News

Arboretum's 'Bloom with a View' celebrates spring

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 8, 2024

The North Carolina Arboretum is heralding spring’s arrival with the return of “Bloom with a View,” May 4-19.  

The intricately designed floral installation creates an immersive and unique experience that places guests among tens of thousands of flowers. For two weeks, the Arboretum’s gardens, walkways and promenade will be festooned with displays of hydrangeas, lilies, calla lilies and much more. Throughout the campus, colorful and festive planters will elevate bursts of blooms to eye-level and guests are invited to wander, explore or take a serene moment among the flowers.

During its inaugural year in 2023, attendance exceeded expectations as thousands came out to enjoy the spectacle. This year, guests will be invited to join in a long and storied history of the “flower selfie,” with large displays highlighting the artistic legacy of self-portraits in gardens.

“Throughout history, people have cultivated gardens and flowers as a place of beauty and enjoyment. And they wanted to capture that moment of bliss and share that experience with family and friends,” said Ibo Gulsen, who designed “Bloom with a View.” “I call it the Art of the Floral selfie, which seems to be as old as human civilization itself. Earliest examples go back even thousands of years.”

Gulsen, owner of Dutch company IGMPR, has designed flower installations in places like Italy and Shanghai, and points out that self-portraits in the garden preceded the world of digital photos.

“Obviously the techniques changed over time, from mosaics to paintings, and now with your mobile phones,” he said. “The desire to picture yourself in a lush floral environment is, however, truly universal. That’s why we have added many artworks to this year’s edition of ‘Bloom with a View’ for visitors to enjoy and see how people from around the world enjoyed gardens and flowers before them.”

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the “Garden Cantina” near the Baker Center from noon to 8 p.m. each day as well as at Bent Creek Bistro in the Education Center, which offers a full menu and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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“Bloom with a View” takes place May 4-19 at the North Carolina Arboretum. During the exhibit parking at the Arboretum will be $30 per vehicle, purchased at the gate, providing access to all gardens, trails and indoor exhibits. For more information visit ncbloomwithaview.com.