype demonstration by Callisa Lawn | |
| 12:30 PM | Walking tour with volunteer docent | Pre-registration required; limited to 12 participants |
| 2:30 PM | Walking tour with volunteer docent | Pre-registration required; limited to 12 participants |
| 3:00 PM | Shuttle service ends, last shuttle departs Native Azalea Collection
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