The Arboretum fosters research, conservation, and garden demonstration with respect to landscape, architecture, and plant sciences. It has a beautiful natural settings admist mountain peaks and with the Bent Creek stream running through the Arboretum. Within its 434 acres the Arboretum offers more than 65 acres of cultivated gardens, and 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails. Facilities include a state-of-the-art production greenhouse, an operations center with "green roof," an Education Center and the new Baker Exhibition Center. The Blue Ridge Quilt Garden is a popular feature - a Victorian bedding pattern inspired by the Appalachian tradition of quilt making. The Plants of Promise Garden demonstrates landscape plants suitable for the region. The Heritage Garden of plants used in the traditional medicinal herb and craft industries of the region has architectural elements reminiscent of old homestead sties. Other gardens at the Arboretum include the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Holly Garden, Stream Garden, Plant Professionals Landscape Garden; Sustainable Landscape Demonstration Areas, container gardens and perennial beds, and the National Native Azalea Repository. Opening in 2008, the Canopy Walk, will showcase the Arboretum's tree collection with special emphasis on autumn foliage.
